Feb 7, Chapter 2 Response

One idea that I found interesting in the reading was something that was mentioned in the beginning of the chapter. It discussed the distinction “between what is desired and the desired”. (pg. 28) I think this idea is very relevant to our society. On one hand, this is because there is a set of standards that are deemed ethical and important to follow. Such ideas that fall under this category include having good work ethic, being kind to others, and presenting oneself in a respectable manner in public. On the other hand, people also act and behave in a manner that reflects what they desire on the inside, which can differ greatly from what is desired in society. This can include being lazy, eating the wrong kinds of food, and using slang or bad language. 

Another thing in Chapter 2 that caught my eye was the idea “that all societies, modern or traditional, face the same problems; only the answers are different”. (pg. 29) These problems relate to concepts such as authority, relationship amidst oneself and society, men versus women, and the expression of one’s feelings. More developed countries such as the United States have liberal views on these ideas. Here, the government is a democracy where people vote for government officials. Also, everyone is viewed as equal regardless of race or gender, and people have freedom of speech which can be found in the constitution of the United States. However, less developed countries like those in Africa and the Middle East have different standards on these issues. Within these countries there exists a larger discrepancy between the large, poor working class and the small, authoritative upper class. Also, more power is given to men than to women, and people don’t have as much freedom to express their opinions and feelings. 

Overall I enjoyed reading the chapter and I look forward the activities we will do in class tomorrow that will pertain to the reading!