Friday, May 18, 2007
Honor?
(5)
Full disclosure: I have never watched American Idol. Nor do I ever intend to watch it. And regarding the issue of 'law vs morality' I come down on the side of modern western law.
Which brings us to the subject of 'honor.' What is 'honor?' Who owns 'honor?' Do your neighbors own your 'honor' or do you own it? In the first case 'honor' means 'reputation,' and in the second case 'honor' means 'integrity.' There seems to be no such thing as 'honor' otherwise. Therefore there is no such thing as 'honor.' Honor is a figment, constantly confused with the concepts of 'reputation' and 'integrity.' The fact that in primitive (mostly Muslim) cultures 'honor killings' are allowed, defines those cultures as ancient and inferior, sadly in need of a modern upgrade.
Full disclosure: I have never watched American Idol. Nor do I ever intend to watch it. And regarding the issue of 'law vs morality' I come down on the side of modern western law.
Which brings us to the subject of 'honor.' What is 'honor?' Who owns 'honor?' Do your neighbors own your 'honor' or do you own it? In the first case 'honor' means 'reputation,' and in the second case 'honor' means 'integrity.' There seems to be no such thing as 'honor' otherwise. Therefore there is no such thing as 'honor.' Honor is a figment, constantly confused with the concepts of 'reputation' and 'integrity.' The fact that in primitive (mostly Muslim) cultures 'honor killings' are allowed, defines those cultures as ancient and inferior, sadly in need of a modern upgrade.
