Ignorance is bliss...

I find Marxism utterly confusing. I believe the source of my confusion lies in what Karl Marx actually wrote, and in how Marxism is interpreted particularly in government. To be honest with you, to better grasp this philosophy (is it a philosophy?), I would have to spend a great deal of time reading more of Karl Marx’ writing and draw my own conclusions… which in itself may, again, be a misinterpretation of his theory (is it a theory?). I just know that there are times I really like Marx and other times that I think it’s a load of crap. I guess I am just really confused. If there is anyone out there who is a Marx expert, where can I go to explore Karl Marx and his theory(?)/philosophy(?)/system(?). It seems that everything I have read contradicts other things that I have read. My head is a big question mark.

I would also like to comment on something mentioned in class. One of our Cuban classmates mentioned that in Cuba, abortion is seen as not a big deal. “It is just something that you do.” I guess it kind of relates to “Abortion is Illegal.” Although I understand that this approaches abortion in political terms, it still bothers me. I feel that it is a real tragedy that in Cuba, and here, and elsewhere in the world, human beings are reduced and degenerated to a mere statistic; just a number. I mean here we are in literature class, discussing books such as The Sentimental Education and how art is viewed as a commodity being sold in the same catalogue as a pair of boots. We are all shocked at how art has been devalued and mass-produced. I don’t know, but for me, a human life is even more valuable than a painting, or a sculpture, or a book. Why, then, in certain societies, is a human being reduced to such a status? It’s sickening really.

Anyways, I just think it is very interesting that societies place value on humans based on their “wantedness” and “need” within that society. One family wants a child, another family doesn’t. Nevertheless, there is still a child involved. What makes one child’s life more valuable than the other? Money? Social Status? Race? If this child had been one year older, the thought of placing value on these children because of any of these characteristics would be frowned-upon. Also, if a family is well-off and then 2 years down the road, becomes poor, do they then have the right to get rid of a child? Of course not.

It just seems we have things backwards sometimes. Human beings should be valued, and so should differences. We are not all the same and every life counts. With war, with abortion, with mass production, with a lot of businesses, humans are dehumanized to products… to necessities… to mere objects to be disposed of as we see fit. We stand up for equality, for justice, for peace... but only for those which are “worthy” of our attention. We choose who deserves these rights. Isn’t that a bit hypocritical?

Overall our society lacks personal responsibility. We are selfish beings who do what is convenient and look for excuses. Not to be a downer, but it sickens me… and sometimes, I sicken myself.

I need some chocolate ;)