John Locke, Ph.D. - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by John Locke, Ph.D.

In a recent op-ed essay in The Wall Street Journal, Charles Koch attacks collectivism and claims ... more In a recent op-ed essay in The Wall Street Journal, Charles Koch attacks collectivism and claims it is antithetical to the American Ideal. This essay explores the conflict between collectivism and individualism from a postmodern perspective and attempts to move beyond binary meta-narratives and employ a more holistic approach to analysis in order to find common ground from which to address the issues that affect the economic and social wellbeing of the American commonwealth.

One might argue that economics and the topics addressed in the humanities are not at all similar,... more One might argue that economics and the topics addressed in the
humanities are not at all similar, and that what works for one cannot
possibly work for another. But I would counter that they are no less
similar than other human processes, or the various forces of nature. The
prognosticators of economics must take into account the various
influential factors inherent in human behavior, just as weather forecasters
must consider an infinite number of variables in the atmosphere in order
to determine whether or not one should pack an umbrella before leaving
home. Other disciplines have been able to leverage technology to aid in
producing more accurate predictions. It stands to reason a similar
outcome is at least possible in anticipating human behavior and adjusting
for it in order to find solutions to Maxwell’s problems of living. What will
prove or disprove this theory may be our ability to think in metaphor. We
need to be able to look past the specific and be able to consider the
analogous. While the process of scanning millennia of human events will probably not lead to a succinct, two-digit number that answers the
question of life, the universe and everything, it may provide us with what
we need to make wise, data-driven decisions that may contribute to our
survival as a species. Such a strategy may provide the necessary
perspective that will infuse wisdom into our decision-making processes
and allow us to know when it is necessary to pack an umbrella—
metaphorically speaking.

While the United States has been willing to normalize relations with our previous enemies, includ... more While the United States has been willing to normalize relations with our previous enemies, including Vietnam, there are powerful factions in the United States that react whenever talk of relaxing current policies comes to the fore. Their rhetoric helps to hold US-Cuban relations hostage to history. What mutually beneficial initiatives may be out of reach because of this hard line position? While there are many, I would like to focus on the discourse surrounding one issue in particular that illustrates how normalized relations and the benefits of subsequent intellectual and cultural exchanges could actually save lives.

Why has the government of the United States so consistently pursued a policy of belligerence and ... more Why has the government of the United States so consistently pursued a policy of belligerence and confrontation with our island neighbor while, at the same time, we have constructively engaged so many other governments around the world whose human rights records are no better—and far more often, much worse— than that of Castro’s Cuba? When asked why the United States’ approach differs so dramatically between Cuba and China, a prominent government official once replied, “I could give you a billion reasons.” If there are “a billion reasons” to differentiate China from Cuba, how many reasons apply to Vietnam, Cambodia, Saudi Arabia, or Syria, to name a few? Is the level of US moral indignation dependent upon market potential? Can a logical argument be made for such inconsistence? Is there any potential for a mutually acceptable resolution to the current impasse? And is there anything short of Castro’s death or his removal from power that might bring about a change in US policy?

"We are subjected to the production of truth through power, and we cannot exercise power except t... more "We are subjected to the production of truth through power, and we cannot exercise power except through the production of truth” (93). This statement by Michel Foucault makes little sense when read through the lens of the essentialist. Power, after all has been exercised (or abused) by many throughout history who had no regard for the truth. Stalin, Hitler, Mussolini, Franco... these people produced lies through power, and exercised power through the production of lies. If instead, we consider truth to be a relative
concept, suddenly the pieces settle into place like a well-played game of
Tetris.

In the aftermath of September 11, 2001, the Bush administration and both parties of Congress were... more In the aftermath of September 11, 2001, the Bush administration and both parties of Congress were deeply involved with the process of identifying any and all threats against the security of the United States. In addition to delivering intelligence that led to the swift retaliation against the Taliban in Afghanistan for harboring the mastermind of the World Trade Center and Pentagon attacks, the CIA and other intelligence agencies were working overtime in an attempt to gather evidence on the “usual suspects” who were known to stand against American interests.

Once the tree was decorated and the boxes were hidden away until after the holidays, we would tur... more Once the tree was decorated and the boxes were hidden away until after the holidays, we would turn off all the lights except for the tree and just take it all in— that is, until it was time for the Christmas specials on TV. My favorite was Dickens’ Christmas Carol. It was the only ghost story that my parents would allow me to watch— even though Jacob Marley gave me nightmares. Once I made it past “the scary part,” I was sucked into the story. I felt bad for the young Scrooge whose father kept him waiting at the boarding school after all his friends had gone home to be with their families. I loved watching everyone having fun at Fezziwig’s Christmas party. I felt sorry for Bob Cratchit and even worse for his young son Tiny Tim, who was probably not much younger or older than I was, depending on the year. But what stands out for me the most is how I felt watching Scrooge wake up on Christmas morning realizing it’s not too late to make up for years of greed and selfishness. To this day, it doesn’t matter whether I’m remembering the sound of my mother’s voice as she read the story straight from the Dickens edition of the Harvard Classics, or I’m watching the masterful Barrymore performance, or George C. Scott’s, Patrick Stewart’s, or even Mr. McGoo’s, once Scrooge realizes what a jerk he has been, and vows to redeem himself, I well up.

What exactly is the role of government with respect to the welfare of its people? The assumption ... more What exactly is the role of government with respect to the welfare
of its people? The assumption that it has any significant role at all goes
back to the Age of Enlightenment, when a few of the philosophers of that
period were developing social contract theory and defining the roles of the individual and those of government. In this paper, I will consider the
writings of four philosophers on social contract theory. I will attempt to
justify my assertion that any just social contract should benefit its
participants and that participation should result in benefits that one
cannot otherwise attain. I will argue, with supporting evidence from the
originators of social contract theory and others, that if the benefit of a
social contract is greater protection than one can attain as an individual,
then a robust social safety net is an essential component of any
worthwhile social contract.

f you had passed through the lobby of the UN Security Council on February 5, 2003, you would have... more f you had passed through the lobby of the UN Security Council on
February 5, 2003, you would have seen a huge, blue curtain against
the wall trimmed with a row of lighter blue UN flags. This was the
day that Colin Powell addressed the Council and made his President’s case for war against Iraq (Dowd). On any other day, there would have been no curtain obscuring what hangs behind it, and the flags would have been placed elsewhere. Any other day, visitors to the lobby of the UN Security Council and council members entering the chamber would see a textile reproduction of Pablo Picasso’s monochromatic commentary on the ravages of war, simply titled Guernica— a fitting reminder to those who hold the power of life and death as a result of their votes.

With at least a rudimentary knowledge of history, it is difficult to miss apparent patterns and c... more With at least a rudimentary knowledge of history, it is difficult to
miss apparent patterns and cycles inherent in the evolution of
cultures and societies. In any society, a group of people gains
power and rules for a certain period of time until factions based on
contrary ideologies begin to coalesce, leading to conflict between the
ruling class and the opposition. Quite often, as the opposition gains
momentum, the ruling class is compelled to resort to extreme measures to
maintain their control. Eventually, and perhaps inevitably, tensions build
to a dangerous level until an explosion of violent confrontation takes
place. The aftermath seems to have its own patterns and cycles,
occasionally leading to a repeat of the whole process. Although the
process of revolution does not always lead to a violent climax, there are
many examples that do.

The earthly equivalent of Roddenbury’s Prime Directive may be what Alan Bloom (2002) describes in... more The earthly equivalent of Roddenbury’s Prime Directive may be what
Alan Bloom (2002) describes in The Closing of the American Mind as “cultural relativism,” which teaches that truth is dependent upon a cultural perspective and that right and wrong are subjective concepts. Bloom asserts that our society and schools have indoctrinated our children at an early age to believe in this “Prime Directive” and that it governs our relationships with other cultures and societies. Bloom strongly disagrees with the concept. To make his point, he recalls posing a hypothetical question to his students: “If you had been a British administrator in India, would you have let the natives under your governance burn the widow at a funeral of a man who died?” (p. 26). Captain Kirk could not stand by while the widow of a dead man was burned. He was a liberal interventionist, and as such, he realized that the injustices and abuses inflicted on a people by their government should not stand, and he believed, contrary to the Prime Directive, that it was his role, as a member of an enlightened and morally and technologically advanced society to intervene.

You can’t have a name like John Locke without knowing at least something of the great 17th centur... more You can’t have a name like John Locke without knowing at least
something of the great 17th century philosopher. Please allow me
your indulgence as I reconcile for you my lineage and his.

It was a hot, late April afternoon as a group from the United States filed into the small neighbo... more It was a hot, late April afternoon as a group from the United States filed into the small neighborhood center. The din of the Havana streets faded into the background, and was replaced by the pulsating hum of two small oscillating fans as the glass door closed behind the last guest. Cuban children— boys and girls ranging in age from four to fifteen years old— stood according to height and watched while the Americans were offered chairs in rows on the opposite side of the room. The girls, wearing deep red pinafores over bright white blouses, and boys in navy blue slacks and white polo shirts grinned shyly at their visitors from North America and did their best to contain their excitement caused by this break in the daily routine.

The streets of Old Havana were quiet now. The moonlight mingled with the streetlights to cast thi... more The streets of Old Havana were quiet now. The moonlight mingled with the streetlights to cast thin, blade-like shadows through the palm trees above the pavement. The traditional Cuban bands had disconnected their sound systems, packed their guitars and various percussion instruments and made their way through the alleys toward home. Only a small contingent from the larger group of Americans still gathered at the table amidst empty beer bottles and an ashtray overflowing with spent Cuban cigars. The waiters had long since finished their final chores of the evening, and had joined in the conversation. William, the group’s interpreter, provided by the Cuban Institute of Friendship With the People (ICAP), engaged his guests in a lively discussion regarding the benefits of Cuban socialism, and Cuba’s progress in fulfilling the oft-quoted vision of their president Fidel Castro: “A better world is possible.”

While I am certain it was not intended as such, I read Certeau's introduction to “Walking in the ... more While I am certain it was not intended as such, I read Certeau's
introduction to “Walking in the City” as a metaphor for the art of protest. For in less than two decades after he penned the article in which he describes the World Trade Center as an isolated sanctuary, those metaphorical ivory towers came crashing down in a spectacularly devastating and barbaric act of protest that one could say was artistic in the most perverse sense of the word.

hroughout history, groups considered outside of the mainstream, whether socioeconomic, cultural o... more hroughout history, groups considered outside of the mainstream,
whether socioeconomic, cultural or ethnic, have employed various
means of maintaining their self-esteem in the face of disenfranchisement and alienation. From self-imposed segregation to the intentional exaggeration of difference, these groups combat rejection by reveling in their uniqueness. Patricia Hill Collins observes that, “any group that organizes around its own self-interests runs the risk of being labeled ‘separatist,’ ‘essentialist,’ and ‘antidemocratic’” (110), but in doing so, they are also able to better leverage the web of power as described by Michal Foucault— as “vehicles of power” rather than as “points of application” (98). Language, literature, visual and culinary arts, music, theater, poetry, fashion, sports. . . all provide the disenfranchised with a unique voice that eventually creates a portal through which its members gain respect and possibly some level of acceptance by the mainstream.

New media is aptly named because it is in a constant state of metamorphosis. Each day, as technol... more New media is aptly named because it is in a constant state of
metamorphosis. Each day, as technology improves, as new applications
are developed and marketed, as storage becomes less expensive, and as
bandwidth expands, other economic, political and social factors work in
opposition. The resulting tension may serve to keep the train on the tracks as it chugs toward a cyber-utopia, or to send it careening over a cliff. Corporate media mergers and acquisitions, government/telecom
surveillance partnerships, international cyber terrorism, threats against net neutrality, and the socio-economic digital divide are just a few factors that play a part in jeopardizing the viability of new media as the great
egalitarian messiah.

Illustration by John Locke, Ph.D.

Illustration from Utopia Revisited Book II

An illustration from Utopia Revisited Book 1

Illustration from Utopia Revisited Book II

An illustration from Utopia Revisited Book 1

Illustration from Utopia Revisited Book 1

Illustration from Utopia Revisited

Illustration from Utopia Revisited Book 1

From Utopia Revisited Book 1

Utopia Revisited, 2018

As the light of a full moon glistens on the River Thames below the London Bridge in late summer 1... more As the light of a full moon glistens on the River Thames below the London Bridge in late summer 1535, Sir Thomas More’s daughter collects her father’s severed head from the King’s guard, and Raphael Hythloday’s ship Dolfjin glides toward the river’s mouth on its way back to the island of Utopia. So concludes the prologue to the illustrated historical/fantasy novel that was produced as the creative component of this more expansive project. While the novel follows the lives of five individuals in the early 16th century as they embark on their own personal journeys— both literally and metaphorically— to find Utopia, the interdisciplinary contextualization provides insight into the genre that More’s “little book” inspired, and the illustrated, historical novel. The research identifies an area of neglect in utopian literature with respect to a feminine point of view. Four female characters are examined within post-colonial, post-modern, Latin American literature (Latin America being the area in which More placed his Utopia) to identify their utopian impulse, as described by Ernst Bloch, Fredrick Jameson and others. Finally, the illustrated novel is examined from an historical perspective, and a case is made for its resurrection as a means of attracting the cinephile to literature.

For students who wish to pursue a creative dissertation, which involves the development of an ori... more For students who wish to pursue a creative dissertation, which involves the development of an original creative work, whether written or visual, sculptural or architectural, musical, choreographic or dramatic, multi-genre, or public performance art, the new work must be accompanied by a contextualizing essay.

Students will submit the written dissertation proposal first to the Chair; then, with the approval of the Chair, to other members of the committee. Typically, the Chair will request specific revisions or enhancements before the prepared draft is deemed ready for committee review. Dissertation committee members are expected to provide timely written feedback (no longer than three weeks) to students regarding their proposals.

The purpose of the Dissertation Proposal Meeting (defense) is to bring the dissertation committee together to evaluate the student’s Dissertation Proposal. It is a working meeting from which the student may benefit from the committee’s collective wisdom as the student prepares to move forward in the research process. The meeting will include a presentation by the student (organized in consultation with the Chair), time for dialogue among all participants, and clarification of next steps in the process. The meeting is an opportunity for the student to seek input from all members on data collection and analysis issues, suggestions for further literature, choice of genre for a creative work, choice of setting for a social action project, viability of the proposed “grand tour” question for initial participants in a grounded theory study, and any other guidance deemed necessary. The student’s committee may require the student to create and validate specific research instruments, to conduct a pilot study, to obtain additional feedback on draft creative materials, or to undertake other inquiries or assessments. The dissertation committee may make recommendations for adjustments including additional study/research or other revisions of the Proposal.

At the conclusion of the meeting the committee will come to a consensus on one of the following outcomes: Pass, Pass with Revisions, or Fail (and substantially rework the proposal). The Chair will work with the student to incorporate committee recommendations into the Proposal. In the case of a Pass with Revisions, the revised draft may be reviewed by the full committee, or they may vest the Chair with sole responsibility for review. In the case of a Fail, a new Dissertation Proposal Meeting must be scheduled using the same procedures as the initial meeting. Once the Dissertation Proposal is approved by the committee, the Chair is responsible for submitting to the Dean a copy of the Proposal along with the Dissertation Proposal Approval Form in the Campus Web E-Forms Doctoral Forms Online folder.

Utopia Revisited, 2018

As the light of a full moon glistens on the River Thames below the London Bridge, More’s daughter... more As the light of a full moon glistens on the River Thames below the London Bridge, More’s daughter collects her father’s severed head from the King’s guard, and Hythloday’s ship Dolfijn glides toward the river’s mouth on its way back to the island of Utopia. This calendar includes illustrations from each of the chapters that comprise John Locke's first historical/fantasy novel Utopia Revisited. It follows the lives of five individuals in the early 16th century as they embark on their own personal journeys— both literally and metaphorically— to find Utopia. This 406-page novel features 76 engraved versions of the original full-color illustrations by the author.

Everything I've Written Until Now, 2014

Until Now is an anthology of essays and short stories covering a decade of research and political... more Until Now is an anthology of essays and short stories covering a decade of research and political, social and philosophical criticism. Including the contents of his two previous books, Stuff I’ve written So Far and Stuff I’ve Written Since Then, Everything I’ve Written Until Now includes almost a hundred pages of additional work exploring the utopian quest for a more just society.

More Stuff I've Written Since Then, 2013

A collection of essays on politics, sociology, history, and Utopia, with a few short stories adde... more A collection of essays on politics, sociology, history, and Utopia, with a few short stories added for effect. This is the result of one year's worth of work in the pursuit of my doctoral degree in Humanities and Culture with a concentration in communication and social justice.

Stuff I've Written So Far, 2012

This book contains various work from Locke’s Master’s program, along with a select group of artic... more This book contains various work from Locke’s Master’s program, along with a select group of articles from his blog called “Not the Guy on Lost,” (locke on-politics.blogspot.com) and his most recent essays from his first semester as a doctoral student at Union Institute and University. John Locke covers a variety of topics, but throughout, there is a common thread: economic and social justice. This is the stuff he’s written... so far.

Fifteen weeks. On one hand, it seems like an eternity when you’re working on your course plan for... more Fifteen weeks. On one hand, it seems like an eternity when you’re working on your course plan for a new class. How can you fill three hour-long classes a week with activities that will cover all you need to teach, and keep your students engaged and enthusiastic? On the other hand, how can you possibly crameverything a student needs to know to become proficient at digital image creation and editing into such a short period of time? There’s an old adage about the only way to eat an elephant: one bite at a time. Luckily, I don’t have to eat my students, but I suppose they’d taste like chicken.

campus library, taking mental inventory of the rest of the day's commitments. The day was sunny a... more campus library, taking mental inventory of the rest of the day's commitments. The day was sunny and warm, and the songs of migratory birds on the lake filled the air. Arriving back at my office in the administration building, I jiggled the mouse on my desk to bring the computer monitor back to life. There on the screen flashed an alert from my newsfeed: "Explosions rock the Boston Marathon Finish Line." I forgot to breath. The room began to spin and I snatched up the phone and pressed a button with trembling hands. "Hello?" She picked up on half a ring. "Are you…" I hadn't finished the question before she interrupted. "I'm fine, sweetie." Of course she was, I thought as I inhaled and then breathed a sigh of relief, and then took another breath.

This fictionalized account of a Pastors for Peace Friendshipment Caravan to Cuba is constructed f... more This fictionalized account of a Pastors for Peace Friendshipment Caravan to Cuba is constructed from of numerous people’s experiences and actual events related by various Caravanistas. In most cases, names have been changed, and the chronology has been altered for dramatic purposes, but the stories are based in fact.

I gave this presentation at Digital Learning and Technology Day at Keuka College in August 2014.

Nineteen years after Thomas More published Utopia, he found himself in a cell in the Tower of Lon... more Nineteen years after Thomas More published Utopia, he found himself in a cell in the Tower of London. As a result of having been found guilty of treason, he was held prisoner for five days before his scheduled execution. While sinking into the depths of depression and boredom, More was graced by a visit from one of the characters from his book. The fictitious Raphael, who initially introduced More to Utopia, provided much needed distraction as he recounted his most recent visit to the island nation, and the many changes that had taken place since his first trip. In this account, we learn what happened to Utopia's "perfect society" over the nineteen years since Raphael's first visit. In the process, we discover that More's book has something to say about today's world. It provides examples— both positive and negative examples— that continue to speak to us even today.

Strait Talk: Politics, Propaganda and Persuasion Across the Florida Straits, Oct 1, 2004

For four decades, the peoples of the United States and Cuba have been forced to rely on third-par... more For four decades, the peoples of the United States and Cuba have been forced to rely on third-party sources for information about life “on the other side of the Florida Straits.” While the American government has severely limited the ability of its citizens to travel to Cuba, the people of Cuba have also been unable to visit the United States in any great numbers due to economic circumstances and the difficulty in acquiring the appropriate permissions from both Cuban and US authorities. Although both governments and the media would vehemently defend the accuracy of the information they convey, bias is inevitable, and must be acknowledged when considering the Cuban-American situation. What are the myths and realities of life in America from the perspective of the Cuban in the streets of Havana? Are the average American's perceptions of the Cuban experience accurate? To what extent do the US and Cuban governments distort reality for political gain? Are the media pawns manipulated by the government, or are they willing participants in the propaganda machine? Are they presenting a complete and accurate representation of the situation? Is it even possible to determine what is true and what is not in the current climate? Strait Talk investigates the “official” versions of reality on either side of the Florida Straits, and then attempts to show, first hand, the realities, through one-on-one, on-camera interviews and through personal observation.

I've uploaded the entire project as a play list to YouTube. Please click on the link in the dropdown list above, and share it with anyone that might be interested. http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzDhwIimMBKIAhQxHxFMbbA_33TZylEMq