Contact Me
Friday, May 11, 2007
Asking Questions
Author Wiliam T. Vollmann was interviewed in Bookforum, and that interview was excerpted in the latest Utne. Vollmann's latest book, Poor People, investigates poverty around the world.
From the interview:
Q: You specialize in ambiguity and empathy. You embrace complexity. You're a walk-a-mile-in-his-shoes writer on an epic scale.
A: There's a Turkish proverb: "Whoever says the truth will be chased out of nine villages" I think that's accurate. To truly consider the other point of view is an extremely dangerous, frightening thing to do. We all think, in the abstract, Oh, yeah, there's always another point of view. But what does that mean? Are we really willing to consider al-Qaida's point of view? Or a child molester's point of view? That doesn't mean we have to say those people are right, but it means we have to ask why they do what they do.
From the interview:
Q: You specialize in ambiguity and empathy. You embrace complexity. You're a walk-a-mile-in-his-shoes writer on an epic scale.
A: There's a Turkish proverb: "Whoever says the truth will be chased out of nine villages" I think that's accurate. To truly consider the other point of view is an extremely dangerous, frightening thing to do. We all think, in the abstract, Oh, yeah, there's always another point of view. But what does that mean? Are we really willing to consider al-Qaida's point of view? Or a child molester's point of view? That doesn't mean we have to say those people are right, but it means we have to ask why they do what they do.
posted by Carol at 8:29 AM
2 Comments:
He writes: "Are we really willing to consider al-Qaida's point of view?"
Answer: "Yes, I am", ~but not because I in any way endorse violence. I am eternally curious about most things, and wish to 'hear' what others are saying. I wished to hear what Bin Laden was saying (verbally) outside of the violent actions...
I didn't find it very easy to be able to read his words, it appears his words have been often hid from our eyes?
When I did get to read them, it may surprise some, (as it surprised me!) to find that they came across as more 'sane' than many of the things I have read by 'certain western leaders'.
~~ I repeat: I am implacably opposed to B.L's violent tactics, they are a blot, -a stain upon humanity's right to live without fear of tyranny, but in all honesty (-and shouldn't we all strive to be as honest as we can be, both with ourselves, and with others?) I found them not as bizarre as I was maybe expecting.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Is it the case that there are few human beings who God loathes with a venom? Is it the case that, even in what we may consider to be the most dark-hearted villain, there is still a very small speck of light?
I wonder if adopting that viewpoint enables us to hate less, and to love more, and thus create a more peaceful world?
[-ie: We could strive to "hate the sin but love the sinner".
~ Only yesterday I was thinking about Christ's attitude toward those reputed thieves who were on the crosses either side of him...]
I wonder where they are now?
With love and fraternity,
Yan (UK)
Ps: (I might wish I wasn't labelled 'anony-mouse' here, but due to time constraints I don't have a blog of my own, I just help manage a spiritual website!)
(c:
Good for you for trying to read some of what Osama has said.
I haven't read any of Osama's stuff, but I did try to read some of Ahmadinejad's. The difference of cultures makes it hard to understand completely.
I wonder what it is like for people of other cultures to hear clearly what our "leaders" say. I wonder how much care is taken by the "deciders" in order to communicate clearly and to try to understand the intention behind what they hear.
I didn't realize until now that non-bloggers had to show up as anonymous. Well, thanks for sharing your name so that you aren't COMPLETELY anonymous!
Post a Comment
<< Home