Alright, in the election aftermath, I've decided that the best thing to do is proceed with optimism. I think that we're heading in the right way.
What I DO want to do is be critical of the world around me. What I DON'T want to do is be a complete downer. It's not productive.
I'm really through with politics for the week.
In other news, I was shown this little blurb from another friend online. In Defense of the Elite
Aside from the title (I'm not sure how much defending the elite need considering their position as well, the elite), I think is somewhat interesting blurb (I wouldn't necessarily call it an article)-- there definitely is a difference in the words 'elite' and 'elitist'. Using them interchangeably is not only ignorant but irresponsible.
In fact, I'd be even more interested in reading an article by someone who isn't even a part of the 'elite'. Of course, the way things are, there are few people who aren't part of the 'elite' who are in a position to write a response to the discussion.
Hm, I'm definitely not part of the 'elite,' but I'm not far enough away from it for my opinion to really be as valuable.
But really-- how much do the Elite need defending? Toward whom is this passage aimed? If I were being overly critical, I say its a little defensive, and not simply defending. But I do recognize that the distinction needs to be made between the words. I just harbor an bitterness toward the 'elite' to begin with, I think.
7 comments:
How do we define, for the sake of the discussion "Elite"?
IB
Well the definition she uses is,"a small group of people within a larger group who have more power, social standing, wealth or talent than the rest of the group."
Its a dubious definition-- does having more talent really make someone part of the elite? But since its the one she used, its the one I'm working with, simply for the sake of consistency. What's your definition? Just out of curiosity.
I think the definition is workable. And I think you make some valid points in the post. I guess it's not surprising to harbor bitterness towards those that we feel are elite, especially if we don't feel we are in that company. However, I don;'t feel the elite should be villainized for achieving success. That seems to run counter cultural ideal of success going to those that work hardest to achieve it.
Thanks for the thought provoking post
IB
IB
Heh, Its definitely one of those things I know is somewhat irrational, but I still feel, you know? Things that are illogical, but that doesn't matter because its a matter of the heart and not of the mind, right? Everyone has those. And its definitely not as though everyone in the elite works as hard as those outside of it. But a lot have/do, so that argument doesn't entirely work.
Thanks for the even more thought provoking reply!
I'm with you; if everything were logical it be a lot easier to understand life (but then it would also be a LOT less interesting!).
keep up the good work. Great blog!
Good choice re optimism. Always the better choice, and it dictates your conduct and treatment of others. You deal with people as they are, your relationship with them will never improve. Deal with them as they could, and it will always improve.
Very true. I find that its very easy for me (I'm not sure how this translates to people in general) to be more of a pessimist. But I want to make a definitive effort to be more optimistic. Especially in situations where there really isn't much to base an opinion on quite yet.
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