The Tao of Pooh was a unique way to bring an Eastern tradition into Western perspective by comparing its doctrine to Winnie the Pooh, a core of American culture. I loved the way Hoff analyzes each character. I most enjoyed his twist on the most lovable character, Pooh. Pooh, though the fan favorite is often labeled as silly and foolish. Pooh is wrongly an underestimated. Pooh doesn’t try to fight his position in life. He tastes life as sweet no matter how bitter it may be. For instance, Pooh understands the beauty in waking up in the morning and simply having breakfast, while Piglet hopes something exciting will happen.
To discuss American culture, Hoff uses Christopher Robin’s note, ‘Bisy Backson’, to describe Americans as always in a rush never having time to relax in the small moments. I find this insight as true but nothing revolutionary. The other Eastern traditions we have studied this semester point out the same flaw. The innate patience of Buddhism as shown in Zen Wrapped in Karma Dipped in Chocolate contrasted heavily with the American racing, pulsing spiritual game. However, I felt Hoff delved further in the hurried American way. He sees bisy backsons as constantly chasing something that is not allocated for them by natural law. I strongly support this statement. From just watching American idol, you always see delusional contest with absolutely no talent. Singing does not come naturally to all people. American culture heavily supports that no dream is impossible and that all people are created equal.
I have mixed feelings towards Taoism as the cure for the problem of American culture. On one hand, I believe that a more laissez-faire attitude towards life will bring more happiness to the nation. However, I have concerns. I worry that without a competitive, slightly narcissistic drive innovation would be at a stand still. Innovation supports the globe as it is. If we stop trying to change the natural order of life, we wouldn’t able to fight the famine or disease. Innovation should be a necessary evil for Taoists. Additionally, innovation and imagination go hand in hand. I worry that children will be discouraged from dreaming.
I agree with you I feel like Taoism is a nice thought and sounds like a good way of being. Like being really chill and zin all the time but on the other hand we wouldnt have had the leaps in medicince and science we've had. Mean lives wouldnt have been saved.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with what you said about how Taoism really isn't a solution to American culture. I said something similar in my blog about how I feel that there would be no drive to push ourselves and discover things as we have today. I feel that our country would really be at a standstill.
ReplyDeleteI have to disagree with how black and white you presented the solution of Taoism. I do not think that the choices are only be an overly ambitious narcissist or be a lazy, good-for-nothing couch potato. Aligning yourself with the Tao means following your inner nature and doing the exact right thing at the exact right moment. It do not mean do absolutely nothing. If your desire is to be innovative and to create something, then you should seek to do that. To ignore that passion for innovation would be misaligning yourself with the Tao. Following you Tao in this case would just make the process of creation easier for you. You would be doing what you needed to when you needed to do it. That is the Taoist way.
ReplyDeleteI agree with what you said in your final paragraph. Just keep in mind, this country is plagued by plenty of disorders related to stress,lack of sleep and other problems that could be cured by simply relaxing or taking on fewer responsibilities day to day. Taoism isn't the "cure" per se, but it could be the solution for some people.
ReplyDeleteI think your example of American Idol and the delusional contestants is a good one for the Busy Backsons chasing after something that is not meant to be theirs. I'm also going to have to agree with Amber's comment. The competitive people in the world will still strive to be the best but they'll simply do it at their own pace. Nothing would be forced, and no one would be rushing all the time.
ReplyDeleteI didn't really see the connection to American Idol. I feel like Taoism could be used to justify a lot of the really awful contestants because it would say that if you feel like singing, sing, even if you're no good at it.
ReplyDeletei agree with the point you made about if there wasn't competition then we would be as a standstill as a culture
ReplyDelete