I really enjoyed the uniqueness of the Tao of Pooh . I really appreciated how Hoff used Winnie the Pooh , a very memorable character from the childhoods of many Americans, as the focal point of the book. I really appreciated how Hoff uses the character to display the themes of this Eastern religion. Winnie the Pooh is seen by many Americans as playful and aloof but when looked at closer he truly displays the characteristics of Taoism. Winnie the Pooh appreciates the simple parts of the day that many others really seem to forget about. He really takes life as it is given to him.
Benjamin Hoff talks about America as a culture of Busy Backsons. He uses this note to display how Americans are on the move and how many Americans never give themselves time to appreciate the little things because of their busy lifestyle. This description is very true and I completely agree. There are days when I am constantly on the move and I feel like I have no time to even think. Growing up with Indian parents who weren’t born here, they always talked about how America was the country for opportunity and that no dream was unachievable. Benjamin Hoff talks about how the Busy Backsons run after things that are not necessarily meant for them. I have seen several people struggle and fail in pursuing careers that were just not meant for them. I very much so agree with Hoff on the fact that some things are just not meant for certain people.
As for Taoism being the solution to the problem of American culture I do feel that there are aspects of Taoism that would in fact help the problem of American culture. I appreciate the fact that Taoism talks about taking time to appreciate the smaller things in life. However in my eyes there seems to be a lack of drive and competitiveness in Taoism which is a pinnacle in American culture. Americans thrive on discovery and without it we wouldn’t be where we are today.
I like the point that you brought up about Busy Backsons and how people chase careers that aren't meant for them. so true!
ReplyDeleteI definitely agree with you that Taoism doesn't really seem to support the same principles as American culture does. Adopting Taoism would require a complete shfit of ideals within our culture, because as you said, our culture is so focused on making the next big discovery or chasing after the next great reward. If we were ever to adopt Taoist principles, we would have to make a huge compromise in our values for society. I don't know if the majority of people would be willing to make this compromise, since I think that most people enjoy their Busy Backson lifestyle.
ReplyDeleteI definitely agree with your point that many Americans see pooh as lazy and aloof. Also many Americans arent aware of Taoism principles. I definitely think being a college student puts a damper on being able to "go with the flow," and I definitely have found myself not being able to appreciate the little things. Again, I really agree with your point about Americans lifestyles on thriving and competitiveness.
ReplyDeleteI agree that Hoff using Pooh Bear was a great tactic to relate Taoism to Americans because although i didn't remember any of Pooh Bear's stories before the reading, while i was reading the memories came back and made it really easy to grasp. I also mentioned in my blog entry that my parents were not from this country and i think that coming from a different culture can change your perspective of the book and Taoism in general.
ReplyDeleteI think you make a good point by pointing out the lack of drive and competitiveness in Taoism and how it's a pinnacle of American culture. Taoism might get rid of the Busy Backson lifestyle but it would also get rid of a major essence of American culture. I suppose it's not as great aof a solution as he makes it sound.
ReplyDeleteI like the point you made about how Americans see pooh but he actually has a lot of characteristics of Taoism .
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