Re: Do-Be-Do-Be-DON'T -- Mimetic Theory and Literary Study

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Date Posted: 19:30:43 04/06/08 Sun
Author: JD
Subject: Re: Do-Be-Do-Be-DON'T
In reply to: CS Holden 's message, "Do-Be-Do-Be-DON'T" on 18:58:39 03/31/08 Mon

In regard to your question of whether or not the language of "do" is still a sort of boundary language of prohibition I would yes and no. I think ultimately, subtly this type of language creates boundaries or prohibitions indirectly. However--and I believe this is why it is often recommended as a way to deal with children--by saying "do" we give at least a pretense of that notion of freedom. When we say not to color outside of the lines, we are giving a restriction first which seems deterministic of what that person can do. By telling them to go ahead and color in the lines, we are giving them a feeling that 1. they want to color inside of the lines (through appropriation) and 2. they have the freedom of coloring inside of the lines. Although there will still be that dawning of not being able to color outside of the lines, they will first feel as if they have choices rather than an ominous prohibition

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