In class yesterday we looked at the paradox in postmodernism. We discussed viewing postmodernism as creating a “blurred line between fiction and fact,” which I take to mean that the ideas presented in postmodernism put readers in a state of suspension where we are never sure whether or not we necessarily should be taking what is to be presented to us at face value. For example, the racism and misogyny evident in Amis’ “Money” may call attention to these issues, or perpetuate them, depending on reader interpretation. I feel like this puts readers in a state of anxiety where we are unsure what to make of what is being presented to us, as meanings/morals are no longer evidently clear, as was the case in the pre-postmodern era (19th century), with the grand narratives with their clear meanings. Keeping this in mind, the paradox between liberation and the confines of commercialism in postmodernism (Warhol’s portrait example) create even more confusion; ultimately it’s hard to imagine what a crazy time living through the transition to postmodernism would have been like. I’ve noticed John Self seems to live in this paradox of simultaneous liberation and confinement; he willingly spends his money on alcohol only to have himself repeatedly black out, and he allows himself to succumb to his desire for Selina only to be caught by Martina. While in the end of the novel he moves on with his life looking towards the future, he does not reconcile his past issues which foreshadow that he is likely to fall into the same patterns again. Could this be seen as mimicking and criticizing the cyclical nature of a boom-bust economy or is that a stretch?
On a separate note; I have two quick questions about the helicopter fable. Is there something tangible the metaphor of the helicopter specifically represents? Secondly, why was this seen to successfully keep the free market balanced, where the Keynesian model of the government injecting money into the economy could not?
If anyone has any suggestions about piecing this together I’d love to hear your thoughts!