Posted on 02/02/2004 12:50:44 PM PST by mhking
We're not sure how it works, but we know it has something to do with self-restraint. Many of the things we "don't do" in our society (like baring breasts in public) are totally arbitrary. But they help us get across to children the concept of there being things that "you just don't do" and they also serve as a kind of "Identification Friend or Foe" that is essential as we navigate our way among strangers in our enormous communities.
Someone who accepts the generally-recognized taboos is displaying evidence of having been socialized as a civilized human. It happens, but the guy in a coat and tie who suddenly pulls out a knife and stabs you is a rarity. These little restrictions we place on ourselves may seem stupid and silly, but as a device for communicating "I am capable of self-restraint and I know basic civilized behavior," they save us a lot of time.
Secretary Rumsfeld is almost hilarious in the way he uses 1950's language to swear. His is an extremely sophisticated act, and one thing it shows us is how many of the taboos that used to restrain people's behavior are gone now. When I was a kid, adults of a certain social class did not say 'Damn' or 'Hell' in public. All of that is gone now. We've all seen corporate CEO's spew the f-word in meetings as if it's an everyday word, the way Rumsfeld uses "Oh, goodness gracious no."
When 'Hell' and 'damn' entered the everyday lexicon, the signs were still saying "Savagery 110 miles."
A lot of people saw what happened on TV yesterday -- and it wasn't just Janet and her boob -- as the sign that says "Pavement ends 500 feet."
Is that an over-reaction? I don't think it is. The signs that there is a fundamental "self-restraint" problem out there are all around us. This thing yesterday just happened to hit us over the head with it in a very symbolic way.
Keeping certain, totally arbitrary body parts covered is not being prudish, it is broadcasting to those around you "I am not a danger to you because I know how self-restraint works and I practice it." At one time, not making certain arbitrary mouth-noises was another of those signals. These public displays of self-restraint exist in civilizations because they are useful. When they are all gone, we will not know friend from foe. We will not know who can be trusted, and who can't. Our civilization will be impossible to conduct.
Very good. I've also seen it said this way: "Let it all hang out? It took us 2000 years to tuck it all in!"
From the Houston DA's office (by email):
I concur with your outrage but the law in Texas does not criminalize the exposure of a woman's breast in public. The touching of the breast of another to gratify sexual desire is only specifically prohibited if the person touched is under the age of 17 years. I did not see the act, but as I understand the facts, Ms. Jackson could have filed an assault complaint. I do not know whether she has done so or not.
I have been here a few years, and I am not sure I am 'up to snuff on what a hideous act this was'. Did I miss a class that was offered last semester?
The UNcovered book was simply the tip of the iceberg (if you'll pardon the pun). The whole halftime show was a disgusting display of simulated sex acts and crotch grabbing. Oh, and the lyrics to most of the songs were just as pleasant. I was tuned in to watch a football game, not MTV filth. Children and families should be able to watch ANY football game, much less the Super Bowl without being "exposed" to such garbage.
Rock, be rocked, or step aside (a-la Z-Rock).
Trajan88
I have watched almost every single football game this year, not once do i see a halftime. Unlike you fairweather fans, I am busy making food or drinks, using the facilities and otherwise preparing for the second half. I don't tune in to the Super Bowl to watch halftime and the commercials. There is ALWAYS an alternative to the halftime show. Many channels used to countdown to the 2nd half with a timer, so you wouldn't miss any football, and I am sure there are still channels that do that.
Since when is the halftime show a part of the game? You say you were tuned in to watch football, but you don't even mention how good the game was. Where was the backlash against NBC when they showed the women's soccer team strip down, on a tape-delayed broadcast? They made the concious decision to show that after they saw it happen. So, it's ok for NBC to show our women's soccer team celebrate without shirts in the Olympics, but a musician gives us a little teaser and its the end of the world. Convoluted logic if you ask me.
Well, now that you mention it, humboldtconservative's post #40, which you responded to, was not addressed to you. Whazzup with that??
LIBERALS CANNOT BE TRUSTED
She may have gotten the attention ... but at the expense of so many
Today we should be talking about the game .. Instead we are talking about her breast
It's a very sad day when we have to have parental supervision to watch a Super Bowl Game
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