From: David Buchanan (DBuchanan@ClassicalRadio.org)
Date: Sun May 02 2004 - 02:54:50 BST
Steve, Platt, Dave S and all:
dmb had said:
I thought DaveS's suggestion was good. Prominent is probably a better word
than "dominated".
Platt replied:
I think 'dominated' is a better word because Pirsig uses it. Examples:
"To people who were dominated by old social values it seemed as though
everything valuable had ended."(22)
"Phaedrus saw nothing wrong with this ritualistic religion as long as the
rituals are seen as merely a static portrayal of Dynamic Quality, a
signpost which allows socially pattern-dominated people to see Dynamic
Quality." (30)
dmb says:
Right. I had the second quote specifically in mind when using the word
"dominated" too. But Dave's warning that the word implies a kind of
distortion or malfunctioning can be seen in these quotes. I mean, it seems
pretty clear to me that Pirsig isn't saying its such a great thing to be a
"socially pattern-dominated" person. And it safe to say that he includes
Hitler and those hopelessly static Victorians among the socially dominated.
To be such a person in these times is to be a reactionary, a fossil from a
previous age. In our time, I think a healty person integrates social values
into a larger whole, but does not allow himself to be dominated by them.
When this integration fails to occur, there are disasterous results; more
flag-waving, bible-thumping, gun-carrying, knuckle-dragging Republicans.
Sure, one has to admire the ability to wave, thump, carry and drag all at
the same time, but still. ;-)
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