The reading for class on September 26th is titled “Modernity – An incomplete Project” by Jurgen Habermas. In this reading, Habermas talks about Neoconservatism and its effect on the world. A critique of Neoconservatism that Habermas had was the act of displacing the blame for the consequences of capitalism, onto cultural modernity. Meaning that when huge negative social and economic changes happen in the world, they will just place the blame on movements such as identity politics movements like the feminist movement, the civil rights movement, etc. Even though there is no evidence, and it is unclear whether or not the movements played any role in the changes that came about. And while all of this major economic and social change is going on in the background, movements are seen as taking the blame for these changes.
Habermas also talked about the meaning of art. Art often has a deeper meaning to it than what is generally obvious just from looking at it. Where, when, how, why, all changes the meaning of art and how one perceives it. Lots of “modern” art as we know it today does not make much sense to a lot of people. A lot of people think it is pointless and lazy, and not very good art. But some like to ponder the deeper meaning behind the art and see emotions in it. Habermas recognizes this and realizes that art can have many meanings behind it, but that you don’t need to know the deeper meanings, or even be interested in knowing the deeper meanings, to enjoy the art. Art does not need to have a sense of purpose or function, it can just be something that someone enjoys for the sake of enjoying it. I do not necessarily enjoy too much modern art and care, or even know how to seek out the deeper meaning in it. But I do enjoy looking at the simplicity of it and the idea of it.
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