I take issue with the invalidation of emotions and "meanings" that we discussed in class, such as warped definitions of love, happiness, success, and justice. In existentialism, social constructs are just mirages that we use to hide our fears. I am fully aware that these constructs exist; the multitude of messages about love through media portrayals is enough evidence of its existence. Look at any of the older Disney movies and you'll find misguided and sexist definitions of love and happiness.
However, just because social constructs exist, that doesn't mean that we as humans don't experience emotions or opinions. My definition of love may be different than yours, but that doesn't alter the fact that there is an emotional response and meaning behind the word.
For example, a classmate mentioned how there is a genuine feeling of love when he's surrounded by his friends. Is his definition of love tainted or defined by external influences such as the media? Most likely. As humans, we are shaped by our experiences and environment. But, that doesn't mean that just because social constructs exist, we don't have emotion. For example, consider science. Our bodies release endorphins and oxytocin. Guess what? That makes us feel, and that makes us human.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThinking about our discussions in class, I think we've taken a very "slash-and-burn" kind of approach to understanding existentialism. I take issue with the idea that the logic of existentialism invalidates the "logic" of social constructs. Yes, we feel, and that makes us human. Existence precedes essence, and our feelings define our existence. While nothing may have absolute (universal) value, what feel and experience is as real to us as physical stimuli- love may be an "illusion," but it's an illusion as real to us as anything else. In essence, the existence of social constructs may "taint" a value, but all of our experiences- our RADICAL SUBJECTIVITY- are already a collection of "tainted" realities. Is there really any difference between something we feel and something we think we feel?
ReplyDeleteI totally see where you're coming from Sophie. Even though the concept of love is a social construct, according to discussions in class, it's still one that exists and I think it's important to acknowledge and validate that. Just saying it's a construct doesn't give someone a free pass to escape it.
ReplyDelete