Something
by ChrisDecember 14th, 2004 12:08 am
Part of the reason I’ve been so slow to post, of late, is that I’ve been preoccupied with completing a short essay comparing modern movement conservatism to postmodernism. Needless to say, I’m far from finished and may never finish, but I did want throw the idea out there for a little critisism.
The basic idea is this; the modern conservative movement, as embodied by the likes of Dr. James Dobson, Linda Chavez, Ralph Reed, Jonah Goldberg, Sean Hannity, our President, et al, draws its strength and its narrative power from the rejection of objective, historical fact, in much the same way postmodernism is currently defined by its rejection or subversion of metanarratives.
I won’t go into any detail here, but, as per my usaual, I have a question. Does this seem like a resonable line of thinking, or am I just concerning myself with so many filthy, soiled yams?
Shoot me an email and let me know. Thanks.
December 14th, 2004 at 2:18 pm
Hey Chris,
Your comments about postmodernism make sense, but I feel that you may be overacademicizing (is that a word?) and missing a more basic link: the link between the latest breed of conservatives and fundamentalist Christianity. Fundamentalists are comfortably able to reject any new information that doesn’t fit in with their beliefs and opinions because of the concept of “faith.” Fundamentalists encourage us to ignore hard facts and evidence about history, about human nature, about science, about evolution, about the historical deeds and origins of the Church, and on and on, because “faith” tells us we must. In the same way, the followers of the Bush administation can simply ignore facts and information that contradict their understanding that We are always “right,” and God is on Our side. Exhibit A: that ridiculous Zell Miller RNC speech. Miller instructs us that the US military simply can’t be wrong. We can’t be occupiers, we are always liberators. The concept that the US would be an aggressor doesn’t fit in with his “faith” about what the US is. Anyone who tries to acknowledge a mistake and fix it is therefore a blasphemer.
December 14th, 2004 at 3:11 pm
I agree with your point, and certainly the link you make is probably more appropriate than the one I’d like to draw. Unfortunately, I know a bit more about postmodernism than I do Fundamentalist Christianity, so I’m better off leaving that argument to somebody who feels comfortable making it - Many do. Also, as you may have guessed from the reference to yams, I’m just dying to compare Bush to Karen Finley.
December 14th, 2004 at 4:01 pm
Ceci n’est pas un ‘holy war’?
December 14th, 2004 at 4:08 pm
Je ne parle pas Français. Et tu?