Comments on: Midsummer

By: Rachael

Rachael — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

I thought your reply to Clancy about the Jones article was right on! Jones practices the same kind of dismissive rhetoric that we’ve heard for so long…cultural studies is light-weight, literary theory is garbled, feminism is about man-bashing, etc.

You’re right to pin the problem on Jones’ assumption that language is transparent and neutral. It’s not. Cultural studies, literary theory, feminism, etc. are imperfect. But as you say: complex ideas definitely require complex language. Without complex language, both in and out of academia, we are surrounded by the language of corporate jargon and FoxNews, and in that case, we all lose.

So thanks for your post…I was glad to see that someone eloquently addressed the underlying farce of Jones and Sokal.

And I love the image of human resources personnel quoting Butler as they redesign their many forms and handouts!

By: Clancy

Clancy — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Hey, Mike! For the record, I’m not frustrated with you at all–hope you aren’t with me.

By: Mike

Mike — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

No frustration whatsoever, Clancy — props to you for initiating a productive and enjoyable debate.

(And, Rachael — thanks — and happy birthday!)

By: Clancy

Clancy — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

I forgot to add that you are really enhancing my views on all these issues; you’ve given me a lot to think about. Thank you.