From: Leland Jory (ljory@mts.net)
Date: Sun Mar 07 2004 - 16:41:00 GMT
On Mar 6, 2004, at 14:12, Platt Holden wrote:
> I see where the heavy hand of government and a group of envious jurists
> have conspired to bring down an individual whose life was dedicated to
> quality, namely one Martha Stewart. Say what you will about the
> domestic
> diva, she brought the art of gracious living to the average shlub and
> was
> richly rewarded for her efforts.
Much of this "art of gracious living" was the pasting of Victorian
values on modern society. I would definitely call Martha a Victorian in
spirit.
> But like the brujo in the story of the
> Zuni, Martha must not be allowed to rise above the lowest common
> denominator of her culture without being punished.
The difference is, the brujo in the story was a 'misfit' in his
particular society whereas Martha is one of the Zuni high-priests. She
doesn't seem to be looking for any particular increase in Dynamic
Quality in her pursuits.
> As many before her, she
> must be sacrificed for violating the static patterns of a vulgar
> society.
Except she seemed to be all about maintaining "proper appearances".
Using the "right" ingredients, the "right" fabrics. Not discussing
anything terribly important from anything but a social level. Lady
Martha the Victorian.
Besides, she's not being punished for violating society's vulgar static
patterns, she's being punished for violating society's basic static
patterns by using her position of influence to profit herself. Unless,
of course, you believe she's innocent.
I was remarking the other day (when the verdict came in) that it is a
sign of the society in which we live that a jury could find Martha
Stewart guilty of fraud and profiteering, but not find O.J. Simpson
guilty of murder. Mind-boggling.
> A sad day for elegance, refinement and grace.
All of these things do have value, but not at the expense of our social
frameworks (i.e. the Law).
--
Leland Jory :^{)>
Cafeteria Spiritualist and Philosopher
"It is a puzzling thing. The truth knocks on the door and you say, 'Go
away, I'm looking for the truth.' and so it goes away. Puzzling." -
Robert Pirsig, Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance
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