In a recent article, I introduced what I see as a liberal morality crisis. As a liberal myself, I'm increasingly appalled at my political allies' defense, and even glorification, of institutions that harm women, children, minorities, and the poor—the very people we purport to care about—such as pornography, the sex trade,
Oof. This is such a good/gross example. Because we DO still have to find some behaviors repugnant regardless of context, or what the hell are we doing here.
I recently learned, and was not surprised, that many of the mid century theorists (whose work has led to much of the bizarre issues of our present) were at least fascinated by and sometimes openly admiring of the Marquis de Sade. Some even tried to spin his horrific behavior as a model for freedom. No thanks.
Interesting, and fairly well delineated, dichotomy there between character & personality. But the latter reminds me of Carnegie's "How to Win Friends and Influence People" which is presumably or apparently something of a classic on the topic -- what price survival?
And the former -- particularly the bit about "self-discipline, responsibility and self-determination" -- reminds me of a favourite quote of Eleanor Roosevelt:
"... For our system is founded on self-government, which is untenable if the individuals who make up the system are unable to govern themselves.”
Wow. This is very insightful. I found you through Blocked n Reported and I’m glad I did. I love your writing style and your conceptual approach. Your point is well made. We need to return to ‘character.’ It seems in contemporary times we’ve shifted into a sort of amoral morality, an antiracist racism, an anti-woman feminism, etc. Everything’s upside down; culturally tipsy-turbulent.
Loved this: ‘As a society, Rojek says—and I would argue, especially as liberals—we've given into our "inexhaustible appetite for approval,” trading a respect for character for an interest in personality.’
Yes: this need for tribal approval is killing us all slowly.
Oof. This is such a good/gross example. Because we DO still have to find some behaviors repugnant regardless of context, or what the hell are we doing here.
I recently learned, and was not surprised, that many of the mid century theorists (whose work has led to much of the bizarre issues of our present) were at least fascinated by and sometimes openly admiring of the Marquis de Sade. Some even tried to spin his horrific behavior as a model for freedom. No thanks.
Seems the fringe left is doing this more and more. Anything violent, etc, gets justified if it fits the narrative. (Or they just lie.)
Interesting, and fairly well delineated, dichotomy there between character & personality. But the latter reminds me of Carnegie's "How to Win Friends and Influence People" which is presumably or apparently something of a classic on the topic -- what price survival?
And the former -- particularly the bit about "self-discipline, responsibility and self-determination" -- reminds me of a favourite quote of Eleanor Roosevelt:
"... For our system is founded on self-government, which is untenable if the individuals who make up the system are unable to govern themselves.”
https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/824275-our-children-must-learn-to-face-full-responsibility-for-their-actions
In any case, a couple of interesting links and references there to follow later, including this co-authored by Rojek:
https://theconversation.com/the-online-wellness-industry-why-its-so-difficult-to-regulate-131847
Wow. This is very insightful. I found you through Blocked n Reported and I’m glad I did. I love your writing style and your conceptual approach. Your point is well made. We need to return to ‘character.’ It seems in contemporary times we’ve shifted into a sort of amoral morality, an antiracist racism, an anti-woman feminism, etc. Everything’s upside down; culturally tipsy-turbulent.
Loved this: ‘As a society, Rojek says—and I would argue, especially as liberals—we've given into our "inexhaustible appetite for approval,” trading a respect for character for an interest in personality.’
Yes: this need for tribal approval is killing us all slowly.
I subscribed. Look forward to more 🔥
Michael Mohr
‘Sincere American Writing’
https://michaelmohr.substack.com/
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