Troubles With Transparency In A Modern Society

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of transparency in modern society, particularly in personal relationships and governance. Participants explore the implications of transparency, the necessity of hiding certain truths, and the societal conditions that lead to distrust and secrecy.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants argue that certain things are meant to be hidden, using the metaphor of a glass-walled slaughterhouse to illustrate that not all aspects of life should be visible or known.
  • Others express concern that excessive transparency, particularly from governments, could expose individuals to those who are not transparent, suggesting that personal relationships also require a degree of privacy.
  • One participant notes that the desire for transparency may stem from a heartfelt ideal that contrasts with the current state of society.
  • Another viewpoint suggests that hiding things is a response to societal issues such as distrust, bigotry, and ignorance, implying that these problems necessitate secrecy.
  • Some participants question whether the masses need to know all the intricate workings of the world, suggesting that trust in elected leaders might be preferable.
  • There is a perspective that too much knowledge could negatively impact how individuals approach problems, indicating a belief that transparency can alter perceptions and behaviors.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of opinions on the necessity and implications of transparency, with no clear consensus reached. Some agree on the need for certain secrets, while others challenge the idea that hiding is justified.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference historical trends of permissiveness and the evolution of societal norms regarding trust and transparency, indicating that the discussion is influenced by broader cultural contexts.

Mammo
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Somethings are meant to be hidden from view. You wouldn't build a glass walled slaughter house, would you? In any relationship, there should only be so much that is known. The rest is left to trust and the desire not to know.


(this came out as a poem last night. It seemed very profound at the time. I'm not so sure now)
 
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Mammo said:
Somethings are meant to be hidden from view. You wouldn't build a glass walled slaughter house, would you? In any relationship, there should only be so much that is known. The rest is left to trust and the desire not to know.


(this came out as a poem last night. It seemed very profound at the time. I'm not so sure now)

I have to agree with you. Your point about a slaughter house is a fine example. Though I also will hit the slaughter when stating the following, by a savvy political enthusiast, but the US government seems to want to push transparency and this, if they succeed, will leave us open to so many who are not transparent.
Personal relationships also need the benefit of cover.
I too think this is all going too far, but it didn't just start.
Excessive permissiveness began a long time ago and has simply gotten out of hand.
The poem being so attractive to you at first perhaps had to do with a heartfelt ideal that the current state of things just does not allow for.
Thanks for bringing this up.
 
Lacy33 said:
I have to agree with you. Your point about a slaughter house is a fine example. Though I also will hit the slaughter when stating the following, by a savvy political enthusiast, but the US government seems to want to push transparency and this, if they succeed, will leave us open to so many who are not transparent.
Personal relationships also need the benefit of cover.
I too think this is all going too far, but it didn't just start.
Excessive permissiveness began a long time ago and has simply gotten out of hand.
The poem being so attractive to you at first perhaps had to do with a heartfelt ideal that the current state of things just does not allow for.
Thanks for bringing this up.
Lacy33; Thank you very much for your kind words. You understood what I meant perfectly. It does say a lot, doesn't it.
 
Hiding things isn't meant to be I don't think.

We have to hide things because people are distrustful, bigoted, and ignorant. If these weren't problems then there would be no need to hide anything.
 
TheStatutoryApe said:
Hiding things isn't meant to be I don't think.

We have to hide things because people are distrustful, bigoted, and ignorant. If these weren't problems then there would be no need to hide anything.
It's the nature of being human and the imperfectness of the complex society we have evolved which is 'the problem'. It's not the shortfalls of individuals. It's just the way it is. Too much knowledge may not be a good thing. Do the masses have to know the intricate workings of the world? It would be better if they could simply trust their elected leaders, would it not?
 
TheStatutoryApe said:
Hiding things isn't meant to be I don't think.

We have to hide things because people are distrustful, bigoted, and ignorant. If these weren't problems then there would be no need to hide anything.
The slaughterhouse example is none of those things...

...It's just disgusting.

And perhaps you could call it a trust thing, but giving someone the answer to a problem before they do it can't not alter the way they approach the problem, no matter how honest they are.
 

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