So I would like to start off by saying Postmodernism for Beginners is not doing much for me. I mean you would think something that is supposedly supposed to be for “beginners” would be relatively simple and easy to read, but I constantly find myself confused or lost. But as it is obliviously these Postmodernism ideas are pretty advanced and complicated so they are interesting to learn about.
Usually when we hear myth or legend we think of a fictitious story, maybe something to do with tradition, that concerns some hero or even. In reality though, these myths can be describing a true event, and be used as an oral history, to tell how something has happened.. To explain history. Postmodernism talks about the idea of “Grand Narratives”. Lyotard claims a Grand Narrative is composed of numerous little stories instead of just one big one. This is an abstract idea that is thought to be a comprehensive explanation of historical experience or knowledge. As Lyotard says, “'and not one of these little stories can dominate or explain the rest”. Basically, what were talking about is a story about a story, bringing it altogether to create a bigger picture.
Having a grand narrative like this can lead to a dystopia like that in 1984 and A Brave New World. Especially if its power ends up in the corrupt hands of the wrong people or government. A good example of the results in a Brave New World would be how scared the people are of the idea of Mothers and Fathers, or even having a child. Another thing I found interesting while reading this week was the idea of the savages and what is said of them, “[They] still preserve their repulsive habits and customs… marriage, families no conditioning, monstrous superstitions… Christianity and totemism and ancestor worship.. extinct languages..” These “savages” are how we live today.
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I totally understand what you are saying about how Postmodermism is so hard to comprehend with! The ideas are strange but interesting to learn about. I liked how you focused on a narrative being more than one big story, and stating it can be little stories brought together as a whole. You had a strong quote in explaining it in saying, "and not one of these little stories can dominate or explain the rest." Each little details in different story have an impact of the narrative as a whole, if one were misplaced and taken out of it, the narrative might change its meaning ultimately. I would just suggest to talk about the myths a little more because you seemed to dominate on the narratives! I would have loved to hear more of what you had to say about that topic as well. I also was fond of your example of how a grand narrative can lead to a dystopia. I completely agree because in each of the stories, this is exactly what happens and it is completely relatable. Good Job Shrimpy Wimpy!
ReplyDeleteVery good post!! i love whenever i read somehting that you wrote it makes me not even want to write anymore! I thought you interpreted how you used the sotries very well to rlate to what you were thinking and how you incorporated them into your post. It seems like you spent a lot of time really finiding the deeper meaning of what Postmodernism, Brave New World, and 1984 relate to narratives. You were able to positivley compare what you think of a narrative to the way the novels thought it was very clearly. Whenever I read something that you have written i always get a better understanding of the relationship the books have and it makes me look at things with a diffrent perspective. Good job Combs!!!
ReplyDeleteSo i totally agree about how the book is completely confusing. The good part is we go over it in class. My title for my blog is Postmodernism is DEFINITELY for beginners. Okay..antyways...so i totally agree with how a grand narrative leading to a dystopia like the books we read. The myths being a true story instead of just a made up story is sa good thought. I always thought it was just a "indian" story. Also, good job in comparing grand narratives and myths and great quotes. However, you should add more comments to what you think about the savages and comparing to us. Altogether, good job.
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Combs you are the man! I pretty much agree completely to what you have to say. What I liked most though was probably your last paragraph when you talked about,"how a grand narritive can lead to a dystopia like in 1984 and Brave New World." This is completely true and exactly why we should keep the power of government away from the corrupt like you said. I also like how you incorporated the negative feelings towards "savages" in their society. It is true to say that right now we are more like the savages, but who knows how things will change as time passes. Good Job!
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