One thing we spoke about in class was the notion of a standard. In the text on בושת , we saw that the Mishnah says 'Everything is according to the one that embarrasses and the one that is embarrassed. Three rabbis give three different interpretations of one that means. Two use wealth, but another uses stature.
We spoke in class about how societies need to establish standards regarding wealth for a variety of reasons. Why? What are some different standards of wealth, privilege or stature that are used? Are there example of 'good' standards and 'bad' standards a society applies?
Laurel Esstman #6
ReplyDeleteStandards of wealth are needed so people struggling economically can seek help.For example: welfare such as school lunch programs, unemployment and etc. But standards of wealth are also a bad thing because than these people are seen as an outcast because they cannot support themselves or there family. It also sets a bad example for future generations because they see their parents living off the help of the government and they think that their parents are fine so they will live of the government also when they grow up. So overall there are positives of standards that help people in the moment but there are also negatives that will hurt the future generations.
Sarah Pomerantz Comment #10
ReplyDeleteI think that society needs to establish a standard so that everyone can live a livable lifestyle. It is important for people that can not afford the basics can receive help from the government. Some standards of wealth that are used include food stamps, tax exceptions/breaks, school lunches, and many other. These are very important for every family to have. As we talked about in class the attendance rate in school went up significantly when they included school lunches to those that can not afford them. Another thing that is used to help society is loans for students in college and financial aide. This is very important so that all students are able to receive a college degree and well as go to the school of their choice.
In the Talmud the Rabbis discuss how one should receive compensation. Rabbi Meir says that they should treat everyone equally. This is not a valid argument in Talmud as in life. If everyone received the same amount of help people would either be receiving help that they do not need or not enough based on their income. This would not be beneficial to society and would be wasting the governments money.
I disagree with Laurel however. I think that when the younger generation sees their parents living off help and struggling it will push them to create a better lifestyle for themselves when they grow older. I think that they should have a program that would give people living of help in the country an incentive to not need this help anymore.
Alex ravioli comment #10
ReplyDeleteI agree with Sarah and believe that society needs to establish a standard so that there could be a livable standard. There are people out there who can not afford the basics and need help. These people receive food stamps, tax breaks, school lunches, and many other things that they need to help living. This program is made to help those that rally need it. Just like we discussed in class and said that when the school lunch program was created there were more people going to school. Once society sets a standard for everyone to live by it really helps those in need because they are trying to achieve that standard and if they can not then the government will help. As Rabbi Meir said everyone should be treated equally and that they should treat everyone equally. IF everyone was treated equally it was sort of be like communism. In communism everybody gets the same amount of everything. If everyone got treated equally then there would be no point in working a lot because those who work a lot get just as much as the person who doesn't work as much. This would not be helpful to the society and if people get the same amount of help or more help then needed then the government would be wasting money. I also agree with Sarah in her comment about laurel but the case could go both ways. the younger generation could see that there parents are getting government aid and they would want to live the same way or they see that the government is giving aid to there parents and they try to have a different lifestyle when they grow up. It could go both ways it just matters on what the younger generations decides. Overall i think it is a good idea that the government helps those that are in need.
matthew #7
ReplyDeletestandards are not always according to things that relate to you as the Talmud says. There are standards society as a whole; grades have standards an A- to an A+ is considered exceptional, a B- to a B+ is considered above average, a C- to a C+ is considered average, a D- to a D+ is considered below average but still a passing grade and a F is failure. these are standards created and put in place by the school system.
Sam Comment #10
ReplyDeleteIn America, the poverty line is the amount that a family can no longer afford the basic cost of living. Without help, this can mean one or no meals a day, and often living without a home. As a country, we provide assistance for these people, and we want them to not worry about from where their next meal is coming. As far as stature there are a few things that come to mind. The first is celebrity, who has media coverage for each and every one of their actions. As such, they are held to a higher standard than most people, because a small slip up could be disastrous. Something with less glamour and less prestige, but actually very undervalued is a college graduate. They made a decision to go through further schooling not required by law in order to improve their lives down the road.