The word and the meaning of relatable is all dependent on how we view and use it. Ira Glass uses the word relatable in a negative way. He refers to relatable as something being related to his experiences, self or life. Many people people these days use relatable in a negative way like Ira does, but thats just their point of view. Those that view relatable in that way tend to not enjoy books and movies that aren't related to them.
Relatable is not necessarily a problamatic word, unless you make it that way. When reading books you should have an open mind about the story that the book is telling even if it doesn't relate to you. Relatable can be a problematic word but it shouldn't be. But from my point of view the word relatable isn't problematic because its all about how i look at a book or movie. I am one of the few people that can walk out of a movie and no matter what is was about, even if it in no way related to me i will still enjoy it.
People that have to have a movie or a book relate to them to enjoy it aren't necessarily in the wrong but are being closed minded about the books meaning. I don't see how this should be a problem for anybody, if you don't like something then that is your own opinion, no one else's, so its not problematic.
I disagree with you statement that "Ira Glass uses the word relatable in a negative way." I don't really think through out the passage he is using it in a negative or positive way. He is just simply describing other uses of the word and portraying what it means in different instances. It's kind of neutral.
ReplyDeleteI also disagree with what you said about relatability. Just because someone has a book or movie that relates to them does not mean they are being close-minded. Personally, I think that the person just wants to enjoy or be entertained by something that they can relate to. They want to feel like they can be put into a characters shoes. Now if a person does not relate to something, we can't automatically assume that they are being open minded because they just simply did not like that particular thing or they couldn't relate to it.
I do, on the other hand, agree that " the meaning of relatable is dependent on how we view and use it". It all comes down to our point of view and whether or not we agree or disagree with what the characters or author is trying to convey to us. Having something relate to us is not a negative or a positive thing. It simply depends upon the person and their views and thought process to determine if something is relatable. And just because it may be relatable, doesn't give way for close mindedness, but satisfaction within that person's views and thought process.
I disagree with your statement "People that have to have a movie or a book relate to them to enjoy it aren't necessarily in the wrong but are being closed minded about the books meaning." Just because you can relate to a character or situation that is in a movie or book does not make you close minded to the meaning. In fact, if anything, being able to relate to a book or movie would help you understand the meaning of said book or movie. If you can relate to a character's hardships and triumphs then you can also learn the lesson that they're being taught in the book or movie.
ReplyDeleteI disagree with both of your statements which are, "Ira Glass uses the word relatable in a negative way" and also "people that have a book or a movie that relates to them are being closed minded"
ReplyDeleteI in my opinion believe that Ira Glass is not using the word relatable in a negative or positive way. Through out the article she used relatable in different occasions and how it ment differently in those occasions. Ira Glass uses the word relatable in a neutral way.
Even though i'm like yourself that I can enjoy a movie or book that I don't even relate too, it is true when you can relate to a movie or book you tend to enjoy it much more. Since you can put yourself in the movies or books characters shoes you pay more attention and that results in more enjoyment but that doesn't mean your close minded its just what you like more. Like the commenter above me Deardra D. said "just because it may be relatable, doesn't give way for close mindedness, but satisfaction within the person's view and thought process.
I also disagree with your statement of "People that have to have a movie or a book relate to them to enjoy it aren't necessarily in the wrong but are being closed minded about the books meaning." I disagree with this statement because if were to read book or watch a movie with a character or topic that I can relate to, it would reinforce or better understanding and knowledge of the feelings that the character is going through or the lesson being taught by the author. Just because you are "closed minded" from reading a book or watching a movie that you can relate to does not only help you understand the book or movie but increase the chance you will understand the lesson being taught.
ReplyDelete