Question #12. Philosophical Rigidity

[Ashley]

The Major tells Abdul Wahid, "Philosophical rigidity is usally combined with a complete lack of education or real-world experience, and it is often augmented with strange haircuts and aversion to bathing" (p. 202). Do you agree with his point of view? And do you agree with the implication that it is the YOUNG who more clearly see the world with "philosophical rigidity"?

[Alisha]

This is an interesting concept. I think it could go both ways. Perhaps those who are more rigid when young will loosen up as time goes on (I could see this in the case of Mrs. Ali). And those who start out more loose may mature as they grow older. Although I am not sure the Major would fit into either category. Maybe he has loosened up as he's grown, but he has remained fairly rigid.

[Julie]

I agree that younger people tend to see things in a more rigid way-- maybe because they are taught a very strict "right v. wrong" way from birth. When you grow up, you tend to experience more exceptions, rule bending, etc. I used to think I had everything about life all figured out (in terms of God, religion, who I should marry, and all the various polarizing hot topics), but given a healthy dose of real-world experience, my opinions have changed in so many ways.

For your question, perhaps it is not so much about age, but more about real-world experience. Someone who has lived in the same town around the same-minded people for 50 years could be way more rigid than an 18 y/o who has moved around and encountered diverse populations and situations.

As far as not bathing and strange haircuts... the Major would have a fun time checking out a typical day in downtown Portland (or Eugene, or any number of blue state cities).

[Lauren]

Good question, Ashley.

I do think there's some truth to what the Major is saying, but I also think that comment indicates his own rigidity. Can't habit and routine also make us rigid? The Major frets abut unwed mothers and living together outside of marriage - things the younger generation views as more fluid. Sure, his haircut is normal for him, but what's weird for a ex-military officer is normal for someone else ...

What is real-world experience? Or is rather about being open to the world and avoiding complacency in beliefs or the opinion that you absolutely have to be right with no room for negotiation?