What most intrigued me about Dreyfus’s book was his strong opinions in regards to his arguments. Frankly, I agree with most of what he says. The topic that I feel is one of the strongest opinions, and that I agree with the most, was how the Internet and press essentially changed human behavior. The idea that everyone can have an opinion but not be tied down to it, take action on it, or even know what they are talking about is disturbing. However, I do think this is fundamentally true. In fact, I was just pondering this morning about how this change in society has affected me. (I know I’m an artist and I’m obsessed with talking about art related things but just bare with me). I have always wanted to be a working studio artist. I know that I have talent in the arts but being at this university (and even in high school) I have come to realize how many people are just full of crap. Being an artist has almost lost its integrity (probably just like everything else in the world). We have come to the point that almost everyone is capable of being an artist and making good money in the art field. Yet the problem with that is the people that have no talent can make it big in the art world. As long as you have an opinion about something, you’re golden. Another problem is there are so many opinions out there that no one has the chance to be original anymore. Most of the practicing artists I bet don’t even have first hand experience with the subject that they working with (especially the people that are so adamant about the Iraq war and environmentalism). Those two topics seem to be some of the more popular choices of now. But really, how many people have actually felt the strains of this problem on their shoulders, or have done something about it? They are using they’re artistic license to make art for people who want to show that they are concerned with that problem (a.k.a. good humanitarians). What is the world coming to? Sometimes these bozos really detour me from being an artist, but hopefully they won’t stop me (because I have the secret weapon…talent!)
4.30.07
Erin Murphy | 19-Apr-07 at 10:07 pm | Permalink
I hate it when people take an extremist view on something and then act like their opinion is gospel. Some people need to open their minds and shut their mouths.
And yes, the creation of the press is probably what started it all, but I shudder to think of a world without that outlet… everyone locked in a permanent Dark Ages where ignorance rules and no one questions anything.
Amanda Bleatman | 19-Apr-07 at 10:26 pm | Permalink
Well, I’m not too sure who this comment was directed to, either Dreyfus or me. One thing everyone who agrees with this argument also realizes that their opinions mean s*** also. Yet, that’s one of the reasons I somewhat enjoy this argument (for strange reasons I can not articulate, but yes I do). Also, strong opinions can be very good and it’s not an issue of open-mindedness. As we all know from presidential campaigns, it’s better to pick one side of an issue than to straddle the board and do nothing about it.
John Creger | 23-Apr-07 at 5:20 pm | Permalink
“…the Internet and press essentially changed human behavior. The idea that everyone can have an opinion but not be tied down to it, take action on it, or even know what they are talking about is disturbing.”
I remember in class we talked a little bit on what we think actions are. Because if opinion is action-just a weak form of it- then I agree that opinions are not that meaningful because are entitled to having them them. But on the other hand, taking action- like voting, mass protesting, publishing literature etc., I think that holds more weight than merely talking about the subject thinking that you are potentionally educating some one about it. There are a lot of things out there I have an opinion about, but would it be true to say that until I take action to those opinions that they dont matter for anything, at all? It takes an opinion in order to take action.
Andrea Fish | 25-Apr-07 at 5:33 pm | Permalink
I agree. I don’t claim to know much about art but walking through art exhibits now a days and having people proclaim that some of the modern art is absolutely fabulous based on the meaning behind the artists work rather than the art itself is sad. In Krannert I saw an exhibit with three different colored circles representing Aquafresh, for some worthy reason that I don’t remember now. But all I could think was ‘That’s art? My little sister could paint that.’
Erin Murphy | 25-Apr-07 at 9:48 pm | Permalink
Amanda: Huh? I thought I was agreeing with you.
Strong opinions are fine, but when people take the extreme form of a side and refuse to even hear other people’s views on it, that’s when the trouble starts.
On the subject of opinions and embodiment: Dreyfus claims that the internet provides an outlet for opinions with a no-risk anonymity. I wonder what he would say about the two Louisiana State swimmers that were kicked off their team for criticizing their coaches on Facebook.
Amanda Bleatman | 25-Apr-07 at 10:31 pm | Permalink
Well, facebook is not a place where anonymity is really a part of. The problem with people saying stupid stuff on the Internet and thinking their okay is rather the dishabition affect. (Personally I think people are just too dumb nowadays to keep their mouths shut). It’s the same type of problem with employers checking out profiles and websites where people are posting incriminating pictures of themselves, etc. People know those sites are pretty much open for anyone to look at. Why would people have the whole world know the stupid things they do and possibly screw their life up over it???
Tariq Mohammed | 26-Apr-07 at 9:43 pm | Permalink
I agree with Amanda in the sense that Facebook is not a place where anonymity resides. People are willing to post their lives for the entire UIllinois network to see. Their name, address, phone number, dob, etc. are all readily available. Hell, might as well put your SSN and CC numbers on there to complete the list. The link people need to start using is the ‘privacy’ one. Limit your profile only for your friends to see and don’t allow other people to know your full profile, unless you want to.