Art - By Cathy Preston / Loreleila

This weeks artist was Cathy Preston / Loreleila: http://www.immortalart.co.uk/

The Philosophy Takeaway Issue 53 'Open Topic'

Pragmatic Metaphoric Philosophy - By Cathy Preston / Loreleila

Pragmatic Metaphoric Philosophy

It's a curious thing

That never ending argument

Over what is right and what is wrong

And what is you and what is not

Where words lie end to end and yet do not

Appear to describe anything;

That dichotomous myth

Seeming so enduring.

Mirage me you, mirage me me

Then will we all be free?

Pontifications on the thoughts of others

As though they aren't our sisters and brothers

Or part of us, or what is right

Where God might be or rather not

So often do we lose the plot;

And who is what and where and why,

I'd really rather eat some pie

(Actually that's poetic since I'm not a fan

Of pastry so that leaves out flan)

But you get my gist

If I have to squirm and twist

To find agreement, or if you insist

I see another as my foe

How can any of us grow

Or even see reality?

I'd really rather kiss or be kissed

Pragmatically metaphorically

Or love yourself as if you're me

Or me be you and you be me

It matters not for where we lie

We cannot lie, for in truth we be

Reflections in the others I.

Cathy Preston / Loreleila

Editors Glossary Note: Dichotomous - Division into two parts, often mutually opposed, the one not containing the other.

The Philosophy Takeaway Issue 53 'Open Topic'

Conformity as Control - By Cathy Preston / Loreleila

Conformity as Control

There are some who like to think of themselves as different, indeed pride themselves on being so. It may or may not be the case. Often it appears those who perceive themselves as 'whacky' or 'crazy' seem just to be a bit silly, but will generally conform to societal norms. Those who truly do seem to have a level of perspective on 'normal' are much rarer, and even those will be unable to see every last piece of their own conformity. Of course we're all (theoretically) constrained by the laws of the land, so to be a non conformist requires the ability not only to have that perspective but also to know how and where it would be unwise to step beyond those lines. It's funny how some of us seek to fit in, to be seen as normal, part of the crowd, while others would be appalled to be considered such.

Big business, politics and the media impose enormous social pressure for all to be biddable conformists, to spend spend spend on items and modifications not needed, to be puppets to the spurious belief that to be different you have to be the same. Most buy into the belief that those who wield some sort of power are beyond such things, and can lie and cheat with impunity. The one law for them and another for us mentality is quite an extraordinary aspect of human psychology. Policing one anothers behaviour is often considered responsible and to maintain good order, while in reality it is more often borne out of a desire for the world to be forced into a personal view of what is and isn't 'right'. Moaning and complaining helplessly seem to assuage frustrations while keeping everything resolutely in place.

Those considered non conformist may be demonised, assumed to be insane or dangerous. Rigid control is imposed in terms of what is and isn't acceptable, though hypocrisy rife. Acceptable behaviour is measured in inverse proportions. Drunkenness, debt, pharmaceutical addictions, body dysmorphia (with all the attendant requirements for cosmetic surgery), insecurity and self hatred, materialist desires unsatisfiable and dishonesty are all staples of our society. Conversely, creativity, individuality (which we're sold as desirable yet steered clear of), honesty, intelligent examination of the facts, observation, responsible living and behaviour, care and concern for others and advocating for the vulnerable presently all seem to be non conformist activities. While not actually and specifically illegal they're no longer (if indeed they ever really were) part of societal norms.

Of course there are a small minority of genuinely dangerous people. Those who are pathologically unable to empathise with others and will do whatever it takes to get what they want (though as I write this I realise this sounds exactly like a lot of the elite). They are paraded before us with an exhortation to be good, to conform, to not stand out and to fear stepping beyond the bounds of acceptability, as if all that exists are drones and madmen. Yet we all know this is not the case.

I'm not a fan of conspiracy theories, yet it's hard to escape the fact that in one form or another, throughout history, conformity and crowd control have been utilised for the minority to gain control of the majority. We may look back to the past and chuckle indulgently at the stupidity of our ancestors, wonder how they could have been so gullible as to allow themselves to be duped so easily. We might be better served in wondering what our future relatives will think of us.

Cathy Preston / Loreleila

The Philosophy Takeaway Issue 52 'Open Topic'