Posted by laima on August 22, 2006, at 16:08:34
In reply to Doing nothing, posted by finelinebob on August 20, 2006, at 22:43:55
Interesting thoughts, you guys.
I myself have often wondered/thought about over the last few years about how often we humans form strong and passionate positions, meaning very well, when in reality we don't ever really know the whole story, having learned our "facts" through a media filter, whether that be "mainstream" media or one with professed and overt bias. There are editors at work, there are word choices with subtle tinges of emotions, points of view...passing as "fact". I guess what I'm saying is, without living through something firsthand- we are getting our info secondhand usually, and we all know that game of "telephone" from childhood... I think human nature likes the stories and answers to be "neat". For example, it was fascinating to me how after Sept 11 2001 everyone I knew was at first stunned and confused, but then quickly aligned themselves into positions and convictions according to their previous leanings. Few who I knew altered their world views or opinions one way or another, despite of the profundity of what happened.
Not sure what to make of all this, or how to be a truely responsable citizen of the world in light of this. A philosophy of "doing nothing" kindly (and responding compassionately) seems intriguing.
poster:laima
thread:678623
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/poli/20060809/msgs/679066.html