
sueddeutsche.de
Lawyer's Mindfulness Leads to Unexpected Rise in Underworld
In "Achtsam Morden," a lawyer, pressured by his wife to improve his work-life balance, uses mindfulness techniques to eliminate his Mafia boss client, leading to his unexpected rise in the underworld and a surprising resolution involving a kindergarten placement.
- What are the long-term implications of the lawyer's actions and the play's portrayal of morality?
- The lawyer's actions suggest a potential normalization of violence and criminal activity as a means to achieve desired outcomes, blurring the lines between morality and self-interest. The play's resolution, though seemingly positive, leaves open questions about the long-term consequences of his actions and the systemic implications of such pragmatic choices.
- How does the play portray the blurred lines between morality and pragmatism in the lawyer's actions?
- The play highlights the lawyer's justification for keeping money from his deceased client, stating that "prostitutes and drug dealers worked honestly and hard" for it, suggesting a warped sense of morality where pragmatism and questionable ethics intertwine to achieve personal goals. The resolution involving the kindergarten further emphasizes this.
- What immediate impact does the lawyer's newfound mindfulness have on his professional and personal life?
- Initially, his mindfulness practice seems to fail. However, he unexpectedly uses his mindfulness to eliminate his Mafia boss client. This drastically changes his career trajectory, propelling him into a position of power within the underworld. This also surprisingly resolves a kindergarten placement issue for his daughter.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The review focuses on the comedic and plot elements of the play, highlighting the protagonist's transformation and the fast-paced nature of the production. The framing emphasizes the entertainment value and cleverness of the plot, potentially downplaying any potential critique of the morally ambiguous themes. For example, the description of Diemel's actions after killing the mob boss focuses on his 'remarkable' adaptability and the entertainment value, rather than deeper ethical considerations. The headline, if there were one, would likely also emphasize the comedic aspects.
Language Bias
The language used is generally descriptive and positive, employing words like "clever," "infallsreich," "präzisen Eloquenz," and "Mordsspaß." While these are subjective, they contribute to a positive portrayal of the play. There is a potential for bias in the description of Diemel's justification for keeping the money, which is presented as a somewhat humorous observation rather than a critical analysis of his actions. Neutral alternatives could include more direct descriptions of the actions and their moral implications.
Bias by Omission
The review omits discussion of potential negative aspects of the play. While focusing on positive aspects, a balanced review might have included discussions of audience reception, critical reviews, or any potential flaws in the plot or acting. Further, a deeper dive into the moral ambiguity of the play would be expected in a balanced analysis. Omission of a counterargument to the positive portrayal could mislead audiences.
False Dichotomy
The review doesn't present a false dichotomy, but it does focus heavily on the comedic elements, potentially minimizing other interpretations of the play's themes. It could be argued that presenting the play solely as a 'Mordsspaß' ignores other interpretations or deeper meaning.
Gender Bias
The review mentions several female characters (Diemel's wife and daughter, a kindergarten teacher, and a detective), but their roles are described primarily in relation to the male protagonist. While the detective is described as "tough," there is no in-depth analysis of gender representation or potential gender stereotypes within the play itself. More analysis is needed to assess if there's any significant gender bias within the plot or characterizations.
Sustainable Development Goals
The play indirectly addresses No Poverty by showing how economic disparities and the desperation caused by financial struggles can lead individuals to make morally questionable choices. The mafia boss's wealth contrasts sharply with the struggles faced by Diemel and the kindergarten, hinting at the economic imbalances in society. Diemel's final justification for keeping the money highlights the complex realities of economic survival, even if achieved through questionable means.