"Who put canned laughter into my crucifixion scene?" - Charles Simic
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
Bertrol Brecht on Political Illiteracy
With the exception of framing prostitution as a social ill (I view it as a perfectly acceptable occupational decision), I agree with this statement 100%.
I'd have to disagree w/ Brecht on this one. To me the most important task facing the human race is for individuals to learn to live alone. Drop the religious, political, and nation-state affiliations. Breed responsibly (if at all), and master the drives and impulses that motivate your behavior so that you do as little harm to the planet as possible and control your own life/destiny.
I'd say it depends on the times. If we were in Germany in say...1936, I'd say there'd be a moral obligation to get involved and renounce what was taking shape. Americans in the early 1960's (or perhaps during Japanese internment) should have spoken out and got involved in civil rights issues. On the other hand, a lot of "so called," important issues that we discuss and debate in the U.S. now aren't really that impressive or important. Least not as I see them. Just tribal nonsense meant to rally certain bases. Zzzzzzzz.
I'd have to disagree w/ Brecht on this one. To me the most important task facing the human race is for individuals to learn to live alone. Drop the religious, political, and nation-state affiliations. Breed responsibly (if at all), and master the drives and impulses that motivate your behavior so that you do as little harm to the planet as possible and control your own life/destiny.
ReplyDeleteBut that's just me and my temperament.
I think there's a harmony to be struck between your view and Brecht's.
ReplyDeleteI'd say it depends on the times. If we were in Germany in say...1936, I'd say there'd be a moral obligation to get involved and renounce what was taking shape. Americans in the early 1960's (or perhaps during Japanese internment) should have spoken out and got involved in civil rights issues. On the other hand, a lot of "so called," important issues that we discuss and debate in the U.S. now aren't really that impressive or important. Least not as I see them. Just tribal nonsense meant to rally certain bases. Zzzzzzzz.
ReplyDelete