Socialism doomed to fail?

Not our fault they didn't have gun powder yet.

 

we simul-posted re the first part^

and i agree on the 2nd part, though envy of our "status" may play some part

i didn't mean to place blame, just express, for lack of a better word, my sadness

 

i'm less concerned with the wholesale destruction of culture in the past, which seemingly cannot be undone, and more concerned with the present-day erosion of culture

you're into anime, what do you think the effect of its popularity is on appreciation of traditional culture among today's youth in japan?

[that's a straight question, nothing implied]

 

True.

 

1. I'm not into anime
2. There is room for both contemporary and traditional culture in a society, although I believe as a person ages and matures so does his understanding of culture. A young person is much more likely to be invested in the contemporary because it immediately appeals to them.
3. The destruction of culture and the events of the past set things into motion and propel the destruction of culture in the present.
4. Funny that you mention anime in a discussion about cultural assimilation, because anime was greatly influenced by American cartoons and Walt Disney movies.

 

Me too.
Again, not our fault.

 

i was just coming back to delete that question, which was poorly asked and wide where it should be narrow and vice versa and did not get anywhere near the concerns i have

1. sorry, it's those avatars

2. i worry that pop culture is replacing traditional culture

3. possibly

4. which is why i used it as a case point

brain in "delete question" mode rather than "answer" mode so might have more to say later

 

2. I think pop culture's transparency gives it an inability to form a lasting impression. It's designed to sell and to give immediate gratification. There's a reason why last year's big song of the summer probably has 40+ million views on youtube but isn't talked about anymore, while Bach's legacy has endured for centuries.
You'll just have to trust in people. They know deep down that pop culture is consumerist, assembly-line bullshit, they just won't admit it until later when it's easier to do so.

 

i hope you're right, though i see no evidence of this where i live

socialism and culture - in theory shouldn't marxists be in favor of an internationalist, populist, socially-relevant culture?

um, as long as it doesn't lead to...



[i need a nap]

 

I think you are missing some critical points about western culture. The MOST critical, to my mind, is the effect classical Greek and Roman philosophers and artists have had for the past two millenia on western thought and how those effects reverberate even today. I tend to think those effects have been positive.

Also, I think you are overstating your case in terms of the lack of cultural differences between one European nation and the next. Talking to a Frenchman and talking to a Polish man are two completely different experiences, I find, even when they both have a firm grasp of the English language. They think differently, see things differently, etc. These differences are largely due to cultural norms that are set in their native countries, even if they may actually be wearing *gasp* a baseball cap and eating a burger. This is why there is a whole series of books that explain the differences between the customs and norms from one country to the next - because those differences most definitely exist. (Xenophobe's Guides are one example)

 

how would you compare them to the thoughts of chinese and indian philosophers?

 

http://www.1000ventures.com/business_guide/crosscuttings/cultures_east-west-phylosophy.html

This explains it more concisely and better than I could.

 

Sure Greek and Roman philosophy along with legal and political thought played a large part in western culture, especially given the domination the Roman republic/empire had for so long. Those thoughts aren't limited to Europe though. Roman legal law formed the basis for civil law which is used in a good deal of the world(the US, Britain and most of its former colonies use common law), and the Roman republic with its government structures have formed the basis of most representive government around the world.

Butttt.....

After the divide of the Roman empire, the western empire finally fell in 476. Western europe essentially went backwards into fuedalism with the destruction of all Roman legal, political and educational institutions basically all ceased to exist, as well as a lot of science(concrete for example was lost for almost 1,700 years). It was in the east that these institutions and ideas were kept alive. The Byzantines at first, then more importantly the Arabs. The mid-east at the time, be it the Byzantines or Arabs were a haven of trade, education and culture as well as functional government. Their continuation of these ideas lead to great advancements in both mathematics, architecture, and chemistry.

The coming of the Renaissance which basically gave western and central Europe a culture again could in good part can pinpoint its start in Italy to a mix of scholars from the defunct Byzantine empire going to Italy(Byzantines till the end considered themselves Romans, even 1,000 years after the fall of the western Roman empire), as well as increased contact with the Ottaman empire that had now gone into Europe, and more importantly taken over trade routes once controlled by the Byzantines.

Culture isn't a static thing that can only be applied to one group.

Yeah but Eastern europe as a whole has until only 20 years ago had to follow a much different political and cultural history often by force than western Europe. It's still not that much different though. The legal systems are the same, the parliamentary systems are generally the same, people are probably watching a good deal of the same TV shows and movies, and often reading the same books. I see it more like the divide between say the south and New England in the United States. Even between Western and Eastern Europe the differences aren't that vast. You can find larger differences in just one country than between two different countries.

The fact remains though culture has never been static. Saying someone might change culture is a generally xenophobic stance because culture doesn't develop by trying to keep it exactly how it is for ever and ever. It develops by people bringing in new ideas and expanding on it. Culture is supposed to change. What I want to know is what aspects of culture are so under threat and about to be changed right now, and how it would in any way make a difference to anything.

 

um, it's a business site?

lol

following are carefully selected quotes designed to come to a preordained conclusion . . .

besides the fact that much of western philosophy is in fact concerned with social responsibility, what's wrong with social responsibility?

 

The west puts a lot on social responsibility too even if the applications are different. Especially, dun du dun dun! The US. We give more to charity as a nation than any other, per capita the second place country isn't even close.

http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2007-06-25-charitable_N.htm

 

.

 

Wabluska: Yeah I know it's a business site, but for the most part I found the synopsis to be accurate. You could look it up else where if you'd like.

 

but i don't want to [or need to] look it up, i was asking you for your opinion

no worries though, i asked so long ago i've lost the context for my question . . .

 

Socialism does depend on the taxes from all people in the society. In many European, Socialism is a growing ideology.

 

$14,133,878,285,967.29
I think it's getting pretty close to failing now.