A couple reminders before I get into the topics of this blog post: (1) you should start reading the book, "Affluenza," thru Chap. 3 for next Thurs.; (2) we will see the video, "Affluenza," in MAIN 122 NEXT TUES. 2/22 (NOT OUR REGULAR CLASSROOM); (3) some of you still need to post your comments on the "First Individual Exercise," which is described in the previous blog post.
CONCLUDING COMMENTS ON THE GROUND OR BASIS FOR IDENTIFYING SOCIAL PROBLEMS:
I wrappped up my observations about society by defining society as "an organized system of institutions." (and that institutions are organized systems of objects directed toward various human ends,and it is through institutions that we as individuals achieve our ends).
I, then began to consider what a healthy or well-ordered society would be like. And I began with the very general observation that in such a society institutions would function harmoniously (which is NOT the same thing as institutions functionally normally). So, let me pick up here with the remainder of my notes --
A. To push this point further, one would have to define the essential purpose of the basic institutions in our society, that is, what role each institution plays in maintaining that larger life (society) in which we all participate. It is also vital for us as individuals to consider our place, our role in this larger life. (For example, in Chapter 14 of "Affluenza" the authors ask us to consider what the economy is for, that is, attempt to define the purpose of the economy. And we will also consider this same basic question in our last book, "Plenitude.")
B. Since my sketch of society is largely based on the social thought of American philosopher, Elijah Jordan, I believe it would be appropriate to give him the last word on this -- a statement of what he calls "the law of morality" or a standard for determining what constitutes a healthy society:
"The good life posits a person or actor endowed by nature and by culture with all the capacities that are possible to him, with these capacities developed to their fullest possible degree; the person living in a world so organized and ordered as to guarantee to the person full and free access to all the means and instruments necessary to the adequate and appropriate expression of his capacities and to the realization of his acts in satisfying objects." (p. 59, "The Good Life")
1. Another nice statement of such an ethical standard can be found on p. 140 of "Affluenza," when the authors quote William Morris.
2. One can easily gather from such a statement that conditions such as poverty, hunger, homelessness, unemployment clearly represent social problems both for the individual and the larger society. I would stress, again, that meaningful work is crucial to individual and social health. WORK IS AN ORGANIZING PRINCIPLE OF LIFE. We build our lives around our work, what we do. When there is a lack of work, meaningless or unrewarding work, or work that undermines that larger order (such as marketing "affluenza") this is a serious social problem.
3. Insofar as our society, or any society for that matter, falls short of this standard of a healthy society, we can say something is wrong, that social problems exit, that we have work to do.
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FAMILY EXERCISE ON THE VIDEO, "AFFLUENZA":
After viewing the video program, "Affluenza," in class next Tuesday (2/22), which runs about 55 minutes, you will get together with your respective blue or magenta family members and discuss which ONE of the many "symptoms" of Affluenza presented represents the greatest threat to the health and well-being of our society. I want each family to come to a CONSENSUS on what you believe is the most adverse symptom. Each family will, then, designate a spokesperson to present your findings at the beginning of class on the following Tuesday, March 1st. I may give you a bit more time on Thurs., Feb. 24th to confer with your family members in class if you need it. I would also like each family to post as a comment your findings on this blog post. This should include the name of the symptom and some points in defense of your choice (or pretty much what you will present in class). ALL FAMILY MEMBERS HAVE TO CONTRIBUTE TO EARN ACTIVITY POINTS FOR THIS EXERCISE. This exercise is worth 5 activity points.
The two families are: BLUE: Amber, Ross, Warren, Mary.
MAGENTA: Kelsey, Coleman, Stephanie, Sandra.
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That's all. See you next Tuesday in Main 122.
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2 comments:
MAGENTA FAMILY (kelsey, stephanie, sandra, coleman)
After seeing and reading through Affluenza, we believe that the most threatening symptom to society is "Fracturing Families." The divorce rate is higher than ever as more and more families are falling apart. A major cause of divorce today has to deal with financial problems. These families face financial problems because many over consume as Affluenza describes. This was depicted by the couple in the book who have been struggling to pay off their debt from constant buying. It almost ruined the marriage until they went to counseling.
The fracturing of families we believe causes the biggest threat because families are the nucleus for raising human beings to be successful in society. Without families there would be no society. We argue that with broken families brings broken societies and without a well functioning and healthy society, there is less of a chance for a productive world. Divorce has major impacts not only on the couple, but the children and intermediate family as well. Over consumption takes over family ideals and values, which in turn will leak in to society as a whole. People coming from broken families will continue to buy and consume in order to fill their void, further polluting the world. Family teaches people who they are and what values and things to live by, and without a healthy family atmosphere, people will have no direction along with society.
Blue Family
The most adverse side effect of affluenza is “swollen expectations.” People’s swollen expectations are the root cause for all of the other symptoms of affluenza. American’s believe that they should have more things and that the things they do have should be nicer. These beliefs are fueled by the fact that there is [almost] always someone with more money than we have. Therefore when we compare ourselves to others, it is very easy to look at the wealth of those who are financially above us and to covet what they have. This coveting is what leads people into bankruptcy, and is also why Americas spend 6 hours a week shopping but can only spare 40 minutes for their children. Individual’s swollen expectations are further contributed to by a plethora of commercials that assault Americans from what can feel like every angle. Commercials can be found on TV, on the radio, on billboards, and even on urban benches. All of the symptoms of affluenza, and the disease itself, are a result of people’s desire to always have the next best thing and to “keep up with the Joneses” because they believe that nice possessions are the key to happiness.
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