Reply
Thu 27 Apr, 2006 06:40 am
A friend of mine who is going through a difficult time asked this question. I said I would give her an answer. Anyway before I do, any input from a2k would be appreciated.
What is conventional? An individual life can only be contrasted against the background of other people. But the background is changing all the time. How do you measure conventional when conventions change?
Thanks
That's a rather difficult question, and, in a sense, you have begged the question at the outset, with regard to the observation that conventions change. Certain things do seem to be universal, though: having a roof over one's head, having a sufficient diet, having clothing which is not only adequate to the climate, but reasonably attractive, having access to what are currently the desired artifacts of one's society (cars, electronic "toys" of various sorts).
I would suggest that in a world in which cultures are blending, there is a fair amount of lattitude in determining which conventions one prefers. It would seem to me that with regard to a woman, the question of whether or not one marries, and whether or not one has children, loom large.
Mind boggling statistic:
More than 95% of Americans consider themselves unconventional.
thanks Set and Noddy
Is that a genuine stat Noddy? or a classic example of the observation "90% of all statistics are made up on the spot"?
Lady in question is really really nice person. Ex English teacher. My homework is 500 words on what it means to be conventional, to be in by tomorrow. If not, i'm "for it"...oh I do hope so...
Every reasonable perceptive adult knows that statistics are the leading cause of cancer.
Noddy24 wrote:Mind boggling statistic:
More than 95% of Americans consider themselves unconventional.
That's a funny stat for a society that allows TV and magazines to tell them how to dress and act.
That's one of the more witless contentions i've read today.
Setanta wrote:That's one of the more witless contentions i've read today.
Was that refering to my post?
Well, i'd have written drivel rather than post, but, yes, it was.
Okay, so you obviously disagree. Please explain. My contention is that we are such a celebrity-driven society, worshiping those in movies and music videos, that we have very little sense of unconvention anymore. If you can't afford the look you see a celebrity wearing, then someone somewhere makes a cheaper knockoff you can buy.
Mencken wrote that no one ever weht broke underestimating the taste of the American public. Like all such statements, while witty and amusing, it is not ultimately true. Had he written the taste of most of the American public, then it would have been more accurate, and closer to the truth. However, it is no more and no less likely that the citizens of any industrialized nation are as influenced by magazine and television advertising than are the Americans. The use of the locution: ". . . allows TV and magazines to tell them how to dress and act" is completely unwarranted, and, in my never humble opinion, witless.
Hmm. Interesting. It's not the view I have of it, but it's certainly worth chewing on. Maybe I'm just disillusioned. Or maybe it's that it's not Friday. One to grow on.
Boy, it's nice to finally find a forum where one can disagree with another's statement without being run out of town and permanently removed from the site.
Aw come on, give me a chance . . . i've just met you--it will take some time to decide to and find the best means to completely belittle and humiliate you . . .
Here, I'll give you some hints: I'm overweight and single. That alone should be enough ammo to last everyone here for about 20 or so years. But then we'd have to move this to the Humor forum. Or the Curled Up In The Fetal Position Crying forum.
Yeah, Set always gives the newbies a break before trying to run them off. You'll probably be allowed 20 or so posts before getting Set riled up. :wink:
Hmm. Another A2K dust-up. How conventional...
Well, at least I know the people here pay attention to all the posts, and not just those from members they know. Nothing says "hello" quite as well as a good swift kick in an uncomfortable area.
Well, i'm middle aged, single and overweight--and i just sit on people if they really piss me off.
And I'm just a short, silly clown. So I try to avoid getting sat on by Set at all costs.
Setanta wrote:Well, i'm middle aged, single and overweight--and i just sit on people if they really piss me off.
That could make for an interesting ice breaker at a party. It's also a good way to meet women. It probably won't get you very far, but you'll certainly meet them.