Plot twist.joshuabgood wrote:My aunt, who belonged to an Eastern church, died the other day. My wife and I attended the viewing last Thursday. I don't know what I was expecting, but there were 300 or so people packed (literally) into a reception center and nary a mask in sight and zero social distancing. Beings I am one who goes more for the spirit of the law than the letter of the law I don't particularly judge folks for practicing the PA governor's orders in a way that "works for them," but what was striking is that these groups of people major on conformity and "authority" down to the very nitty gritty everyday details. They all had the "regulation coat," the same style shoes for women/men, a clearly defined haircut and hair style etc.
What I am interested in is, what is the psychology that permits embracing conformity and submission to authority with regard to very small personal details (when it comes to local community norms - that is church rules in plain language), but is so comfortable flatly ignoring lawful orders? It really is amazing to me. I think the bottom line is they are only for submission when it comes to submitting to things "they want" but real submission is beyond even a general "spirit of the law" approach. To me it feels like an underlying arrogance that is super unhealthy. I am certain there are other inquiring minds in their groups that will see this obvious cognitive and social dissonance.
We submit to what we want to submit to...and not only that but we demand complete submission about very small details. But we will not submit to small details regulated by others. Do as I say not as I do...it actually makes me upset at one level. I think I could get on board if there were consistency either way. I myself don't wear a mask according to all the strictures. But to see it juxtaposed against an insistence of all the other rules seems confusing.
In America, the people are the authority.
The ones you call the "authority" are public SERVANTS.