When analyzing critical concepts of ideology, myth, discourse and interpellation there are many different ways to interpret its societal influence. Often we think that society should be based upon factual knowledge about why an ideology or myth was made and the context it was created. We may also think that the role of these is to discover meaning within life and explore how we respond emotionally to them. Form and content should contain a message. However, there is no true way to measure the immense influence they have on society.
When critiquing one of these subjects one must be careful not to enter into the area of subjectivity. The best interpretations are a combination of what you can see and what you know. It is inappropriate to base idea entirely on a subjective response. All descriptions should be backed up by observation.
Aesthetic beauty is not always applicable when critique these factors. Some feel that the reflection of “ugliness” often art relates to the “ugliness” of life. For example, this is another integral characteristic of contemporary thought, as opposed to that of the past; beauty is of little concern instead endeavoring to focus on harsh realities of social discord. Throwing away all rules of aesthetics is a step towards breaking down cultural negativity towards appearance.
When Nathan Knobler said that, “the painter learns to work within the limits of his medium,” he stating that in order for a work of art to be successful artists must learn to use their mediums correctly, this is often true about the concepts of ideology and what we understand about learning. It is true that particular mediums do have limits and have particular techniques associated with them. Theoretically one may say that one that has proper technical skill could be considered a work of visual art. However this theory is also open to interpretation. I do not feel that one should necessarily limit oneself to purely conventional means of conformity to societal standards. While society does expect certain qualities that lend themselves to social harmony, I do not think that there are really any strict limits or rules, for new ideas are developed all of the time. Understanding must change with society, ideals that once were important may be less so in the future. If you use Knobler’s example, many works of art would never have been created if artists stayed within conventional rules and limits associated with their chosen medium. Art is about going beyond the limit and developing new styles, however most works of visual art do some use of technique. The same can be said of ideology, a basis can be set up it is up to others to push the limit of what is acceptable if society is to continue the learning process.
Religion and myths often draw comparisons with these ideals. Spirituality and religion affect who we are, what we believe, and often who we will become. To those with a strong system of beliefs they are often present in their everyday life. For example the institution of the Catholic Church and the role it plays in establishing social norms. Secularization refers to changing society from being heavily influenced by religion to a society where institutions have non-religious values. The continuing power of the Church in terms of ideological control still exists, but no longer possesses such a large role in Irish identity. By the 1960’s the integration of Catholicism and national identity into one force prevented secularization from taking place. But eventually was forced to give way to the cultural changes that included industrialism and urbanization (White). The new ideas of liberalism conflicted with traditional religious beliefs. Determining the relationship between modernization and decline of religion led to the need to develop new theories of change. Dichotomy between rural society and their support of traditional religion with conservative moral, against the urban liberal views had to be considered.
More competition for religion was also needed. Some worry the Catholicism had a monopoly on Irish religion, and that for society to embrace secularization they must be free to embrace change and choice. Secularization’s aim is to look at the failure of monopolizing religions. Differentiation, rationalization, and worldliness are also all core concepts to secularization theory. Increasing the differentiation of religion from other social institutions and removing such a wide ranging authority over individuals, organizations, and society is the goal of these theories.
Those that disapprove of secularization fear that without the influence of religion that discord will occur from the lack of unity. Historical discrimination against Irish Catholics has led Ireland to be very proud of their national and religious background. Traditions are hard to break especially when they are so engrained in the national identity. Those in favor of tradition disapprove of making a move towards secularization, feeling that the old ways are still the most moral option. Those in favor of secularization believe that more liberal views will only give Irish citizens a change to choose their own values. They emphasize that they do not wish to erase religion’s influence from society, but merely modernize and allow for choice.
When determining what a critique is the idea of reflexivity" comes into play to determine how a researcher's biases influence his/her own research. One must remember that a researcher’s own cultural perspective comes into play in the selection of the subject, as well as the interpretation and presentation. We all have a cultural bias that influences the way we perceive meaning. To accurately study these ideas, requires that we make every effort to not call attention to our own biases. This can ever be accomplished completely, but certainly it allows for more input into the research methods and results. The goal is to establish a “truth” without clouding it with bias
In summary, I feel that truth and emotion are important concepts to consider when forming a critique. Truth is needed to have real benefits in documentation. Emotion helps explain the human need to conform or rebel. By recording cultural tradition, events, people, and places these memories can be preserved and studied for future generations. In the case of Catholic Church, new series of beliefs are emerging. By being more excepting of others and striving to embrace both Catholic and Protestant views, society ideals have changed drastically. Tradition is still respected but more modernized views are also taking place. Less rigidity in regards to Church regulations and being more open to debate have been a result of these views. Culturally Catholics are not very open to changing their religion, but may have chosen to no longer orthodox choosing their own beliefs they wish to adhere to. More eclectic tastes have evolved and diversified religion throughout world. Along with more exposure to other beliefs and the media’s attention to the globalization of culture, many new opportunities have opened up in Ireland.
Works Cited:
Inglis, T. (2009, November 5). Emerging irish catholics. Retrieved from http://www.irishcatholic.ie/site/content/emerging-irish-catholics-professor-tom-inglis
