"My So-Called Opinions" Response - Homework 1

      Pluralism, according to Fine, is essentially the emerging societal blind acceptance of diversity in all people and cultures. Not only the recognizable acceptance of fundamental differences, but also accepting the notion that everyone should be regarded as equal. Fine argues that for many millennials, the concept of pluralism is difficult for one to uphold because one must develop a balance between supporting one's own beliefs and actively involving oneself in the embracement of diversity. He insists that because we, millennials, were born after concept of Pluralism, it is challenging for us to cultivate our own beliefs, and, consequently, we question everything we think out of fear of judgment. Fine's central critique seems to boil down to three basic points: 1. Pluralism has forced millennials to consider and reconsider our elemental beliefs, 2. Pluralism has blurred moral stance and reasoning, 3. Pluralism has confused millennial minds, and forced indecision onto us in defense against disparagement. I accept Fine's encouragement of critiquing Pluralism, but he is overcomplicating a relatively conceptually simple ideology. By putting an enormous amount of emphasis on millennials' fear of criticism and inability to have a firm set of beliefs, he is ignoring the reasoning behind Pluralism in the first place. Commonly left-winged, liberal Pluralism came about when people decided they were going to attempt to mend the mistakes of the past. Our history (not only in the United States, but in all of humankind) is marked by violence, bigotry, and prejudice. Fine claims Pluralism arose in the 1980s. The 20th century is noted for its civil and feminist movements, in which minority groups were fighting for the basic rights that a majority of people had had for centuries. Until then, and only slightly more subtly now, people were constantly getting demonized and ostracized for differences out of their control. If you ask me, the rise of an ideology demanding the acceptance of everyone, no matter what, is desperately necessary. Fine makes a point out of millennials having trouble with their own convictions, but one's opinions should be ever-changing with each new piece of information learned. And one must be open to criticism if one is to be educated, so that one's ideas can further develop. It is not the job of the rest of the world to be considerate of you and your feelings. It is the job of the rest of the world to mercilessly teach you. Pluralism has not confused moral reasoning, it has only forced people to think harder about their beliefs and stances. Fine's example concerning a pluralist's hesitancy to condemn a culture for ritual violence due to acceptance of diversity, has overlooked that a pure Pluralist would not be fighting for the right of a majority to act violent upon a helpless minority. A pure Pluralist would immediately condemn the culture for not treating everyone equally, causing a disrupt in the peace. Although the Pluralist system should be critiqued, Fine's criticism is too harsh. The world is finally beginning to know better, therefore we are trying to do better. This concept is worthy of celebration, not brought down by its inevitable few flaws.

Questions

1. What is your previous computer experience?

Limited. I rarely use my laptop (or any computer for that matter) for anything other than writing documents/papers, storing photos, and the internet. I have never done any sort of digital imaging. Needless to say, I do not know very much.

2. What do you hope to get out of this class?

An understanding of various digital imaging techniques and programs.

3. What is the relationship between computers and visual studies?

As technology becomes more advanced, more and more artists turn to computers to create art. Therefore, in order to fully study and understand art, people have to study art done on computers as well.

4. What is your experience with Photoshop and Illustrator?

Almost none.

5. Do you have a computer at home? If so, does it have Photoshop or Illustrator?

I have a laptop, and it does not have Photoshop or Illustrator.

6. Do you use a Mac or PC?

Mac.

7. Who is your favorite artist?

There are too many to choose just one. Top 15 in no particular order: Bosch (I have "The Garden of Earthly Delights" hanging in my dorm room), Hopper, Chicago, Cezanne, Manet, Michaelangelo, Warhol, Pollock, Dali, O'keefe, Caravaggio, (Artemisia) Gentileschi, Van Gogh (obviously), DuChamp, Magritte

8. Who is your favorite musician?

Currently Josh Ramsay of Marianas Trench.

9. Something interesting about yourself?

My hobbies include Horseback riding, Gymnastics, Art (hence, art school).

10. Write a 5-line story?

Over the summer, I visited Paris for a few weeks. I stayed in an apartment in Montmarte close to the Sacre Coeur. My best friend, Mia, and I went to the top of the Notre Dame of Paris. We then visited the Musee d'Orsay as well as the Louvre, and saw Manet's "Luncheon on the Grass", one of my favorite pieces in art history. This trip made me wish I appreciated being in Italy when I was 12, because I was too young to fully understand then.

11. Post an image on the blog / Upload one image.