loozers are lucky
R.W. (Bob) Erickson
roberte at ripnet.com
Tue Dec 7 12:08:31 PST 2004
What can society do about these people who think that they know something?
Well, first we deny the possibility that they have anything novel to
say, then we arrange to have them find fault with themselves for what
they perceive as their own shortcomings. Then after they have injured
themselves trying to correct this implied deficiency, we tell them that
maybe their ideas had merit, but the only efficient way to assess any
idea, is for the originator to take responsibility for making them
happen. If they are unable to demonstrate the successful application of
the idea, we take this as proof that the idea was no good to begin with.
Such is the application of market theory to the systematic suppression
of unsupported ideas. The attitudes of Winners and Losers alike, are
taken to be the causative factor. We recognize the effect of the self
fulfilling prophesy. In both cases what is going unmentioned is the
structural context. Winners are those we give credit to, Losers face
responsibility for not being creditable. Winners will credit their
success to luck and hard work, but Losers are left to reach the
conclusion that either it is all their personal fault, or they have been
the victim of bad luck.
What to do about the illusion of functional autonomy vs. the principle
of independence?
Self control: we must become sufficiently self aware to realize that
this vital instrument of independence is exactly the force that
imprisons so many of us within a personal hell. As a society we would be
well advised to examine the structural realities that leave so many of
us with broken dreams and a poverty of options. The merit principle is
all very well, but isnt it is a clear sign of a sick society, when we
conflate winning the lottery, with demonstrating competence?
----------------------------
Tim would bake them
John word salads
While Bobrah sells tickets
to a geodesic fantasyland
Detweiler mourns with Vulis,
Choate and Sunder trade insults
While Art and CJ make licences
in an authoritarian nightmare
me, I'm just a lawn mower
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