ext_74681 ([identity profile] the-wild-iris.livejournal.com) wrote in [personal profile] altariel 2007-07-03 09:58 am (UTC)

Wonderful post - thank you.

(Incidentally, I'm reminded of Death of a Hero, in which the theme of lying was so prominent.)

I have strong feelings about lying. To make false reports, to spread misinformation, to distort, to be intellectually deceitful – these seem to me serious moral crimes, but for some reason people who are dead against other kinds of sin often seem able to find them acceptable. Like Daily Express leader writers or the makers of that Palestinian programme you mentioned.

Re. art, I think I agree with the position of the Egoist (about which I wrote in this post): art doesn't have an obligation to be socially 'useful' per se, but it does owe society the duty of truthfulness.

I think the new Who has shown great integrity, as you said. It's shown respect for individual lives and individual differences; it's avoided simplifying its themes (thinking e.g. of the school headmaster telling the story of his own war); it's prioritised moral principles over concrete gain.

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