Helping students to understand the outcomes of their assumptions.
These are comments I send to each student after they have written their final project for one of my classes. The lines of thought deal with issues of anthropology, sociology, and economics based on the movie “Parasite” (Joon-ho, 2019). Most students write about class, capitalism, discrimination, equity, or the like as a theme that they draw from the movie and then do a semester full of research on their topic. I have suggested alternate viewpoints throughout the semester, pointing out socio-economic approaches students in a public university do not always hear. Student tendencies espouse a general socialistic perspective where “government” is seen as having jurisdiction over monetary affairs. I never press my views on students but I surely have them consider the implications of theirs (or any) socio-economic theory.
My general comments about the “Argumentative Writing” final project:
- Definitions of words matter. Words such as flourishing, economics, discrimination, prejudice, class, status, bourgeoisie, or capitalism all deserve to be defined as they are used in your paper. And remember, whoever controls the definition, controls the conversation. Your responsibility is to be evenhanded in your coverage.
- Humility and charity matter even with those groups with whom you desperately disagree. Verbiage that demeans any individual or institution detracts from rather than adds to your position.
- Beliefs about humanity and authority are woven through every single discipline. What you believe about the nature of people – whether people are perfectible or corruptible – and what you believe about authority – is the source of right and wrong solely human or does it include a transcendent source? – will impact every single point of view you hold.
- There are three “families” in Parasite, not just two. Joon-ho’s point is that status is not simply one pitting the “rich” against the “poor” but includes how the “poor” treat those who are “poorer.” The “human condition” intersects all ethnic, national, and class lines.
- Try to consider problems as “human” rather than pitting one group against another. To point out a problem and seek a solution is one thing; to disparage others – and in the process, making enemies – is quite another.
- Discussions of economics are, at their core, ethical discussions. The trust we put in a system of stewarding wealth assumes our predisposition to right and wrong. And if the “human condition” is the central problem of ethics, then any economic system can degenerate.
- If you believe you must replace an economic system such as capitalism, you must immediately ask, “What is the replacement?” And if you choose a replacement, have you investigated how that economic system has been a benefit or a detriment to the poor where it has been tried elsewhere in world and throughout history? How does any economic system impact the poor, whom you wish to serve?
- Considering your general concern for the poor, what will you do personally to care for those less economically fortunate around you, right now, where you live? Remember, change begins with you.
- Never forget that a government does not have any money. Government does not create wealth (though its policies surely impact wealth creation). Government services are available only through taxpayer dollars. When you say, “The government should pay . . .” remember it’s your money you are talking about.
- Always remember that there are different points of view on any subject. Be wary of accepting the arguments of those with whom you already agree. Search out the other side. Consider your sources. Ask, “Am I being fair to the position or people I’m critiquing?”