Title: Straw Dogs
Author: John Gray
Relevant because of its cover. Relevant because of the authors nature. Relevant because of the content - what more can I say!
In my previous post I discussed the project outline, in which I question our postmodern state of self-pretense. Here Gray discusses identity, both small scale and large, challenging religion using Darwinian terms to describe that we are barely any different to animals other than opposable thumbs - to questioning the future and evident benefits of science. He states that illusion is our natural condition, thus implying it is in our nature to create a pretense. Going unchecked in an online identity could this illusion not come back and bite us on the rear?
I managed to find two contrasting reviews by Terry Eagleton and Jason Cowley, interestingly both writing for the same newspaper. Both reviews go to show the difference in opinion questioning these values can provide - its what makes this book an interesting read.
For me it provides a palpable intake to the science of identity, the pretense of religion and stark reality of science into how and why we behave. As Jason Cowley states; Gray, unlike many a political commentator, never stops in questioning his own beliefs and prejudices - a trait that I feel we should all take more seriously and learn from.
From an artistic point of view I really like the books cover. It interestingly and concisely illustrates the books intentions, striking a rather biblical reference to how we cover our true biological self in pretense.
No comments:
Post a Comment