Received: by alpheratz.cpm.aca.mmu.ac.uk id AAA18453 (8.6.9/5.3[ref pg@gmsl.co.uk] for cpm.aca.mmu.ac.uk from fmb-majordomo@mmu.ac.uk); Wed, 31 Jan 2001 00:03:30 GMT From: <joedees@bellsouth.net> To: memetics@mmu.ac.uk Date: Tue, 30 Jan 2001 18:06:45 -0600 Content-type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII Content-transfer-encoding: 7BIT Subject: Re: confused CC: memetics@mmu.ac.uk Message-ID: <3A7702B5.23781.117698C@localhost> In-reply-to: <41.6bcdfb7.27a8ad06@aol.com> X-mailer: Pegasus Mail for Win32 (v3.12c) Sender: fmb-majordomo@mmu.ac.uk Precedence: bulk Reply-To: memetics@mmu.ac.uk
On 30 Jan 2001, at 18:49, LJayson@aol.com wrote:
> In a message dated 1/30/2001 2:43:01 PM Pacific Standard Time,
> mcomm@total.net writes:
>
>
> > Len:
> >
> > I am confused about the "magnetic mimetics" posts. What do they
> > mean? They are beyond my ken? Maybe you can explain them.
> >
> > Marla, socked in with yet another massive blizzard
> >
>
> Hi Marla --
>
> I belong to a memetics list group. The thrust of memetic literature
> is that humans are shaped by their culture. My point is that each
> human brain acts like a magnet, attracting only those aspects of the
> culture that fit into its existing configuration. Yes, we are shaped
> by our culture but only to a degree; the rest is based on what other
> information is parked in our cranium, as well as the physical
> condition of our brain---its capabilities.
>
We also shape our culture by means of which memes we
intentionally or inadvertently choose to transmit and receive, and
the actions taken on the basis of that transmitted and received
information, which are dictated by our cognitive and somatic
tendencies and capacities. Individuals and their collective culture
co-evolve.
>
> Scott had no clue regarding my original post; it was based on a
> quote--- that I used---by a non-memeticist---but a piece of writing
> that neatly summarizes my point of view:
>
> >"We always attract into our lives whatever we think about most,
> >believe in most strongly, expect on the deepest level, and
> >imagine most vividly."
> >
> > - Shakti Gawain
>
> The definition of meme:
> A unit of cultural information, such as a cultural practice or idea,
> that is transmitted verbally or by repeated action from one mind to
> another.
>
Or through the reading of written text.
>
> The definition of memetics:
> The study of memes and their social and cultural effects.
>
>
> Again, my point is that a meme only gets successfully
> transmitted to another person if the recipient's brain
> is receptive to it, metaphorically speaking, attracts it
> like a "magnet."
>
This sounds like the theory of cognitive dissonance (and its
avoidance) to me.
>
> To personalize it: How much information would you normally
> retain if you listened to someone discussing the latest
> fashion trends in female attire?
>
> As opposed to: How much information would you normally
> retain if you listened to a meterologist discuss the possible
> causes for the severe weather pattern currently endured
> in Montreal?
>
> You see my point, based on the memes already housed
> in our brains, we are very selective in terms of which
> additional memes are allowed entry.
>
> Hope this helps.
>
> Len
>
> P. S. You've had so many blizzards, this has to be one of the most
> miserable Montreal winters on record. Living in the South Pole
> couldn't be much more disagreeable.
>
>
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