Is mimetic desire a bad thing, or a good thing?
Mimetic desire is inherently good. We need the ability to influence and be influenced by others to maintain human culture. We learn communication and other vital skills through this unconscious imitation of others. Similarly, with the ability to observe and imitate others, we learn how to function in loving relationships. Taking it a step further, when we practice positive mimetic desire we acquire our being through cooperation with our model, as opposed to rivalry. This involves unselfish desire and focusing desires away from our own selfish desire and onto “the other.” This involves humility, as we desire what is best for the other. Positive mimetic desire seeks the best situations for others, but it does not mean that we should allow others to take advantage of us, just as we should not take advantage of others. Justice is important as we explore the practical applications of mimetic theory: We must come to understand how we take advantage of others – how we victimize others. While
