This week we learned about Georg Simmel and his concept of "The Stranger". The idea that someone "...who is remote is near." I honestly thought this idea was kind of humorous, just because of how he words this. It sounds quite ominous, like some elusive person. But it really does make sense, the concept that someone is physically near you and yet you do not really notice them or know much about them. They are near and far at the same time. It is a strange thing, indeed. But it makes perfect sense.
I liked the example we used in class when we said that this is kind of like when you meet the friend of a friend. You know their name, what they look like, and funny stories about them. And yet they are still a mystery because this is all second-hand information you've collected over time. You've never actually heard their voice say their name, or seen the color of their eyes because they are staring back at you, and you've never actually witnessed them doing some of those goofy, endearing things your friend has talked about before. I think another example that I have experienced would be when you have foreign exchange students in your class. You usually can tell by an accent, or a strange looking choice of clothing... or even a simple complexion difference can be an indicator that this person is different than you. You do not know much about them, but you notice them. They are remote and yet near.
It is easy to look at the "stranger" and just see someone different than you. You choose to always remain as strangers, and you move on with your life. I feel like all my blogs end with me talking about giving people a chance, but it's something I've learned a lot in my short 20 years of life. Even in class talking about Muslim Americans...seeing how amazing those people are, and then seeing how mistreated they are made me so sad. We're missing out on people who have great ideas and life experiences to share. You grow when you get to know someone who is different than you. Maybe it's a good idea to make that "stranger" in your life anything but that.
Check out this sweet video!
"Fear makes strangers of people who should be friends."
-Shirley MacLaine
Natalie, I too really enjoyed what Simmel had to say about the stranger concept. Good thoughts over all. I agree with the fact that in this world we see people, consider them strangers, and move on. We walk right on past people without even stopping and showing that we care and want to hear their own life story. People so badly want to be heard in today's day and age, but everyone is too busy with their own lives. Most of your blogs do end in how everyone needs to be given a fair chance, but it is a valid enough point that people need to continually hear it. I also really enjoyed your video and quote.
ReplyDelete