Two concepts that were mentioned in Bateson’s video were changeability and beauty. I was easily able to make personal connections to both of these topics, and apply what I learned to my own life. With the topic of beauty, I immediately began thinking of today’s society and its definition of beauty. I think that our definition today is much different than Bateson’s definition was, at least for the most part. I found myself thinking about how much more peaceful and happy the world would be if we looked at beauty the way that Bateson did. Bateson seemed to find beauty in simple things that people often overlook. He would look at a shell from the beach or an insect on a flower and admire its beauty. It is rare that you see people doing things like that today.
Our concept of beauty today is more superficial, more materialistic. Just take a look at who they call “beautiful” in the movies and magazines. I feel that our society is losing sight of natural beauty. I have always stressed to my friends and peers that natural beauty and inner beauty are much more powerful than society’s fabricated definition of beauty. Although there are times when I have felt like a hypocrite. Even I have struggled with my personal definition of beauty. There are times when I feel myself slipping into the black hole that engulfs so many others. Although I have times like this, each day I improve my definition of beauty. I add to it, take things out, and make it my own. Bateson’s video inspired me to do so even more.
The section on changeability also made me start thinking. As I have grown as a person, I have realized that change is something I do not cope with well. I am the type of person that likes everything to stay the same; I don’t normally like coming out of my comfort zone. Watching Bateson’s video and discussing change in class made me realize that we, as humans, can’t really avoid it. Change is inevitable and it is happening constantly.
I think change is something that our society has accepted as a whole. Although we are okay with change, I think that our changes are often not for the best. Accepting change can be a positive thing, but facilitating negative changes is bad. We should be letting natural changes occur, and the changes that we facilitate should be helping unite the world and bring about positive advancements.
These two parts of Bateson’s video were probably some of my favorites. I found it quite easy to connect to them, and some of these issues that are connected to beauty and change are held close to my heart. I believe if we improve our perceptions of change and beauty, our world could be drastically improved.
Reflection #3 by Kelli