RE: Psychology Addict # 62 | Joker & Frankeinstein – A Matter of Identity.
Dear Abigail,
I was so interested in the subject of this blog, that I printed it out. What you get from me now is my immediate impression...but I will be reading some of your sources, especially Kozoll and Osborne. I'd like to understand how science enables someone who feels apart to be reconciled with society. I'm guessing that it is through understanding--of others and the reasons behind their behavior--but that's just a guess.
I read Szasz, many years ago, and also agree with much of what he says (think: Rosenhan experiment). I'm also familiar with the work of Robert Park. Park (you probably know) looks at marginalization from a sociological perspective. And of course, a struggle with the perception of self has been a theme in great literature. As with Frankenstein and The Joker, working out this conflict makes a compelling story. I think it's compelling because all of us are challenged to accommodate our inner selves with the world. For most people, that challenge is met (generally after a tumultuous adolescence 😁), but sometimes the gulf is too great to cross. From that looming, painful gulf, madness or badness may grow.
This was brilliant blog. I think you illustrate beautifully how the best art informs us about our own lives--as do your blogs.
Have a most wonderful day, Abigail.
From peaceful NY (at the moment),
With Affection and Respect,
AG
@agmoore2,
Kozoll and Osborne's research is a beautiful qualitative study where they interview various students from different backgrounds (e.g. African-Americans and Immigrants from Mexico). Your guess about their findings is incredibly accurate!
For example, Keith is a student of Jamaican origins. Based on the material from his (open) interview, the researcher concluded (p.177):
As for Andrea, a young female student who even after leaning English felt isolated in school, science served a bridge that connected her to the world (p.174):
Rosenhan's experiment is quite something! I wrote about here on Steemit a couple of years ago. Is there better evidence to support Szasz's claims? No, there is not. Still, unlike Szasz I don't entirely disregard the medical validity of mental health problems. And , yes, I am familiar with the works of Robert Park (mostly on culture and race) from back in the days of my social sciences and social psychology studies.
I could not agree more with you:
This is precisely how I see it, when standing from a social point of view. I don't think many people get this @agmoore2 It appears that a lot of people think that when individuals end up with an identity of mad or bad, it's just because of an easy choice they made :/ and of course, there may be some level of compassion for those who end up with the "mad" identity, but for those with the "bad" one. Just forget it. There is no redemption for them.
I always look forward to your feedback, but some weeks more than others. This is one of the weeks I anxiously awaited your comment. Because of how emphatic you are towards the vulnerable in society. I am so happy you like this blog! You even printed it <3 Thank you for let me know my dear friend. It truly made me smile with my heart.
Much love, from cloudy Portugal :*
With endless affection from across the ocean!
Such a rich response. First, hard copy for me is the ideal form. When I want to analyze something in detail (even my own work) I print it out if there aren't too many pages. I guess that's because I grew up with hard copy.
Thanks for the reference to Kozoll and Osborne. I read up a bit on them. I love these two guys. They both want good things for young people. Both want to close the education gap that keeps many young people from achieving full potential. And I understand about science--in a way I relate. In a world out of kilter, where inequity exists and is a daily challenge, objective rules are reassuring. These apply to everyone. They cannot be bent by bias or misperception.
And science is a creative, intellectual refuge that can be very personal. Fortunate are the children who have the skills, and ability, to use this refuge.
Having empathy for someone who is mad, not bad---I understand that. Our first impulse is to survive, and bad can be a threat to security. So ostracism and even incarceration are quick and obvious remedies. Of course, that means we throw a lot of people away. How does that make sense? And if we don't try to understand, how do we prevent bad from becoming the path our children choose?
You see, you make me think. Thank you. Rest up. When you come back, I'm expecting another eye-opening, inspiring blog.
With respect, appreciation, and affection,
AG