[Steve to Marsha]
Why would an MOQer even want to wield an SOM-laden term like
"relativism"? It is half of the old SOM Platypus, relativism/absolutism.
It is a term based on an SOM premise that we deny. It is just another
version of the wrong-headed question, "is the Quality in the subject or
in the object?"
[Arlo]
I was thinking the same thing. From my perspective, it seems some are
bending over backwards to hang on to the term "relativism", going so far
as to select very narrow, very indiscriminate definitions just to allow
the word into the conversation, almost as if its sacrosanct. Consider
how much hostility and energy is given to this every single day in this
forum, over whether or not a certain 'word', even redefined and
reconceptualized, MUST be part of the MOQ's lexicon.
[Steve]
...was becoming a serious problem in the multi-culty 90's (when Lila
came out), but morally paralyzed relativists are getting harder and
harder to find (thank goodness ...
[Arlo]
Unfortunately, the pendulum is swinging back to other end of your SOM
platypus, absolutism, shown as unilateral exceptionalism, patriotism and
the view that "my" culture/society/ideas/choices/lifestyle is
unquestionably, undeniably, absolutely superior to everyone else
everywhere in the world. If we are abandoning "multi-culturalism", it is
not because we are moving towards appraising contexts and differing ways
of life on a scale betterness, we are simply saying "we" are in every
possible way better than everyone else. And I'm sorry if I don't think
that's a good thing.
When I lived in Chicago, I found the ethnic/cultural adherences both
fascinating and intellectually stimulating. Now back in central
Pennsylvania where, for all extent and purposes, there is nothing but
cultural homogeny, I am convinced that demanding everyone
act/think/talk/look/behave like 'everyone else' (whatever that means) is
even more dangerous and stagnating than the diversity that some are so
appalled to see.
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