Atrocities of the State
John Stuart Mill (1806-1873) English Industrial Revolution Advanced utilitarianism ¤ http://www.britannica.com/biography/John-Stuart-Mill
J.S. Mill, On Liberty According to Mill, what drives human beings? Reason Self-interests Prejudices or superstitions Social/antisocial affections Attitudes and emotions Prejudices, superstitions, feelings of class superiority, etc. Envy, jealousy, arrogance, desire, fear, etc. Rules of conduct By governments, rulers Religious ¤
J.S. Mill, On Liberty Thought/feeling What are the principles of the sphere of action where individuals have freedom? Thought/feeling In thinking, in speaking in public Actions Can’t harm selves or others Assembly Meet, discuss ideas ¤
J.S. Mill, On Liberty Fears tyranny of the majority Run by opinion, one person’s preference, lacking reason Majority ends up thinking the same thing If liberties are denied, then ≠ freedom Fears censorship Objective: Greatest freedom possible in society Protect individualism (self-protection) Protect minority opinion Promote tolerance Promote pluralism ¤
J.S. Mill, On Liberty Where to draw the line? What problems arise when human beings pursue their liberties (based on what drives them) and a sphere of action within a society? Where to draw the line? Who gets to draw the line? How to protect the line? In sum- How to govern? Protect freedom, but minimize harm Views dilemma as a ‘legal cage’ Where freedom begins and the law ends ¤
Artists’ Reactions
“Gate” Htein Lin, 4/4/00
“War and Peace” Htein Lin, 12/21/03
“58th Birthday” Htein Lin, 6/19/03
“Throne of Weapons” Kester 2001
“Tree of Life” Kester, et al 2004
“Find the Words” Khalid Albaih 3/16/15
“The Syrian Problem” Khalid Albaih, 10/15/12
“Super Mario, Asylum Stage” Samir Al-Mufti, 9/8/15 The designer explains
Beyond Rangoon and Death & the Maiden Political Messages Military junta; dictatorship Forcing tyranny of majority by a minority Oppression Instilling paranoia, using torture, quashing protests Question what is just? Closed media Effects of foreign influence How people deal with atrocities committed by state Resistance, apathy Difficulty of healing ¤
Artists’ Reactions to the State What themes, concepts, etc. connect these art(ist)s? Legitimacy of power Torture Oppression Rule of law Colonization Burma/Myanmar, Mozambique, Syria Geo-political struggles L.A. country, Burma/Myanmar, Syria Corruption ¤
Artists’ Reactions to the State How are the mediums significant? Reach an audience Accessibility Ease in dissemination Cost of using the medium Available medium Lin Medium itself as a statement Kester Al-Mufti Assert agency ¤
Recap: Applying Mill Mill’s concerns: where, how, and who to draw/protect the line. Fears tyranny of the majority Fears oppression of liberties/freedoms ¤