Date: 2014-09-19 06:26 pm (UTC)
anotherslashfan: "We exist - be visible" caption on dark background. letter x is substituted with double moon symbol for bisexuality (0)
(ETA: Ooops, I think I came across a bit harshly in this? Your thoughts on this topic are very inspiring! You do well in pointing out that the "a product of their time" argument is usually apologistic --- my approach in instances like this is usually to search for a way to break out of the confines that arguments like the one you're criticizing present.)

I think the inherent problem of the "product of their time" argument lies in its implied judgment of a person, and furthermore the idea that a person's actions as a whole can be integrated into what we perceive as their character. So what if it is hard to evaluate the moral standards a person shows in their actions - we can still talk about and evaluate the actions themselves - and yes, compare them to the actions contemporary people took. I totally understand (and share) the impulse to think about people in terms of good or bad (or progressive, or reactionary, whatever), but I feel that when it comes to problematic aspects, talking about concrete actions instead of trying to integrate them into our preconceived notion of what a "good" person is supposed to be like makes true discussion possible (or at least more feasible).
If you don't have an account you can create one now.
HTML doesn't work in the subject.
More info about formatting

If you are unable to use this captcha for any reason, please contact us by email at support@dreamwidth.org

Profile

sasha_feather: Retro-style poster of skier on pluto.   (Default)
sasha_feather

July 2025

S M T W T F S
  1234 5
6789101112
13141516171819
20212223242526
2728293031  

Most Popular Tags

Style Credit

Expand Cut Tags

No cut tags
Page generated Jul. 7th, 2025 10:25 am
Powered by Dreamwidth Studios