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looking forward to it, Naut!
posted by
Ciel
on March 21, 2009 at 9:31 PM
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Thanks, TAPS!
I've noticed your growing concern over the issue of sheer rudeness of certain bloggers, or even just generally-speaking. You are clearly not alone in that concern!
What really surprises me is that bloggers who regularly indulge in 'saying what they think' without regard for basic courtesy, are not banned--considering who, in the past few years has been banned for clearly less offensive behavior.
posted by
Ciel
on March 21, 2009 at 9:30 PM
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Re: Much of what works on a smaller scale...
I look at the teaching of cheek-turning to be directed against the tribal-think behavior of revenge for wrongs, real or imagined, and towards the notion of compassion, and towards trusting God (whatever than may be to a person) for justice. It is a good spiritual response. I think that was what Jesus was teaching.
I think of the scene in GANDHI (which I recently saw for the first time), in which wave after wave of non-violent protesters offer themselves to be beaten down, refusing to conform to an unjust law. The British who put forth the law backed down from shame. But then, the British, unjust though they may have been in some regards, only responded to that form of protest because they were civilized. I can think of a number of governments in power today or in recent years who would have shrugged off such a tactic. Basically, the British, being civilized, cared what their neighbors thought of them.
There are individuals, too, in whom the behavior of turning the other cheek isn't noble or morally superior--but a way of emotionally manipulating with guilt, perhaps even a way of evading personal responsibilty or commitment.
Context is everything.
Craziness is expecting one behavior or response to always work the same way, to always be the most or only appropriate one. If only we could depend on programming, and not have to ever review or rethink, or create new solutions.
I agree, against some people and ideas, turning the other cheek is suicidal.
posted by
Ciel
on March 21, 2009 at 9:25 PM
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Much of what works on a smaller scale...
...is totally inadequate on a larger scale.
For instance, your response to my comment on your previous post, citing the Christian ideal of "turn the other cheek" and it's contribution to Western political ideals.
In my thinking, "turn the other cheek" is a nice gesture from one individual to another(and then only in certain circumstances) but, in international relations, it is a liability and lends itself to being taken advantage of.
And when Christ spoke those words, he was addressing personal conduct. Who it was that decided we whould implement that approach to international relations?
I know I digressed, but, I thought the comparison apropos in relation to the way things work in small tribal groups, as compared to larger, more urban ones.
posted by
metalrat
on March 21, 2009 at 7:11 PM
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Ciel, what a well written piece. That's laying it right out there for us. There's no reason now to be uncivilized no matter whether we like someone else's blog or not.
posted by
TAPS.
on March 20, 2009 at 8:30 AM
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Ciel:
Extremely well put. I hope to find the time for another installment in my 'Mumbai' series this weekend, and shall make use of this...
posted by
Nautikos
on March 19, 2009 at 6:04 PM
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Kayzzaman, I can use all the appreciation I can get...
thanks for posting this twice!
posted by
Ciel
on March 19, 2009 at 1:14 PM
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Hi, Jan!
You and I are often reading from the same page, if not always the same book... (hmmm... Did that make any sense at all?)
posted by
Ciel
on March 19, 2009 at 1:13 PM
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Mal, this would make a very long bumper sticker...
It would have to go all the way around the car!
posted by
Ciel
on March 19, 2009 at 1:12 PM
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Thanks so much, Sam--
I had to just set this down simply and straightforwardly, before the idea got away...
posted by
Ciel
on March 19, 2009 at 1:11 PM
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Very deeply felt, beautifully said...
posted by
Kayzzaman
on March 19, 2009 at 11:21 AM
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Very deeply felt, beautifully said...
posted by
Kayzzaman
on March 19, 2009 at 11:21 AM
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I entirely agree! So very well put - thank you.
posted by
Rockingrector_retd
on March 19, 2009 at 10:41 AM
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Simple and true. It should be a bumper sticker! Mal
posted by
gapcohen
on March 19, 2009 at 10:18 AM
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I like this side of it too! Very well stated and written! I think it serves as a wholesome reminder of how peoples live and how they view themselves as well! I love your writing, straightforward and to the point! sam
posted by
sam444
on March 19, 2009 at 9:54 AM
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