The Importance of being a Snob?! :)

[poovanna]

Introduction

Snobbery & Contempt tend to be frowned upon in society. But law professor, William Ian Miller, of U Mich., has an interesting take on it - Mutual contempt is actually the life-blood of democracy!

You don't have to be a student of Political Science in order to enjoy his provocative & enjoyable prose. Below, are my notes.

"Let me tell you

Comments

Miller's books

[poovanna]

Thank you!
Do check out Miller's book - I think you'll enjoy it.

PS: I love your icon :)

[hardblue]

I suppose contempt is better than being violent, but I guess I'm old fashion, for I cannot see anything good being built on such negativity. We have to have a certain amount of respect and empathy for each other for things to roll. Contempt is a step toward dehumanization, and although we all sin, it's not a good road to stay on.

Better than violence

[poovanna]

I do share your uneasiness about contempt. But I think it underwrites a lot of the "live & let live" policy that people follow in a democracy.

This is not an ideal state of affairs, but as you mentioned: better this than full fledged violence, right?