"The road to the sacred leads through the secular." - Abraham Joshua Heschel
Religion no longer seems to have a spiritual basis, but rather a societal one. Listening to a preacher at one's chosen place of worship takes second place to creating appearances of attention to fellow worshipers. Some people even take their hollow evangelisation to the streets.
I have been stopped many times in numerous cities in this country by people preaching their religion. I must wonder what religious tenet it is that absolutely requires random strangers (such as I am to these people) to share a belief system. Is it a competition to see which religion garners more support, thereby confirming it to be the "correct" one?
I for one refuse to validate the wavering beliefs of these seemingly confused people. Even if I was compelled to, I very much doubt that there is anything that could be said to rejuvenate one's waning spirituality. These people mistakenly seek an answer to their subjective doubts in objective realms.
I could post my own beliefs here, but what would be the point? I do not require societal approval for personal philosophies.
-The English Student
Saturday, December 29, 2007
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Travel Literature
Beyond the confusing maritime language, travel literature can be said to have three things in common.
The seafarers of these stories refuse to abide by normal societal expectations. Gulliver's wanderlust causes him to leave his family on four occassions, while Crusoe and Rasselas recognise the advantage of their stations in life and yet reject them. These characters take to the sea, rebelling against their family, friends and responsibility.
The austere sea is enormous, bleak and solitary. It is into this physical isolation our protagonists arrive. There is no law at sea, no justice, no remorse and no mercy. These characters that have rejected society consequently find themselves at odds with humanity and as such, choose the only place devoid of this company.
Although our heroes set off as children, they return as adults, growing up abroad. In the case of Crusoe, it seems that he must undergo this experience on his island, as doing so at home would just further his contempt for the "middle life". Our travellers eventually learn that while we may often despise society, we cannot live without it.
While Swift asserts that "writers of travels...are sunk into oblivion", by using these three traits, their usefulness to humanity will always be recognised.
-The English Student
The seafarers of these stories refuse to abide by normal societal expectations. Gulliver's wanderlust causes him to leave his family on four occassions, while Crusoe and Rasselas recognise the advantage of their stations in life and yet reject them. These characters take to the sea, rebelling against their family, friends and responsibility.
The austere sea is enormous, bleak and solitary. It is into this physical isolation our protagonists arrive. There is no law at sea, no justice, no remorse and no mercy. These characters that have rejected society consequently find themselves at odds with humanity and as such, choose the only place devoid of this company.
Although our heroes set off as children, they return as adults, growing up abroad. In the case of Crusoe, it seems that he must undergo this experience on his island, as doing so at home would just further his contempt for the "middle life". Our travellers eventually learn that while we may often despise society, we cannot live without it.
While Swift asserts that "writers of travels...are sunk into oblivion", by using these three traits, their usefulness to humanity will always be recognised.
-The English Student
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Moralising Alcoholics
Last night, I was once again coerced into swearing off a substance.
Why is it that people feel the need to focus on my methods of sedation over their own, socially accepted techniques? It seems that my friends won't be happy until they have succesfully driven me to alcoholism on par with their own crippling addiction.
There is a very direct societal analogue to be observed here. Everyone has a tendency to numb, blur or even destroy their perception of reality from time to time. In such a harsh world, this kind of escapism is only natural. But there seems to be very few acceptable ways of doing this nowadays.
To relieve the stress of everyday life, it is completely satisfactory to get absolutely polluted with alcohol. But how many fights, verbal or otherwise, do we observe on a weekly basis due to this over indulgence of drink? How many people have been adversely affected by liver problems derived from alcoholic binges? It is my opinion therefore, that society has put emphasis on the wrong method of sedation.
I do not intend to post a pious "legalise it" rant. Rather, this is a suggestion that alcoholics, coffee addicts and heavy smokers look at their own vice, before condemning mine.
-The English Student
Why is it that people feel the need to focus on my methods of sedation over their own, socially accepted techniques? It seems that my friends won't be happy until they have succesfully driven me to alcoholism on par with their own crippling addiction.
There is a very direct societal analogue to be observed here. Everyone has a tendency to numb, blur or even destroy their perception of reality from time to time. In such a harsh world, this kind of escapism is only natural. But there seems to be very few acceptable ways of doing this nowadays.
To relieve the stress of everyday life, it is completely satisfactory to get absolutely polluted with alcohol. But how many fights, verbal or otherwise, do we observe on a weekly basis due to this over indulgence of drink? How many people have been adversely affected by liver problems derived from alcoholic binges? It is my opinion therefore, that society has put emphasis on the wrong method of sedation.
I do not intend to post a pious "legalise it" rant. Rather, this is a suggestion that alcoholics, coffee addicts and heavy smokers look at their own vice, before condemning mine.
-The English Student
Sunday, December 9, 2007
In Rainbows: Retrospective
Music is valuable.
Over the past few months, Radiohead have offered "In Rainbows", their latest work as a download from their website. The price of said album is "up to you". With the period of availability coming to a close tomorrow, it's a good idea to take a look back on this revolutionary method of distribution. Some paid, some did not. Those who did sent out two messages.
Record companies are no longer relevant to the music industry. Should musicians decide to hire independent advertising agencies for publicity purposes, these companies would become redundant. In fact, the outdated format of CDs is the only thing these conglomerates have to offer anymore. Hopefully this will finally ensure that artists are the ones gaining the greatest profit from their labour.
Music is valuable. The internet has been blamed for a drop in sales due to the availabilty of illegal torrents. But if Radiohead release positive sales numbers, this will certainly be disproven. If given the opportunity to pay a fair price for music, I for one will jump at the chance. As Jonny Greenwood said, "stop for a few seconds and think about what music is worth".
The music industry is in a storm. When the clouds disperse, I hope we see more Rainbows on the horizon.
-The English Student
Over the past few months, Radiohead have offered "In Rainbows", their latest work as a download from their website. The price of said album is "up to you". With the period of availability coming to a close tomorrow, it's a good idea to take a look back on this revolutionary method of distribution. Some paid, some did not. Those who did sent out two messages.
Record companies are no longer relevant to the music industry. Should musicians decide to hire independent advertising agencies for publicity purposes, these companies would become redundant. In fact, the outdated format of CDs is the only thing these conglomerates have to offer anymore. Hopefully this will finally ensure that artists are the ones gaining the greatest profit from their labour.
Music is valuable. The internet has been blamed for a drop in sales due to the availabilty of illegal torrents. But if Radiohead release positive sales numbers, this will certainly be disproven. If given the opportunity to pay a fair price for music, I for one will jump at the chance. As Jonny Greenwood said, "stop for a few seconds and think about what music is worth".
The music industry is in a storm. When the clouds disperse, I hope we see more Rainbows on the horizon.
-The English Student
Saturday, December 1, 2007
The Nature of Internet Journalism
Can we trust internet journalism?
Assuming that the rumours being reported by Joystiq and others are true, Jeff Gerstmann of Gamespot has lost his job for unfavourable reviews of Eidos software. Apparently, his report prompted Eidos to cancel their adverstising contract on the site.
How can we confirm or deny the validity of such rumours? The openness of the internet means that these stories travel fast and become known to many people, quickly. We truly are a more open society because of this candid channel of discourse. But this means that statements made are instantly subject to doubt and conjecture. People find it hard to give credibility to announcements from Gamespot or Eidos because of this ease of communication. After all, it would be exceedingly easy for one to pose as an employee of either company.
The whole incident highlights the unreliability of internet journalism. We have very little physical proof to base any of these "virtual" facts on and so they are all susceptible to disbelief. So should we take this as a cue to distrust all internet sources? No. Trials such as these ensure that fraudulent websites deservedly fail.
Our trust in the intergrity of journalists must be earned. On the internet, this is assured.
-The English Student
Assuming that the rumours being reported by Joystiq and others are true, Jeff Gerstmann of Gamespot has lost his job for unfavourable reviews of Eidos software. Apparently, his report prompted Eidos to cancel their adverstising contract on the site.
How can we confirm or deny the validity of such rumours? The openness of the internet means that these stories travel fast and become known to many people, quickly. We truly are a more open society because of this candid channel of discourse. But this means that statements made are instantly subject to doubt and conjecture. People find it hard to give credibility to announcements from Gamespot or Eidos because of this ease of communication. After all, it would be exceedingly easy for one to pose as an employee of either company.
The whole incident highlights the unreliability of internet journalism. We have very little physical proof to base any of these "virtual" facts on and so they are all susceptible to disbelief. So should we take this as a cue to distrust all internet sources? No. Trials such as these ensure that fraudulent websites deservedly fail.
Our trust in the intergrity of journalists must be earned. On the internet, this is assured.
-The English Student
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