Also, the movie Zone of Interest to me is a huge wake up call to how easily an intelligent person - in this case a middle class military couple - could be convinced to dine with the devil. The couple just wanted a happy marriage, security for their children, and a nice place in the country. (you have to see the film to let this sink in). Maybe they wanted their dream too much? The career path he was on took them to a horrible place but it was the result of many small, seemingly insignificant decisions, where he was part of something that he couldn’t get out of at the end. A fascinating movie. Discuss.
As an educator, I want to avoid labels as this is something we teach children. One way that Hitler succeeded in getting a great many people to support his plan to exterminate Jews was to convince them that the Jews were their enemies and were taking things from them. In other words, Hitler created a victims' club and gave the victims villains to blame all their life problems on. Children need to be taught about the strategies people/adults/and children can use to turn one group against another. They also need to be taught that you can find stereotypes in every group.
It's normal for people to take sides, like my family vs. your family or my religion vs. yours. There are good reasons for this, as it often comes from loyalty. But the tough part is having the courage to speak up when your own group does something wrong or hurts others. That's what shows real character, standing up for what's right, even if it's against your own side. The story of Mahabharata comes to mind!
Quick summary: A prince along with his brothers wages war against his own family, a rival group of cousins, in order to establish righteousness. When he realizes his family is on the wrong side, he decides to fight for justice, even if it means going against his own kin.
I will definitely look it up. I must admit my knowledge of religious texts, lore and tradition is limited to the Abrahamic Monotheisms. I know laughably little about the polythiestic traditions of Asia but they are something I have always wanted to learn more about.
No no I understand. I don’t think it’s possible to know every religion in detail, considering the sheer number of them. That's why I'm always open to learning!
First time I’ve read a good summary of the dynamics of our modern political situation. Your piece shows us that the real challenge is to understand the dangers at the extreme edges of the spectrum, while not naively buying in to some “one size fits all” solution. I agree with your observation that we humans as social beings like the security and social merit from “picking a side” but there is a danger in accepting these easy answers. Usually there are bits of useful ideas there, but those who are “all in” have foolishly swallowed too much.
Also, the movie Zone of Interest to me is a huge wake up call to how easily an intelligent person - in this case a middle class military couple - could be convinced to dine with the devil. The couple just wanted a happy marriage, security for their children, and a nice place in the country. (you have to see the film to let this sink in). Maybe they wanted their dream too much? The career path he was on took them to a horrible place but it was the result of many small, seemingly insignificant decisions, where he was part of something that he couldn’t get out of at the end. A fascinating movie. Discuss.
I must admit I haven't seen it but I have added it to my watch list on your recommendation. Thanks for commenting
As an educator, I want to avoid labels as this is something we teach children. One way that Hitler succeeded in getting a great many people to support his plan to exterminate Jews was to convince them that the Jews were their enemies and were taking things from them. In other words, Hitler created a victims' club and gave the victims villains to blame all their life problems on. Children need to be taught about the strategies people/adults/and children can use to turn one group against another. They also need to be taught that you can find stereotypes in every group.
It's normal for people to take sides, like my family vs. your family or my religion vs. yours. There are good reasons for this, as it often comes from loyalty. But the tough part is having the courage to speak up when your own group does something wrong or hurts others. That's what shows real character, standing up for what's right, even if it's against your own side. The story of Mahabharata comes to mind!
Well-written btw!
Thank you. I agree with all of that (whilst I am frantically googling Mahabharata)...
Haha yes do it!
Quick summary: A prince along with his brothers wages war against his own family, a rival group of cousins, in order to establish righteousness. When he realizes his family is on the wrong side, he decides to fight for justice, even if it means going against his own kin.
Nice. Thank you.
I will definitely look it up. I must admit my knowledge of religious texts, lore and tradition is limited to the Abrahamic Monotheisms. I know laughably little about the polythiestic traditions of Asia but they are something I have always wanted to learn more about.
No no I understand. I don’t think it’s possible to know every religion in detail, considering the sheer number of them. That's why I'm always open to learning!
Good article, thank-you.
First time I’ve read a good summary of the dynamics of our modern political situation. Your piece shows us that the real challenge is to understand the dangers at the extreme edges of the spectrum, while not naively buying in to some “one size fits all” solution. I agree with your observation that we humans as social beings like the security and social merit from “picking a side” but there is a danger in accepting these easy answers. Usually there are bits of useful ideas there, but those who are “all in” have foolishly swallowed too much.
Exactly. Thank you. I cover this topic more in a few of my earlier pieces if you care to read them (posted below)... Thanks for the comment...
https://thecommoncentrist.substack.com/p/tug-o-war-and-seesaws
https://thecommoncentrist.substack.com/p/destiny-is-wrong-about-centrists