From: Mark Steven Heyman (markheyman@infoproconsulting.com)
Date: Sun Aug 01 2004 - 19:42:08 BST
Hi all,
I think the following exchange is interesting. As does most of his
political writing, it shows NC's awareness of the anathematic
relationship between militant tribalism and individual freedom, how
the violent and expansive variations of nationalism are low-quality
value patterns indeed. I also like the tactical advice to be aware
of the sympathies of your audience before shooting off your mouth.
To fail to do so could be a waste of energy, and even dangerous, as I
myself have discovered.
I know NC is trapped in SOM, but I think all of us are, to one degree
or another. We all have to return to the market place. Still,
something drives him to spend his life doing what he does. With his
brain, he could have made a jillion in currency speculation or
something. I think what drives him is... well, you know. Though
he'd probably think we were talking about Dairy Queen or something.
;-)
Question follows response.
Best,
msh
Reply from NC,
I'd be reluctant to give any advice. There is no doubt
that in the present climate there are risks, and that you
will just have to feel your way along, finding circles in
which you can act freely.
It is also worthwhile, always, to pay attention to one's
audience. There would be little point in marching into a
fundamentalist place of worship and announcing that
divinities are invented by people with emotional problems.
In this country, there are some sectors that are extremely
frightened. That goes way back. In the 1780s the colonies
were afraid they were going to be invaded by Algeria. A
local friend just told me about how a neighbor had offered
him a tour, and a key, to his "survival shelter," where he
keeps a huge arsenal to protect himself from the UN forces
preparing to invade and commit genocide against the
American people. This has been associated with all sorts
of racist fanaticism. In the 19th century there was a
widespread cult about our Anglo-Saxon origins, the peak of
humankind, being polluted by immigrants -- later the
Chinese and Huns (anyone from Eastern Europe), now Mexicans
and other degenerates. These deep fears are often combined
with jingoism, and are exploited by cynical politicians who
emphasize their "strength" and "courage" as they launch
their incomparable military might to slaughter defenseless
enemies. Lyndon Johnson was very much a "man of the
people," and he was probably speaking from his heart as a
true Texan, not cynically, when he lamented about how
America would be prey to every yellow dwarf with a pocket
knife without superior air power, and if might makes right,
"they" will sweep over us and take all we have -- "they"
being everyone outside our blessed land. Or Ronald Reagan,
when he whined about Nicaraguan hordes only two-days
driving time from Harlingen Texas, though he was going to
be brave, like Churchill facing Hitler, and would not allow
them to conquer and destroy us.
People like you can play a very important role, bringing
perspectives that are rarely heard in a highly insulated
culture. But you have to have a sympathetic understanding
of the people you are engaged with.
Noam Chomsky
QUESTION
Hello Prof. Chomsky,
I'm an international student in the United States. Its a
good opportunity for me to be able to hear some useful
voices like yourslef (and to be grateful i don't have money
for cable television!).
Since I heard your lecture the first time in chennai (and
lost my screws somewhere since), I have tried to be more
involved. My question is what kind of roles can foreigners
like myself can play (interms of say generally educating
people or exchanging views) without legal trouble....I once
told a former guy in the military that the US is a
terrorist state. I was reminded by white moral authorities
how meddlesome asians like me shold dessist from engaging
in "political discussions in mixed company". I wonder what
it means to this day....It seems that "people would see me
with prejudice as I'm from india". And it was okay as "the
same situation would be true for a foreigner in india". I
think hey, its a bad idea to compare india with the
US,....US is the land of freedom and opportunity.
Well, I didn't find it to be true that all americans see me
with prejudice. Infact, one old lady was listening pretty
patiently to what I had to say. There were others who
disagreed but nevertheless didn't mind my babbles.
But somehow, there is this "group" which feels that you
know i should shut up because of "mixed company". I mean I
can very well understand if there were objections raised if
I participated in a rally or something. But I don't
understand why people get upset over an Asian expressing
his views in interpersonal exchanges. I guess its a risk
worth taking?
Best wishes,
Karthik
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