French president Nicholas Sarkozy is recently pushing for a ban on Muslim women wearing the Islamic veils, such as the burqa and the niqab, in the public. President Sarkozy explained that he is doing this in accordance to the country's principles and values, as well as supporting women's rights as it is often viewed in the West that women are made to look 'submissive' by wearing the veils. Despite stating his reasons clearly and also defending himself that he is not a racist, this will no doubt still incur the wrath of many Muslims living in France and around the world because religion has always been a thorny issue among people. In fact, I always think when religious issues are being concerned, friction will certainly occur due to the past history of wars occur mainly due to differences in religion.
Why are issues regarding religion always having the potential to cause conflicts among different groups of people? I believe that Francis Bacon's "four idols" can be used to apply in this situation to explain why when religious issues are discussed, it will inevitably upset a particular group of people, even though in some situation the speaker does not have the intention to do so. In "Idols of the Tribe", the emotions and feelings within people can control a person's mind and obstruct their path to logical and clear thinking. In this case, I believe that there will be many people who will easily submit to their own emotions and immediately condemn Sarkozy's intentions. In "Idols of the Cave", the personal background plays a big part in obstructing clear thinking. Many Muslims will feel upset over Sarkozy's backing, no matter how moderate they are, because of the upbringing and culture. Even the "Idols of the Marketplace" can be true here. The press may not have quoted his words exactly and misunderstandings can occur. Moreover, his comments are also translated into many languages to be read by viewers all over the world. Due to careless translations during the process, his comments may end up implying anti-Islamic sentiments in some other versions and will generate resentment.
Even though this scenario depicts a macro level involving a country's politics, various misunderstandings can equally happen as frequently on a micro level involving people that we meet in our everyday lives, especially when the issue being discussed is a particular sensitive one to some people. For instance, once my friends criticized my music playing and I succumbed to the "Idols of the Tribe" when I reacted very badly to their criticisms. Even though they could have been a little harsh in their criticisms, I was too angry to actually think about their criticisms in a clear and calm manner. Hence, I did not talk to them for several weeks before thinking logically and realizing that they were actually right and there were still many areas that I could improve upon in my music playing. On the other hand, "Idols of the Marketplace" can also be a cause here as my friends could have used the wrong words to describe their thoughts, and unintentionally hurt my feelings in the process.
In the article above, I feel that even the most moderate Muslims may feel offended by Sarkozy's backings as we are all human beings and we have emotions and thoughts within us. So, wee are always susceptible to falling into any of the "Idols" proposed by Francis Bacon. The President and the Parliament have much to convince the Muslims of their true intentions and hope that they could see things their way.
Have you ever had your own personal experiences when you succumb to any of Francis Bacons' "Idols" that caused some sort of misunderstandings or breakdown in communication between you and your friends?
Excellent. I enjoyed your application of Francis Bacon's "Four Idols" to this particular scenario. Indeed, this set of principles is highly applicable to many situations which contain an element of misunderstanding. I particularly agree with your statement on "Idols of The Marketplace". The mistranslation of messages across different languages and media channels have been scientifically proven. Ever wondered why a game of "Pass the Message" always results in a hilariously distorted result at the end? In this case, Sarkozy's use of the term "not welcome" had already carried a strong tone of rejection, regardless of his well intentions. Even without a careless translation, it might already be considered an inflammatory remark. With the subsequent careless translations by antagonized media personalities, this negativity is multiplied many fold.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I noticed that you have effectively only used 3 of the "Idols" in your entry. I will like to humbly submit the fact that "Idol of the Theatre" may have its possible applications here as well. Described as "an abuse of authority", it may not be immediately apparent in this situation. After all, Sarkozy does have his valid reasons for this policy, which signifies that this is not a case of authority abuse. He also does not have absolute control over the parliament's resolution. Consider however, how those who are more emotionally affected view his status. If he was only a mere common man trying to push such ideas, will he be placed in the limelight? It's inevitable that he's viewed as abusing his powers of Presidency by some parties at least. This of course, can be linked to the "Idols of the Tribe" and "Idols of the Cave" you described.
However, with regards to your application of the Tribe and Cave idols concepts, I will wish to caution you against using too many sweeping generalizations. Even if your perspectives make logical sense, most parties will dislike being second guessed or pigeon holed into your behavioral predictions. After all, it will only be awkward if people start applying Baron's Four Idols concepts on your entry! Just thought I will give you a heads up ^^
Dun not be worry abt perceptions. Ppl have diff perceptions, which is y our world is so unique and diff ideas are shared! :)
ReplyDeleteYeah, there was a time when I had an argument with my friend. He did not mean those words but I took them too literally. Yeah, how true your theories are! Good job, dude!
ReplyDelete@Chansey: Yes, you are absolutely right. Even Francis Bacon's theories can be applied on my entry!!!
ReplyDelete@yevon365: Those are Francis Bacon's theories. Not mine.
How appropriate these few idols are. I would like to point out how "Idols of the Marketplace" is always playing a huge part in our lives, which is why I would like to bring out how brilliant it is that non-verbal communications are also playing a part. Non-verbal communications will help to complement and bring the ideas out in a much clearer manner than the using languages alone.
ReplyDeleteI think your friends are wrong to criticize your music choice. People should not judge others based on their own standards.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree that Bacon's 4 idols can be attributed to the most part of misunderstandings between people, especially people of different cultures and religions mainly because these people are less likely to have viewpoints in common with one another because of a lack of shared personal experience. Also, most people have specific allegiances to fulfill and would most probably take offense the moment someone does not see somethings their group's way! Its just one of those things that can be minimised, but not eradicated, in my opinion.
ReplyDeleteI truly agree with you that religion is a thorny issue but war may still be able to end if only people are more sensitive. To me, not within a particular group simply does not mean that you should make that group an enemy to you or your group. It is sometimes about the ability to be accepting to other people or other group's differences. Honestly, you may not agree with the practices of other groups, but who are you to judge? God made us all differently so he should be the only one judging.
ReplyDeletehello!! I think it's apt how you applied Francis Bacon's 4 Idols. The idol of tribe is apparent when the muslims feel that their position in society is threatened by malicious comments. Their emotions get the better of them and are very sensitive to remarks made about their religion, hence this issue created such a big hoohaa. The idols of cave also suggest that the Muslims may have had the prejudice in thinking all along that the french are racist towards the Muslims due to the differences is background and culture - which is rational thinking is impeded.
ReplyDeleteWow I really liked how you used Francis Bacon's 4 idols in this post. I think the whole issue in the article is a pretty sensitive one, and the idols of the tribe describe perfectly how muslims probably feel threatened by the other more prominent religions. It is sad I think, just because the Muslim religion is a minority, they are getting pushed around by the others.
ReplyDeleteI guess religious views are , ultimately , forms of perception. And when it comes to perception and communication, the idols of the tribe will no doubt be present. I agree that with your dissection of the idols especially idols of the tribe where people usually jump to conclusion because of the past emnity between certain religions. However, perhaps Idols of the marketplace will not be so applicable here. I also agree that the idols cut across all cultures and religions and to the whole world, just as you have mentioned. As to whether or not Muslims will feel offended... I guess it goes back to how they view Sarkozy's word and intentions.. which in the end stems from their pespective and perception of Sarkozy's words.
ReplyDeleteJust my two kents worth.
We are indeed subjected to the four Idols in our perception on almost all issues. For the issue on Sarkozy, he is trying to remove the Idol of threatre embedded in his people. However, the way he handle his Idol of cave could make things very sensitive. Furthermore, with the 'aid' from the media, it's no doubt, his people were against such decision.
ReplyDeleteTherefore, if he were to tackle this issue more appropriately and stay sentitive to his people, this issue is not an issue at all.
Religion views are something that are deeply rooted in the minds of the people. It is sensitive, difficult to remove and hard to change. As for Sarkozy, I agree with joyce that he needs to tackle the issue more appropriately. Perhaps he will still encounter problems but no doubt the problems may be lessened.
ReplyDeleteWell...I think that everyone is more emotionally inclined than their logical mind. Hence, even the slightest comment on a topic (in this case, religion) that is dear to one's heart can stir up waves of emotions that can go either way - either it stirs up anger and hatred or impart peace and hope in one's heart.
ReplyDeleteThat said, it is true that the government has a lot to do when it comes to understanding the feelings and thoughts of the muslims - and anyone else in any other situations. It is hard but well, they have got to get down to it. Hopefully, both parties can think logically and understand the angle from which each party is coming from . That may probably mitigate the effects we are seeing right now.
Cool idea Francis Bacon has in mind. The Idols to me are simply thoughts that are distorted. Religion needs you to do things for a reason, and Humans also wants you to do things for their own reasons. If i were the president, i wouldn't really care if people are wearing ankle socks or knee high socks. Scarf over the head, either religious purpose or women status, it is just a gesture that call's for each of our interpretation. I might even like how they look with their scarf, seems a little mysterious. Well again, tats my point of view. Right in my own eyes.
ReplyDeleteThe description using the "idols" is very appropriate here. In my opinion, views about other religions beside your own very much boils down to one's perception. People only hear about other religions and have second-hand knowledge, hence judging others and thinking of themselves as being more superior.
ReplyDeleteIdols of the marketplace is also very common in many societies and words by many prominent figures could be misintepreted or misquoted. Another prime example of this would be Sharon Stone's comment on attributing the reason for the Szechuan earthquake to karma.
Interesting article! I never knew that there are such theories.. I believe that many of us succmbed to the "Idol" theories, especially to the idol of tribe when we faces the problem of cognitive dissonance when we are being criticised and we usually wont admit that we are wrong in the first place :p
ReplyDelete