Chapter 8
In this chapter, Bloom uses Georges de la Tour’s painting “The Payment of Taxes” to frame a discussion about, you guessed it, taxes. Bloom reads far more into paintings than I ever have or likely will – I have taken absolutely no art history courses in my life, and the extent of my interest in art is that I will go to a gallery or museum and have thoughts that follow the lines of: “That looks nice” or “Why is this even a thing?” The point of this is that Bloom posits that de La Tour’s use of shadows and light, or as he calls it, chiaroscuro, are meant to be representative of the action in the scene itself, the payment of taxes. Taxes are a necessary evil for the payer, and a bright spot in the day of the collector. I’m sure that this is what de La Tour’s intention was, simply because it seems reasonable and I lack the knowledge base to refute Bloom’s claims.After hearing Professor Hansen say that we were all going to hate this assignment I was pretty unmotivated to do the reading. But when it came time to actually read it, the writing style is pretty easy and it's not hard to understand (especially compared to chapter 15). Although I am not a fan of art and had no interest, what so ever, in the painting I was somewhat interested in hearing about his interpretation. In general, I hate learning about art so much because teachers always make you interpret it and tell you if you are right or wrong. But we wouldn't know what the true interpretation is unless we asked the actual painter. So how do teachers even know that they are right?
Chapter 8: I agree with you that paying taxes is evil for the payer, and beneficial for the collector. But, if the tax collected will be use wisely and give equal benefit to all the citizens, it will make the tax payers feel their tax payment worth it.
ReplyDeleteChapter 8:I think if the tax collected by the government can help the people who really need help, it is worthy. The tax can reduce a problem when a person has a lot money and he is not willing to donate his money to help other people. This is the other method to increase the living standard in the country.
ReplyDeleteChap8: I have a similar feeling towards the reading. It is painful to go through for the first few times. I have absolutely no idea what it tries to say. After more times the idea starts to make sense and I see the author is trying to make a reasonable point.
ReplyDeleteTax is evil for he payer, but at the same time if we don't pay tax, the government may not have sufficient money to provide all those public services or facilities to us. So this is kinda ironic.
ReplyDeleteI agree that everyone is reluctant to pay the tax. It is the government's responsibility to show the taxpayers that their money is being used wisely other than wasting it.
ReplyDeleteI agree, the analysis of paintings is a little over my head, but as far as taxes it's definitely a necessary evil. We need taxes to take care of paying a lot of things we use everyday - USPS, public schools, etc.
ReplyDeleteI guess there's two sides to it. Of course no one wants to pay taxes, but (when applied correctly) they may stand as one of the only ways to close the gap between the rich and the poor.
ReplyDeleteI actually don't understand why there is so much negative connotation associated with taxes as exemplified by the painting. Tax ensures we have a potent government that regulates criminal acts and allows for the society to thrive.
ReplyDeleteI think taxes are good for the country if the country use the money wisely. Many people do not like to pay tax because they see how government do not put good use of the tax payers money.
ReplyDeleteTaxes are negative if there are to much, but if there are a correct percentage are a good system to help the state doing its job I.E protecting citizens
ReplyDeleteI like your take on art. I can never know what the paintings mean or what separates a million dollar painting from a 100 dollar frame. Also, art is supposed to an expression of the self so there's no wrong or right answer. But that's the public school system for you. AS for your other point, I hate taxes. But I do believe they are necessary if properly used.
ReplyDeletetax is kind a re-distribution of the money.
ReplyDeleteTotally agree with you that there's no right or wrong about art.
ReplyDeleteAgree with Hilary, art is defined by viewer so there is not such a correct way of understanding.
ReplyDelete