Navigating the Paradox of Historical Literature and Modern Moral Standards
The ever-evolving landscape of societal norms and cultural awareness often challenges our understanding and appreciation of historical literary works. Books, like life itself, are not politically correct. This inherent contradiction raises several intriguing questions: How do we reconcile beloved books of the past that are now deemed politically incorrect? Can we place today’s moral standards on works written in the context of vastly different times and societal beliefs?
Understanding the Context
One cannot judge a book by today's moral standards if that book was written in an age with a vastly different set of beliefs. If we were to write a book about the murder of George Floyd, for example, would it be appropriate to leave out his race and instead portray him as white, adding black police officers just to ensure the book aligns with modern political correctness (PC)? The very concept is absurd and unacceptable. Authors write within the context of their time, and we should try to understand their work rather than imposing today's standards.
Entertainment and Insight
I read books for entertainment and insight into the minds of people from different eras. I might marvel at how little human progress we’ve made, but I avoid labeling the writers or their works as inherently wrong because of their time and cultural context. For instance, a classic like Gone with the Wind is a masterpiece of its time, full of entertainment value and historical insights. However, it's clear that an updated version of the novel would be difficult, if not impossible, to reconcile with contemporary values and sensibilities.
Political Correctness and Its Impact
The topic of political correctness (PC) is often a contentious one. Former President Obama once praised Dr. Seuss as a source of essential knowledge. Yet, the same books that were once celebrated are now subject to censorship and deletion. This reflects a broader issue: when political correctness becomes more important than the contextual understanding of literature, we risk losing valuable historical and cultural perspectives.
Observe how former President Obama, who enjoyed Dr. Seuss books, was later criticized by a librarian who found the author's illustrations steeped in racist propaganda and harmful stereotypes. The tragedy here is not in the existence of these harmful illustrations but in the knee-jerk reactions that often accompany them. Politicians and public figures are often too quick to ban or censor works without fully understanding their historical and cultural significance.
The True Meaning of Political Correctness
Political correctness, like communist propaganda, is fundamentally about humiliation and control. In communist societies, forced obedience to lies and propaganda erodes individuals' sense of probity and self-worth. The same can be said of rote conformity to modern political correctness. True political correctness should prioritize critical thinking and understanding over rote compliance with morally bankrupt ideas. To bow to modern moral standards without critical thought is a form of mental enslavement, a condition described as Stockholm syndrome.
Closing Thoughts
Historical literature is a tapestry of the past, and while we should appreciate and learn from it, we must also understand it in its context. Modern moral standards are not always the finest reflection of our humanity. The challenge lies in balancing our respect for the past with our need to progress and change. Understanding literature in its historical context is key to recognizing both the progress and the ongoing challenges of our evolving society.