The YouTube video on George Lakoff is long and really self-explanatory. He didn’t need to have an hour long seminar on how the world is not right. I could have look on channel 9 news today to figure that out. This man is just stating the obvious and telling it to the public. He isn’t making any change to make the world a better place. From what I can tell from him is that he is a selfish man with more degree than anyone he knows so he thinks that he knows something about being an illegal immigrant or a part of a race that is considered urban. He knows nothing of what it’s like to be different. I hate it when someone wants to make a difference but doesn’t have any follow through. These people are called weak. There weak because there best talent is to speak and not do.
For what it's worth, I totally disagree with you. And in fact, looking at many of your classmates' blogs for this week, I think they are getting a lot out of Lakoff that helps them see the world in ways that they didn't already. Maybe this is all stuff you know about already, but that doesn't mean he is "just stating the obvious." Making a widespread pronouncement like that doesn't seem fair. It might not work FOR YOU, but that doesn't mean it doesn't work for other people.
ReplyDeleteAs for Lakoff being "selfish"...I'm not sure what you mean by this.
Because he is out there promoting his ideas? I suppose if trying to get other people to see your point of view and understand you is selfish, then yeah, he's selfish. But you could say the same thing about making music, films, art, or even talking to other people! Are we all selfish whenever we want to share with someone else something that we think is important, interesting, or cool?
Does Lakoff believe in what he is saying and feel like it's important enough to share with as many other people as possible? Absolutely. Does this mean he's arrogant? Maybe. But how can you possibly know that, "he knows nothing of what it’s like to be different"? That doesn't seem very fair or honest to me. To say that this is "selfish" -- I just don't think I understand what you mean by this.
I like hearing what you have to say, Cal, and I appreciate your honesty. And it's totally possible that I'm misunderstanding you and what you're trying to say. If so, I hope you'll clarify!
Calvert,
ReplyDeleteI sense a lot of anger in you, or maybe you just don't like this class. I also disagree with you. You might think I am like Lakoff as well because I talk a lot, but that does not mean that I don't want to make a change in the world. I am just DYING to make a change in the world, but, unfortunately, I am very poor. I feel so bad about people who are homeless, starving, dying, sick etc. and I cry because there are so many things that are stopping me from making a difference. If people stopped talking about these things,then that means people are ignoring the problems. Discussion can only lead to ACTION. Think about that.
I have such a big heart, but what use is it to have such a big heart if I can't use it!? I would love to help everyone who needs help, but one person cannot fix everything, though I like to think that I can do it all alone. Things, for that matter, cannot JUST be fixed. There is so much going on when you look at problems or issues. That is why having people like Lakoff breaking things down and getting us to think deeply about the way things REALLY are is so wonderful and insightful! You even say this yourself! The media lies to us in a way by giving us such a limited perspective. Now I'd say they are doing a terrible job at informing us about our reality (remember, the news reports our reality...supposedly).
There are many ways to make change, not just by action.Do you believe that philanthropists make a difference? In a way they do, but not to the extent of solving "issues". They just give money, it's important, but sometimes it funds tyrant leaders who further harm people they are supposed to protect. How would we know this? It is thanks to people who talk and think about this. Do you think people who make powerful songs don't make a difference? They can, through the messages they vocalize (also speech). Sometimes they are not the most popular artists. I'd say that people with so much fame and influence to a wide range of people also have a duty to make a difference with the power they possess. I would call THEM greedy! They use what they have to make things that people don't truly need. Especially people who make music, shows and movies that further feed into oppressive ideologies (i.e: sexism, racism, ethnocentrism, violence etc.)
Comment continued (word limit I am guessing):
ReplyDeleteWhat is my point? The point is that there are numerous ways one can make a difference. You even said it your self! He has vocal talent. BUT, not just any vocal talent! He is not good at telling comedy jokes, telling stories, or talking about economics. He is great at helping us understand the methods that politicians, and others, use things like framing, language, and metaphor to construct and promote their hegemony. Don't you think so, too?
Everyone has to work in the best way that they can to make a difference. If everyone acted just out of pure action, where is the room to think about what you are really doing, and for what purpose. That probably sounds "self-explanatory", but sometimes people do not act for the correct reasons. Sometimes people don't even "help" when they act. I give a few homeless people some money, but I did not help them. I probably helped myself not feel bad about their situation. They are not learning how to be self reliant. The same way as if I tutored someone. I *can't* make them a better writer if I give them all the answers, I have to teach them how to apply what they learned so that they could do it on their own. It's the same thing. Lakoff, like everyone, has the freedom to choose what to do with his life. I wouldn't like it if someone told me that my life's work has to be dedicated to something I am not passionate about or something I don't do well. Would you? Think about it.
Sorry for ranting, nagging, and possibly boring you, but I do my best to help who I can. If I did help you, great! If not, I guess I didn't make a difference today with you. Maybe you should talk about this...I mean *really* talk about this. I just know there is something deeper going on here. Everyone has tons of layers. You don't ever truly know a person. Yes, even your self. Hope I helped, even a tiny bit. :)