In the children's
story, Who is the Beast, by Joseph Baker, there are two main philosophical
themes to be extracted. The first is the philosophical
question of fear including its dimensions and its core essence. The second
is the question of difference and the perception of the "Other." Both
of these questions are particularly pertinent in today's world when
misunderstanding and fear motivate social catastrophes. Through pondering
these two important philosophical questions, one can proceed in a direction of educated
opinions supported by tolerance and appreciation of difference as
opposed to those based on prejudice and hate.
In thinking and discussing the concepts of difference, fear becomes
central to the conversation. Understanding fear and its effects on
the individual is the
first step in understanding the self and, ultimately, society. Without pondering
fear one cannot grasp the core essence of the philosophical question of difference
because fear is often the main motivation behind the creation and perception
of difference. Fear, acting as a natural reaction to the unknown, has programmed
the individual to perceive the unfamiliar as an Other, Beast, etc., consequently
viewing the unfamiliar as a threat and, therefore, an enemy. It is fundamentally
important to the discussion to make the tie between fear, irrationality, and
emotion. Fear is an emotion first and foremost, and is therefore not always
susceptible to logic and rational argument. This reality triggered by fear springing
from the unknown results in the dynamic combination that contributes to fear being the
natural source of the perception of the "Other."
The role fear plays in the creation of the unfamiliar is key to understanding
and unlocking the negative dimensions of the "Other." Through understanding and
acknowledging fear and its central role in difference, thereby releasing its
power over us, we can begin to explore and understand what initially scared us.
Once fear has dispelled its inherently defensive attitude, the individual is open to
seeing the world anew. With renewed perception the groundwork for tolerance and
understanding is laid and, in removing fear, possibilities for growth abound.
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