The Tao of Who? Oh, Pooh!

I actually read this book last semester in another one of Prof. Rasnic's classes and truly enjoyed it. It is an easy read and, though simple, is still very thought-provoking. I like that Benjamin Hoff uses a fictional character who we are all familiar with to help explain the principles of Taoism. I think that Hoff accurately describes western society, specifically American society, as one in which individuals are never satisfied with what they have. Much of our  focus is on the future as we constantly strive to "better" ourselves and reach goals that, as Hoff points out, are often unattainable. The American way of life, which says "Around the next corner, above the next step," goes against the natural order of things (p. 99). How can we ever be content with ourselves and our lives when we are conditioned to believe that there are bigger and better things ahead? As Pooh says, "It doesn't sound like much fun to me," (p. 99). This is part of what it means to be a Bisy Backson - some one who is constantly on the go. So many of the Bisy Backson's traits are characteristic of Americans in general. For instance, the Backson typically avoids trees and grass, preferring to walk or drive on the asphalt and concrete (p. 93). The Backson is also a workaholic, as many Americans are, and as Hoff puts it, "He works when he works, works when he exercises, and, more often than not, works when he plays," (p. 94). Americans are one of the most-worked people in the world, with comparatively little vacation time and long work days. Just consider how many marriages and families are torn apart because one of the spouses/parents cannot separate work time from family/home time. I completely agree with Hoff's critique of American society as one full of Bisy Backsons.

Though Taoism provides a great alternative to the hustle and bustle of American culture, I do not think it will ever become a widespread movement. Americans thrive off of their long work days and hope-for-the-future attitudes; it's what makes us tick... It's what makes us American. This country was founded on the principle of hard work and the idea that people have the power to shape their own tomorrows. Taoism completely undermines these principles. Whether right or wrong, I think that the majority of Americans do not see this Bisy Backson culture as a bad thing but rather as something that sets us apart from and makes us superior to other nations. Taoism has little power against the American ego.