Denis Paquin
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Beware of Buy American
Should we be worried about the “Buy American” provision in the economic stimulus package just signed by the Obama administration? What’s the big deal? What’s to worry about? Well, if we look at the issue from the perspective of ideas raised by René Girard, then there seems reason enough to be concerned, perhaps worried, and maybe even very, very scared. And… possibly… hopeful.
The Myths that Conceal the Realities: Part 1: Know Who's Who and Be Patient
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ARRA |
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American Recovery and Investment Act |
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ARRAS |
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A theatre term for a curtain suspended loosely across a stage and used as a backdrop or part of a stage setting, presenting an image to be seen in front and, at the same time, concealing what lies behind.From Arras, a city in northern France renowned in the Middle Ages for its cloth and woolen industry, where fine pictured tapestries were made.“Behind the arras I'll convey myself.”― Shakespeare (Hamlet, Act III, Scene 3) |
Introduction
René Girard would have us know that society and its systems everywhere are draped in myths; yet, we accept these myths so casually that we become oblivious to them, forging ahead with ideas and actions and arguments that conceal their true mythic origins.But, says Girard, if we dare to look behind these myths, we often discover some unpleasant, unacknowledged realities.And that, I suggest, is exactly what we find backstage when we look behind the debate over ‘Buy American.’ Both sides ― those who oppose and those who support “Buy American” ― have put forward a battery of arguments that, in the end, are shrouded in myth. Behind these myths are some unpleasant, unacknowledged realities.In the next series of installments, I hope to identify and then peel away these myths towards uncovering some of the realities concealed behind.Before we proceed, though, there are three things that are important to do.
The Myths that Conceal the Realities: Part 2: Let's Be Honest, Hopeful and Hopefully Humorous
Part 1: the Myths that Conceal the RealitiesIntroduction (continued)
Previously, we had identified the two sides in the “Buy American” debate and noted the importance of patience when probing into the myths and realities behind the scene. Now there’s one last thing that’s important to remember while proceeding with our discussion.
3. It’s Important to Be Honest, Humble & Hopefully a bit Humorous about this
Comically as well as tragically, human beings keep turning each other into obstacles to the fulfillment of the very passions they keep transmitting mimetically to one another. This is why peaceful relations among neighbors are rare.The mutual entrapment of mimetic desires has its own name in the New Testament, skandalon, the best translation of which is the old ‘stumbling block.’ It designates an obstacle so fascinating that the more it repels the more it attracts and vice-versa.― René Girard, “Violence Renounced: Response by René Girard” In Willard M. Swartley, ed. Violence
Renounced (2000)
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