Last week’s class discussion focused mostly on the distinction between the values we attribute to the term ‘humanity’ and the biological homo sapien. As discussed, humanity as a term characterizes what we view as our best features, our ability to empathize and be compassionate, our intuition and ingenuity. I disagree with the term humanity to describe these qualities. Humanity encompasses all of our nature, not only the better parts. I think the above descriptors capture our view of what is ‘good’ in terms of morality.
During our last class a thought occurred to me. Perhaps the hippae in Grass are a symbol for apathy, they are the antithesis of our ideal of humanity. In fact, even though according to Marjorie they relish in killing others it is really no more than a trained habit, a repeated behavior. I also found the idea of humans as a virus, as perceived by Marjorie, as fascinating. It reminds me of the later film The Matrix, if for no other reason than that is precisely how machines describe us. Humans spread and conquer just like a virus. Though, from our perspective, our goal of improving ourselves and “becoming,” as Marjorie defines evolution, makes us virtuous.
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