Ms. Robinson said a bunch of things! That is ok to do. One set of words (often referred to as a "paragraph"; are you taking notes?) that I liked AND is applicable to our assignment addressed attitudes in modern controversy, which she then applied to the relationship between the scientific and the spiritual. To me, the most important point Marilynne made--we are on a first name basis, you see--was when she noted that, in many of today's arguments, an individual's tantrum-like defense of their own position often takes priority over examining the difference in opinions, considering the perspective of another, and coming to a mutual understanding. I think that observation alone is pretty applicable to our discussion on representing and engaging in belief respectfully. Entering into a conversation, assignment, or piece of work with our eyes closed and ears covered (metaphorically or literally) is a flat-out refusal to acknowledge or contemplate the truths that someone else has invested in. Why would you want to spend time with a person who turns up their nose at that which you believe in? Let us not dismiss unless we ourselves desire dismissal. Preparing ourselves to face, recognize, and accept the beliefs of others, especially our documentary subjects, will help us be better artistes, as well as people.
I just read Kipling's Captains Courageous, but haven't seen the movie. Let me tell you though, it illustrates this point very well. So. Do you remember the episode of the fine television series Spongebob Squarepants entitled "Camping"? If you don't, let me catch you up. Spongebob and Patrick go camping. Squidward ends up coming along. Hijinks ensue. Sponge and Pat give Squid various warnings about sea-bears, and detail the precautions one should take to prevent such an attack. Squidward scoffs at these "simpletons" and rejects these ideas that they believe are true and vital. What does he get as his reward? A sound mauling from a sea-bear. Are you getting the moral here? Do I need to spell it out? I won't, because I respect you. And yr beliefs.
(themoralisyoushouldn'tshrugoffthegentlesuggestionsandadviceofothersbecauseitismeananddumb)
First, let me express my gratitude for your proper use of the m dash--or "mutton", if you prefer--in your writing.
ReplyDeleteSecond, I should like to expound on one of your thoughts. I will cite your first "set of words", the middle-ish section. I believe--rightfully, and with no room for alternate interpretation--that what you call "a mutual understanding" can be reached independent of a mutual agreement. Yes. I can study, research, ponder, apply, test, try, and come to an understanding of your belief without ever accepting it. Mark Twain had somewhat to say concerning the matter. For that--and a more thorough handling of the subject--I will point the reader toward my own blog post.
Jacob, you definitely have a decent amount of voice in your writing. I agree with what you said about accepting each other's beliefs. But it's difficult sometimes, isn't it? At least, I find it to be. Sometimes when people's views contradict mine, I am so adamant about what I beliefs that I feel as if I must condemn them. I think the biggest thing to look at there is to find similarities between belief systems. Most have them.
ReplyDeleteFor example, somehow Dean Duncan and I can find common ground sometimes.
Hahah you have a really nice tone in your writing. You made me laugh. But you also made some good points as well. In my New Testament class, we have been learning a lot about Paul's missionary journeys. We are constantly reminded by my teacher, that Paul also built a trust with the people he was teaching by not alienating them. He found some sort of common ground and didn't dump on them everything they were doing wrong at once. Your response kind of reminded me of this. It is important to be open minded to what other believe and not shut down what they believe so quickly. We can learn so much from others and our lives can become so much fuller if we just take the time to listen.
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