Whose Reality Essay - 1041 Words

The weak are forced to create alternative realities The brain is a crucible: a melting pot of intersecting ingredients that forges a reality that is deceptively the same, but often vastly different for each individual. That reality is a construct is a fashionable term these days; it means that we tend to see reality from a particular frame of reference. There is always a context, whether it be political, social or cultural. For those who are unable to construct a satisfactory reality, it is then that they are forced to create an alternative reality, perhaps that fulfils their dreams and meets their views and values. In the words of cognitive neuropsychologist Kaspar Meyer, â€Å"what is now clear is that the brain is not a stimulus-driven†¦show more content†¦Willy’s alternative reality provides him with the motivation to continue his life, despite the loss of his job and loss of respect from Biff. Alternative realities provide temporary relief from the harsh truth of reality, which is sometimes necessary for those who are considered mentally weak. It is often easier to support the alternative realities created by the mentally weak. Due to their mental state, disregarding what they believe to be true can carry several consequences. In ‘Death of a Salesman’, Willy’s wife Linda remains supportive throughout her husband’s delusion. He claims she is his â€Å"foundation (and) support†, which is simply conforming to the expected role of a 1950’s housewife. Another example includes the 2010 movie directed by Martin Scrosese titled ‘Shutter Island’, which clearly highlights the importance of accepting the alternative realities created by the mentally weak. The film’s protagonist Teddy Daniels believes himself to be a U.S marshal assigned to investigate the disappearance of a patient from Bostons Shutter Island mental institution. However, in true fact, Teddy is actually Andrew Laeddis, one of the institution’s most dangerous patients they have because of his delusions and his violence towards the staff and the other patients. Andrew (or Teddy’s) delusion created an alternative reality in which he was able to escape the truth aboutShow MoreRelatedTwo Articles on the Mind and Defense Mechanisms and Coping Method1295 Words   |  6 Pagesexperiences of his own and the ones that have been shared with him by those whose senses are impaired. For years the human mind has been clouded by the outside creations and limitations of culture; various great and not-so-great thinkers blanket the masses with their best or worst intentions, sometimes without enough concern to examine the possible repercussions. Our realities are constantly subjected to change based on the exerted realities of others. But, realizing the actual diversity across minds is theRead MoreKing : The Struggle Against Social Injustices On A International Scale786 Words   |  4 PagesThroughout many essays King explores the conditions of pe ace and the meanings of those conditions in the midst of the struggle for racial justice in the United States. King was also deeply influenced by the conviction that there are objective moral laws and moral absolutes. Moreover, through the implementation of nonviolence within the civil rights movement and his exploration of its philosophy and strategy, King was prepared to engage in moral struggle against social injustices on a internationalRead MoreAnalysis Of The Precession Of Simulacra 1179 Words   |  5 Pagesthe living Oswald as a fragmented figure whose identity is already a pastiche of texts and images that he has consumed. 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