Symbols And Deception, And The Social Murder of Identity - Softcover

Ovanessian, Vahik

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0967361702 ISBN 13: 9780967361703

Publisher: Human View Publishing, 1999

Synopsis

Discusses how our symbolic world creates misperceptions of reality and how this leads to loss of identity at the personal level, and explains how this process is created and sustained because of economic, political, social, and cultural systems and processes in society. Contends that symbols impair our perception of reality and our understanding of social phenomena, and argues that genuine, humanistic democracy will allow people to reclaim their identities. Lacks a subject index. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

About this title

About the Author

Ph.D. and MA in sociology; BA in economics

Review

Ovanessian's analysis of the loss of the "true self" is an insightful and penetrating perspective that defies the complacency that defines our times. Ovanessian discusses what makes the meaning of our existence go array, what wrecks havoc in our interpersonal relationships, and what dynamics, both internal and external, rob us of living to our fullest potential. The self becomes an object through the process of "alienation." Observable manifestations of this alienation can include depression, acquiescence to the status quo, and the aberrant lack of spontaneity, to how we live life. Ovanessian's theoretical perspectives fall outside academic circles, for which he might be chastised by entrenched academicians, but his perspective is fresh, unique, and anti-status quo. This is a revolutionary book, needing to be read by all those who crave a simpler, meaningful existence within the true self. -- Luis Vega, Ph.D, Assistant Professor, Dept. of Psychology, California State University, Bakersfield

Edition details

• Publisher: Human View Publishing
• Publication date: 1999
• ISBN 10: 0967361702
• ISBN 13: 9780967361703
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 200