My Rant on Humanity/Society

[Ancient Goddess]

So, what is everyone's opinion about humanity in general?

If I remember correctly, I vaguely mentioned something about my view in the Life's Meaning thread (er...somewhere around here). But I'm interested to hear some of your opinions.

My theory about humanity is that we all (in general) are xenophobic. We're scared of any changes that may occur in the common formula and the environment around us. Scared of changes to the usual schedule and method, we tend to shun or make fun of the elements that are outside of the norm. Basically, society is like a flock of sheep, all (ultimately, but there are exceptions) doing the same thing...the same way. Although, it's from the members of society which aren't afraid of changes where we get our trends. One comes up with a new idea, it's usually rejected at first, then after a period of time, it becomes accepted when people see the use of the new idea.

Your place in society ultimately boils down to the people you know, how much you make, what sort of environment you place yourself in, etc. It's no longer about who you are individually, what your personality is, in order to define yourself in the knit of society. There are others who will look at personality before they search for material possessions, but the ratio is outweighed by the members that do care about wealth first.

Anyway, what is your opinion about society in general?

[Pimpmaster McSlap-Bitch]

A few observations from a devils advocate;

You speak of fear of rapid change as if it is a bad thing. Some people would call that wise. "Thank god my life isn`t busier", the business man may think. I think it's common sense to fear new and potentially dangerous things, instead of accepting them into your life so rapidly.

[Ancient Goddess]

Devil's advocate, eh? ;D

Not all changes in the average flow of society is dangerous though, Kage. Some of the changes I mean are people's individual lifestyles, the way people choose to live their lives. The way someone chooses to live their life is practically no concern of the people around them, but if it is different to the individuals around the person who is not fitting the normal mode, then they're labeled as a misfit because they fail to do what the others around them are doing. More than likely they do this because they want to, and not because the people around them are doing it.

Remember, the question is 'what is everyone's opinion on society?'. So don't just comment on another's post without giving your own observations.

[Pimpmaster McSlap-Bitch]

It`s completely natural to be afraid of new things, and with good reason, one that insures survival. And whether dangerous or not, all new and different things present a potential threat to us and our stable way of life.

Anyway, my view of society... I don`t really have one. I can`t make a judgment on everybody, because everybody is different. Not everybody is xenophobic for example and so, even if the majority of the people in America are, I don`t think that's a good enough representation of the whole. I think there are too many people who aren`t xenophobic, you and I included, and that xenophobia could be paralleled to something like obesity; the majority of Americans are, but there are still millions of people who aren`t. In the same way, there are millions of open-minded people who wish not to be called xenophobic because it reflects the society as a whole. These people may even say they`re being stereotyped. I realise that you probably can`t put everyone in the same boat, bar saying (human) society is human. So that where I`ll start. Society is human. What does it means to be human? What do we all share? I`ll leave that up to you guys to figure out, because I feel as if this is turning into quite the lengthy reply.

[Asharrod]

And here I was thinking that change meant survival. Change is inevitable so it is best to embrace that fact. Those who resist are much like the rock in the river, worn down by time until nothing is left, while the stick floats on to newer things...... (I felt like being poetic so sue me)


On that note society and "its" thoughts don't matter to me. Society is run by a bunch of three year olds with penis envy. Following them would be stupid. Embrace change!!

[Ancient Goddess]

You bring up some interesting points, Kage...I suppose my view is a bit jaded by American society. Can't say I've really spent enough time in another country/location to observe the societies of others. Society is what we define as the general humanity...but I don't exactly define it as being human. There are traits within society (err..American society, that is) that I'd hope wouldn't be in individuals themselves. For me, my image of society is a group of people gossiping about one or another individual...whether they are accepted into society or not.

But these are just my thoughts...I'm sure others have different opinions about the matter.

[Pimpmaster McSlap-Bitch]

I think society tries too hard to be successful, and it`s this drive for success that creates the wealth of our problems. I believe everybody aspires to be successful in every endevor they take part in, from earning your degree to cracking an egg so no pieces of shell fall into the pan to eating the egg, hence the drive for success is human. Infact, I`d go as far as stating quite boldly that the drive for success is life, and every living creature acts in order to complete the act as they please and fulfill their desires (Fulfilling our desires makes us happy, gives us a kind of nonphysical pleasure called peace, whos superlative is happiness but that`s an opinion for another thread. For the animals I suppose the payoff is mostly less about mental fulfillment and more physical as with eating to survive rather than for the taste. However I don`t doubt that animals act for mental fulfillment; dogs play and enjoy it). I suppose one cannot really rant about this, since it`s something every living soul on the planet shares, but it does create a lot of problems, more for us than our animal friends because we have more to desire, thanks to our larger brains and deeper understanding of the world around us.

Buddhism advocates freedom from desire as the path to liberation (more or less). I studied Buddhism for almost 4 years before I figured out that this wasn`t working for me (it may be that I misunderstood the teachings). Without desires you`re not human, or living. I truely believe that desires, and emotions (especially love), are the spice of life and without them you`re simply not living up to lifes potential. There is nothing to look forward too. Almost as if a tasty burger becomes just a burger, but there is an indescribable emptyness, even if the burger is found to be delicious and well recieved. (This is all from my personal experience by the way; I`m sure Buddhism is working for others. Still, I feel here I should show respect towards the Dharma. It showed me how to conduct myself and how little I appreciated life, and for that I am thankful. No shitting on wisdom here).

In todays America, life is a struggle for success with material and financial gain and status at the forefront of most peoples minds, with thanks to the media and, through that, peers and ones own warped expectations of oneself. That I would say of America(ns), but not of humanity or lifeforms as a whole. Success has many targets.

Aiming to be successful is great. Naturally it couldn`t be any other way. But I don`t think being successful should be on the top of our lists of things to do. Life then becomes a mission to get what you want, and a trying mission if you feel you`re failing (especially when the media is filled with nothing but those who have made it, and have what you (think you) want. I think aspirations should be met, but one should first consider if the aspiration is worthwhile even considering (Buddhism . Anyway, I feel like I`ve gone off on a tangent.

I suppose many things could be said of humans. We probably all share more than just the drive for success (like the need for air), but nothing I can think of impacts the way we live as much as this and is applicable to all humans.

EDIT: By the way, it`s good to be back ;D

[Makku]

Good to have ya back.

[Sephiroth Kaizen]

Well... I haven't taken the time to read everyone's response (I'm not in the reading mood right now... regardless of how odd that may seem), but I have a somewhat cynical view of humanity/society. I believe humans are naturally kind and are governed by their own instincts to protect, love, belong and survive. This alone makes me admire the human race... but on the other hand, whenever I see or hear of something so unbelievably cold and cruel, I either get angry or have the reaction of "... humanity is so disappointing..."

For example, the lengths people will go to feel like they belong. In my very humble opinion, it seems those who desire desperately to be accepted and belong are the most disappointing, but I can't hold it against them. It has something to do with their upbringing. And forgive me for breaking this short, but I've lost part of my train of thought because Makku's signature has distracted me (curse you!). XD

Now, I know that this is entirely too cynical, we all have our good and bad parts, right? My bad part is expecting too much decency and common sense from the human race. I get disappointed with people when I see something utterly stupid/selfish/stupidly selfish/cruel being done.

Thank you, Makku. I've completely lost my train of thought. -_-

And Kage, I'm very sure you proved a nice point, so just take a karma point.

[Ancient Goddess]

Whoa...I certainly missed this post. And it's been so long that I barely even remember much of my original points. ;D But however, there were portions in your statement that I found to absolutely be true. Especially:

pimpmaster said:

In todays America, life is a struggle for success with material and financial gain and status at the forefront of most peoples minds, with thanks to the media and, through that, peers and ones own warped expectations of oneself. That I would say of America(ns), but not of humanity or lifeforms as a whole. Success has many targets.

Society seems to place a big thing on material possessions...Which I guess money is necessary for ones surival...or at least is a big issue for most. People use the phrase, "Money can't buy happiness", but it's apparent in most (bolded just to emphasize that I don't mean ALL people) cases that money is undoubtably one of the most desired items in one's life (besides love).

But what else is there for us? I mean really....I remember getting into a discussion with SK about this a couple days ago. We have nothing else for us. We eat, work, have sex, then die. Not too much else to it. Or like Bittersweet Symphony:

"'Cause it's a bittersweet symphony, this life...gotta make ends meet, gotta find some money then you die."

As I originally stated (I believe), society (and I have already mentioned in earlier posts that I am specifically talking about American society, since I haven't been anywhere else long enough to form an opinion about other societies) places too much emphasis on wealth, possessions, etc. To have a good place in it, you usually have to have the money and connections with people. Very rarely will one have a high place in society by good deeds alone.

Anyway, I feel I have yet again gone on one of my rants...therfore, I'll stop here.

[Sephiroth Kaizen]

I agree with you, AnG.

I think the most influential countries in the world are the ones that place a heavier importance on material wealth, instead of spiritual and physical health. I don't know how many hard working citizens of America have yet to make the connection that if you work yourself like a slave, you may have the money to buy nice things, but you don't have the energy to enjoy them like you thought. Besides, people are so caught up in getting the next best thing, that they've become a slave to their own selfish desires. Instead of settling for the second best thing that they just bought, they want to have the upgraded version. Thus, enslaving yourself to your own selfish desires.

But then again, who could blame you? The media does place a lot of emphasis on having the top quality product even if it costs you a car payment, house payment, your child's tuition, etc. Society's based around keeping up with what the top 2% of the country has. The lucky ones are those who are satisfied with what they have and only work to pay for living expenses... not for that brand new Pontiac GTO or Bentley. We live in a society where the media tries to make you look like you're finacially insignificant if you don't have the best of everything... and those who weren't taught to be glad with what you have (and worked for) are the ones who fall victim to it. The ones who are glad with what they have are looked at like, " wtf is wrong with them?"

It's sad really...