Korean Job Discussion Forums

creeper1 · Joined: 30 Jan 2007

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eAeWqBQr1GA

This is an interesting lecture by Chomsky.

Americans have a tendency to represent their founding fathers as saints or some kind of heroes. Yet Washington described the country he founded as a "nascent empire." He said whoever drives the red man into the mountains can found a new country and be remembered as the father.

Another fact that was surprising to me regards Canada. It is a miracle that Canada does exist and the British are to be thanked for making it possible. The US took over massive amounts of teritory from Spain and Mexico and was eyeing Canada. (alot of thi is described as manifest destiny). It was only in the 20th century that the US recognised Canada's right to exist.

The only way for the US to feel safe is continually expand. Everywhere. All over the globe, all over space and all over the galaxy.

young_clinton · Joined: 09 Sep 2009

northway · Joined: 05 Jul 2010

Citizens of pretty much every nation "have a tendency to represent their founding fathers as saints or some kind of heroes". Americans are hardly unique in this.

That said, I also wouldn't go as far as to say the post is anti-American in the slightest, unless facts are inherently anti-American.

rollo · Joined: 10 May 2006 Location: China

Only a sliver of Canada is habitable. Not much room to expand there. So that is a little hard to believe. now mexico, the U.S. grabbed a lot of it. But Canada nah!!! What is inherently wrong with expansion?

bekinseki · Joined: 31 Aug 2011 Location: Korea

The people being expanded into usually don't appreciate it.

shifter2009 · Joined: 03 Sep 2006 Location: wisconsin

rollo · Joined: 10 May 2006 Location: China

Nope expansion isnt pretty, usually. I believe the phrase manifest destiny was first used by a British politician. But I do believe that Canada, Australia, and others expanded at the expense on native peoples and of course Spain/Mexico also expanded over large part of North America. Of course Russia was expanding in Asia at the same time the U.s. and Canada were expanding. Russia wanted to expand into what is now Western Canada.

Does Chomsky ever lecture on what happened to the Islamic groups in Central Asia during Russia's drive to the Pacific?

DIsbell · Joined: 15 Oct 2008

everything-is-everything · Joined: 06 Jun 2011

northway · Joined: 05 Jul 2010

Fat_Elvis · Joined: 17 Aug 2006 Location: In the ghetto

alljokingaside · Joined: 17 Feb 2010

northway · Joined: 05 Jul 2010

Privateer · Joined: 31 Aug 2005 Location: Easy Street.

I'm reminded of what Horowitz (I think it was...) said when he met a man who told him "I don't like Haydn". Horowitz's reply: "It makes no difference".

Chomsky is one of the all time greats, and if you don't like him either as a linguist or a political activist, it makes no difference. To disagree with his views is fine, but no serious person can just dismiss them.

rollo · Joined: 10 May 2006 Location: China

Yeah!!! What University poli sci classes list Chomsky's books on reading lists??? A lot of serious people consider him a one trick pony, a lot of serious people consider him a crack pot who has found a niche preaching to the choir so to speak.
He focuses entirely on the U.S. seems to never place things in context with what is taking place in the world. Often tells big fat lies.
But as long as impressionable undergraduates will buy his books, I guess it does not matter.
Personally I find him dull and a bit of a second rater.