Bear with me on this one … I am wrestling with a challenging idea – productive pessimism. I know, pessimism is a negative word and it may be too strong, but I am trying it out. Could pessimism every be a good thing? Perhaps “redemptive realism” would capture what I am trying to say. However, … Continue reading Productive Pessimism/Redemptive Realism: Art with Purpose
Where have you gone, Mr. Rogers?
Paul Simon wrote and recorded “Mrs. Robinson,” during a time of social upheaval in the United States. The Civil Rights Movement and the Vietnam War had divided American. Protests were common. Images of anger and injustice were commonplace on newspaper pages and TV screens. You can almost hear Simon longing for a simpler time as … Continue reading Where have you gone, Mr. Rogers?
What may I call you? A cultural dilemma
When I moved to the South in 1994 I experienced many new cultural expressions. One the most interesting was the unique use of honorific titles plus a first name (Miss Margaret, Mr. George, etc.) for adults with whom you have a close relationship. I often hear people from Oklahoma say that they are from the … Continue reading What may I call you? A cultural dilemma
Is ‘my’ culture is better than ‘your’ culture?
Culture is a curious thing. Ask anyone to describe the ideal human culture and, chances are, the person will describe a culture very similar to his or her own. Some may point to subtle differences between the ideal and their own, but people tend to believe their own culture is not only "good" but "best." Can … Continue reading Is ‘my’ culture is better than ‘your’ culture?
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