September 14, 2010
Most people ask does aesthetics truly matter? Some answer this question by saying that it does not and the only thing that counts is what is on the “inside”. Meaning, even if something looks bad aesthetically, such as a person or a phone, as long as either his/her personality good and kind or the phone’s technology works the way it looks should not matter. These people are what I like to call “dreamers”. Dreamers are people who believe that we live in a world where no one is superficial and everyone, whether they look good or bad, will mingle. In today’s society this is not the case, believe it or not, looks play the most important role in decision making, as well as life success. We are attracted to things that are appealing and make us feel good. It is an instinct that we cannot help.
In Virginia Postrels article “Mr.Charisma:Obama or Osama?” she says that “Glamour is an imaginative illusion like a literal magic spell.” Obama according to Postrel, has Glamour not Charisma. He is seen as “the fresh young prince onto whom Democrats project their hopes and dreams.” Aesthetics in politics does indeed matter. The democrats chose Obama because he is a good look for them. But according to Postrel what Obama lacks is charisma. Charisma in Postrels definition is having a stage presence, being able to inspire followers, and subjects himself to the same disciplines he expects from others. Having charisma does not mean you must have glamour. Postrel mentions leaders such as Hitler and Osama who had charisma. They were able to inspire followers for a cause that they believed in. Having charisma according to Postrel is not such a good thing at times.
I agree with Postrel because having charisma to commit an act such as 9/11, and holocaust is devastating causes that cost peoples life. However, if charisma is used to garner followers for a good cause such as raising money for cancer research, then yes being charismatic is advantageous. People in today’s society can’t help what they are attracted to. It’s an instinct as I mentioned before. We must find a way to control these instincts and find ways to use them for a better cause.
http://www.nypost.com/p/news/opinion/books/item_K1JJrjVwwrGiFAyynPBm4L;jsessionid=E38814F08D37457ACCEECFA5DF00191A
Charisma?
Glamour?
September 15th, 2010 at 12:12 am
I like the part about Charisma a lot! Its very true that if you have Charisma, you can get people to follow you very easily! Also I remember reading about a study done a while back. What happened was scientists tracked the good-looking student of particular classes, and found out that they in fact get high grades than other students. I believe there is an article here about it http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1677681/better_looking_may_equal_better_grades.html
September 15th, 2010 at 10:39 am
Nice work! I agree with Deon–charisma is so interesting. I wonder what Tannen would say–does charisma give one control over arguments and debates automatically?