"The Sympathizer" by Viet Thanh Nguyen is a favorite of mine in handling these themes. It's a story about a biracial Vietnamese man who becomes a double agent for North Vietnam in America, and finds his humanity trapped between conflicting ideologies. It's paced perfectly - a can't-put-it-down plot! - has rich characterization, and depicts spycraft in granular detail.
Can't speak to the quality of "The Sympathizer" TV series, but if you'd like a new series along the same storylines to get into, "The Little Drummer Girl", an adaptation of John Le Carre's novel, is highly recommended!
I'm forever struck by how thin the line is between what causes someone to make a decision that changes them from doing something good to something evil. Like you said, the poem is chilling because that capacity for immense rottenness is in every one of us, including me. As is the capacity for generosity and goodness. It's why I've always been so fascinated by psychology, particularly social psychology.
This also makes me think of why I find true crime so fascinating. So often, what you hear from people who knew a murderer or some other person who's committed atrocious crimes, they'll say they never saw it coming. It's scary how little we truly know someone.
I wonder how many teenagers ponder on these types of questions??? Who would be the first person to throw the stone and who would be the ones following suit? So chilling, but somehow I’ve always been confident that I would resist both of those paths regardless of the cost. But who knows, right?! Uff!! I guess we’ve already discovered that you and I are alike in our pondering! How exciting!!
Aw, yes, we seem to have more in common than just love for seeds and nuts :)) I think we would all like to think that we would resist, but psychology teaches us that herd power is overwhelming and we are more likely to keep our heads down. I remember the urge to resist an idea when I was in the army and how painful it was to not speak out. To this day I wonder what would have happened had I expressed my views openly… these are questions not only absent from teenagers mind I’m afraid. They are uncomfortable to contemplate so we try our best not to think about them…? To be discussed on our next walk! ❤️
Thank you once again for introducing me to new ways of thinking, new perspectives (it reminds me to do headstands, the purpose to have a reverse perspective!) The poem is new to me, but the film The Lives of Others was so impactful to me- I had forgotten about it. Thank you, I needed this today!! xoxo
Oh, dearest Kristy, I’m so with you on the headstands! Just this morning I was teaching it! It’s good for new perspectives and - conquering fear! I am new to the poetry of Oscar Hahn, and have my dear friend to thank for introducing me to it, but like you, I love learning! Sending you much love with that poem. Xxx
"The Sympathizer" by Viet Thanh Nguyen is a favorite of mine in handling these themes. It's a story about a biracial Vietnamese man who becomes a double agent for North Vietnam in America, and finds his humanity trapped between conflicting ideologies. It's paced perfectly - a can't-put-it-down plot! - has rich characterization, and depicts spycraft in granular detail.
Can't speak to the quality of "The Sympathizer" TV series, but if you'd like a new series along the same storylines to get into, "The Little Drummer Girl", an adaptation of John Le Carre's novel, is highly recommended!
Love all these suggestions Cameron! Which I will look up right now!
I'm forever struck by how thin the line is between what causes someone to make a decision that changes them from doing something good to something evil. Like you said, the poem is chilling because that capacity for immense rottenness is in every one of us, including me. As is the capacity for generosity and goodness. It's why I've always been so fascinated by psychology, particularly social psychology.
This also makes me think of why I find true crime so fascinating. So often, what you hear from people who knew a murderer or some other person who's committed atrocious crimes, they'll say they never saw it coming. It's scary how little we truly know someone.
Human nature is so layered and complex.
Yes, unfortunately. But it helps to be aware of it, so we can better check in with ourselves. It’s an uncomfortable work but imagine we all did it…
I wonder how many teenagers ponder on these types of questions??? Who would be the first person to throw the stone and who would be the ones following suit? So chilling, but somehow I’ve always been confident that I would resist both of those paths regardless of the cost. But who knows, right?! Uff!! I guess we’ve already discovered that you and I are alike in our pondering! How exciting!!
Aw, yes, we seem to have more in common than just love for seeds and nuts :)) I think we would all like to think that we would resist, but psychology teaches us that herd power is overwhelming and we are more likely to keep our heads down. I remember the urge to resist an idea when I was in the army and how painful it was to not speak out. To this day I wonder what would have happened had I expressed my views openly… these are questions not only absent from teenagers mind I’m afraid. They are uncomfortable to contemplate so we try our best not to think about them…? To be discussed on our next walk! ❤️
When I hold both sides, this oneness is the face of compassion.
I see your point Thomas!
Thank you once again for introducing me to new ways of thinking, new perspectives (it reminds me to do headstands, the purpose to have a reverse perspective!) The poem is new to me, but the film The Lives of Others was so impactful to me- I had forgotten about it. Thank you, I needed this today!! xoxo
Oh, dearest Kristy, I’m so with you on the headstands! Just this morning I was teaching it! It’s good for new perspectives and - conquering fear! I am new to the poetry of Oscar Hahn, and have my dear friend to thank for introducing me to it, but like you, I love learning! Sending you much love with that poem. Xxx