Comments on: V for Vendetta, Part 5

By: Fatima

Fatima — Thu, 23 Mar 2006 04:38:05 +0000

And maybe the reason we have sooo many symbols, and keep asking for more, is that those very symbols are what we need, what we want, what why aspire to as humans… For humanity, all we need to do is look around… It is well within reach.
Something to look up to, now, that’s motivating.

By: Jacob

Jacob — Thu, 23 Mar 2006 03:38:26 +0000

I think we’re starting to get into a crazy wisdom mind-space here, at least I am. The idea that we can’t be self-transcending heroic symbols for our greatest ideals, and at the same time be a stupid fucking monkey seems like a false dichotomy to me. There’s really no contradiction here if we have the sophistication to simply accept these extremes of being as “ourselves”, and allow ourselves to shift in and out of them with ease (or even occupy both simultaneously!)

This is what makes someone a hero, or even a Christ figure–both man and god.

By: Tim Boucher

Tim Boucher — Wed, 22 Mar 2006 21:05:57 +0000

Timinsf: I modified your link above to what I *thought* you were referring to…

By: timinsf

timinsf — Wed, 22 Mar 2006 20:32:09 +0000

“Batman Begins” Tackles Cults of Assassins

By: china krys darrington

china krys darrington — Wed, 22 Mar 2006 20:13:26 +0000

I haven’t seen the movie *yet* but I’m familiar with the story and I enjoyed your commentary on humanity vs. ideology. As a person who has chosen the path of single motherhood, I’ve changed my priorities so that my humanity (and the practical responsibilities that accompany it) takes the important front row. I however, do not “let go” of my ideology. I just wear it like a looser fitting cloak. I still practice and hone my thoughts. I challenge my own perceptions and dialog with others who will challenge me. I try to embrace my humanity by studying the dharma which is a path in which humanity IS ideology…

It is a delicate path to walk…but the elegance is in finding the balance between supporting my ideals and embracing my humanity. When it works, it is a beautiful thing. When I struggle…I go back to the breath. Thanks for your blog. I enjoy it immensely.

By: jp

jp — Wed, 22 Mar 2006 20:11:14 +0000

i can think of another symbol worth clinging to:

?

seriously, i often think the most essential aspect of ‘basic humanity’ is our willingness to ask questions. of course, that leads us into the trap of dr. faustus (a double-bind!)…. faustus essentially is granted every success by mephistopheles until the point at which faust is completely satisfied. faust accomplishes great deeds, does some dirty work, hangs out with the devil but finally reaches a point where he no longer wants to ask new questions, at which mephistopheles claims his soul. but, in the end, he’s redeemed anyhow, because, “Whoever strives in ceaseless toil, Him we may grant redemption.”

By: skip wiley

skip wiley — Wed, 22 Mar 2006 19:03:34 +0000

as i finsihed reading the last few setences of this post, the image that formed in my mind was of a hoarde of people following a leader in a very dark forest. this leader carried a very bright torch, the light of which mesmerized all who followed. as they walk on, the flame they’re staring at seems to become brighter and brighter. the flip-side of this becomes clear when the light goes out. suddenly, everyone finds themselves blinded by the darkness. the brighter the light (we glare at), the more gaping the surrounding darkness becomes.

what you said about “clinging onto a symbol” is right on. just the other day i found myself bummed that i had failed to “live up to” the standards i’d set for myself. i was being nagged by laziness, frustration, and indifference — all things i had sworn against. and then i realized it was like fighting a wave. what was i running from? myself — my humanity. so i turned around, stopped fighting, and let myself enjoy the current. it doesnt meean i have to be a slave to my lesser qualities. but to deny our impulses, (to quote the matrix), “is to deny the very thing that makes us human”