http://www.theonion.com/articles/grad-student-deconstructs-takeout-menu,85/
The (il)logical result of too much deconstruction. Arguably also a deconstruction of deconstruction itself, as it shows just how difficult life would be if one were to question everything. The simplest and most routine tasks can be deconstructed, if one were inclined to do so. But things like eating and holding a conversation could become very difficult.
After all, sometimes a whale is just a whale.
It creates an interesting scenario: In the process of accepting that the world is full of narratives that can be deconstructed, aren't we inherently creating a narrative unto itself? As a result, there is this sense of centerlessness which is, admittedly the point yet still, centerlessness itself can be seen as a kind of narrative.
ReplyDeletePutting the cyclical epistemology for just a moment, what does it say when we deconstruct the world around us. Does it become necessary then for us to contrive meaning in order to function, or is there a reason why we naturally gravitate toward a constructed narrative?
Stephanie, I LOVE this! I'm all for these complex theories. Studying philosophy for the first time and all these intelligent insights on life really changed my way of thinking. BUT sometimes and in some scenarios I think it goes a little far. There are parts of life that I believe you should just enjoy and let us humans be human without CARING what it means for a little while. Simple conversation and eating like you said are two perfect examples. Do I really care what eatting a salad rather then a steak might mean on another level NO! Im just hungry! And Eric I would comment on your post as well but after writing my paper my head hurts too much to read it..maybe Im just bitter at this point.
ReplyDelete-Jodie
this reminded me of something i'd found while researching Becket earlier this semester. another Onion article, this one about a critical analysis of 23 blank pages believed to be a lost Becket play.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.theonion.com/articles/scholars-discover-23-blank-pages-that-may-as-well,1946/
i think there is a point where deconstruction crosses a line between valuable analysis that furthers the readers understanding and and absurdity. To answer Eric's question I would say that people as a collective are lazy. We gravitate toward constructed narratives because the make sense, are simpler to understand and require less work on the part of the reader. furthermore we gravitate toward constructed narratives because deconstructing everything in life would result in a deconstruction of all function. to some extent we need a constructed reality for society to run anywhere near smoothly.
^ That's a fantastic article.
ReplyDeleteAnd if there isn't a story, people will invent one. I think it was brought up in in class that anything left unauthorized or unknown invites people to make their own story. The unknown is one of humanity's greatest fears, and if making a story up helps to ease that fear, then is it really so bad?