One of the Surest Signs – updated 2017
First off, a Philistine is what Goliath was in the Old Test. Over the centuries since that little spat the tribe came to represent those who as have no class and no taste or interest in the finer things in life; art, music, dance, books, ideas, etc.
Think how messed up this is. One has a set of tastes. He thinks his tastes are pedestrian and common. He looks up to others who he thinks have better taste. Those are the very people who make fun of his tastes.
So, a few questions:
Aren’t the snobs actually judging the Philistine exactly as he judges himself, as inadequate and ignorant?
What should the Philistine do? Try to acquire the tastes and sensibilities of the snobs or accept himself and his tastes as they are and stop thinking others are superior to him?
What should the snob do? Lower his perceived standard of taste to include the philistine? Change his mind and realize that all tastes and cultures are equal?
What do you think? if you get this via a reader, go to the actual blog and put in your two cents worth!
Drawing © Marty Coleman
“One of the surest signs of the Philistine is his reverence for the superior tastes of those who put him down.” – Pauline Kael, American movie critic