I've been thinking about it quite a bit lately, given the unconscionable antics of our elected reprehensives (who are now on vacation, having stiffed about 24,000 FAA workers who are without jobs and pay). Here are a few things to think about on the subject of bullshit.
First, this marvelous song from Grace Jones (from the album "Warm Leatherette") ...
Then we have this wonderful book by Harry G. Frankfurt ($9.95 at Amazon.com) ...
Mr Frankfurt says eloquently,
“One of the most salient features of our culture is that there is so much bullshit. Everyone knows this. Each of us contributes his share. But we tend to take the situation for granted. Most people are rather confident of their ability to recognize bullshit and to avoid being taken in by it. So the phenomenon has not aroused much deliberate concern. We have no clear understanding of what bullshit is, why there is so much of it, or what functions it serves.”
Au contraire, Mr Frankfurt ... there are 535 overpaid buffoons soaking up oxygen on Capitol Hill who can tell you exactly what functions it serves.
Remember the Republican "Contract with America" ... especially the part about the "Job Creation and Wage Enhancement Act" they promised? I didn't think so. I'm not sure I remember the last time the GOP mentioned jobs, except in the context of trumpeting about why taxes kill them. About creating them ... not so much.
And if you would like to have a nice glass of wine while you consider the topic of bullshit, you can enjoy it while reading Richard Quandt's erudite article titled "On Wine Bullshit."
So, join me in helping to limit bullshit ...
Your country needs you to take a stand on this critical issue.
Just watch where you step.
Have a good day. More thoughts tomorrow.
Bilbo
In my opinion, people use the term 'bullshit' ambivalently: sometimes (as in the sense you are citing) it carried a negative weight; sometimes positive. I remember someone being described as a 'bullshit artist.' I can assure you that the use was metaphorical!
ReplyDeleteLikewise, horseshit. I've heard of 'happy horseshit.'
On the other hand, the feces of other species do not fare as well. Take 'chickenshit": it can be used as a descriptor for cowardice, or for something that is petty and unnecessary. And batshit? The most common useage is when someone is described as 'batshit crazy.' Whatever the origins of that expression, its meaning is unequivocal.
Haven't seen the no bullshit sign in awhile. It's past time to bring it out again.
ReplyDeleteThe Daily Show did a piece recently about the Debt Limit Crisis but focused on the nation almost reaching it's Bullshit Limit, having had it up to here (the neck) but soon projected to be up to here (above the head). They warned of the dire consequences to our country when the limit was reached. The Media "talking heads" and politicians in particular would have had to be silent. Now that's something we can all support!
ReplyDelete