Re: Mr. Antolini
Tim O'Connor (tim@roughdraft.org)
Fri, 05 Dec 1997 21:38:02 -0500
> What I do object to, in fact find offensive, is having someone
> throw literary theory in my face in a condescending manner and basically
> invalidate what I have to say, my approach to literature (not to mention
> my favorite English professor) because it's supposedly all due to "Reader
> Response" theory or whatever other nonsense people conjure to make
> themselves feel intelligent. Especially when I am discussing something I
> love as much as do 'Catcher.' Whether or not anyone else thinks that
> behavior is offensive is immaterial to me.
It's offensive. I'm glad that you have a strong opinion about it, and want
you to know that I (and plenty of others of us, I'm certain) feel this way.
Of course, as we all know, there are so many nuances that get lost in
email, it's not always possible to gauge whether a person is being
offensive or just careless.
But as you said, you felt what you felt -- and thanks for speaking out
about it. It helps us all get a sense of what is and is not acceptable
here.
> I'm just not sure that I want
> to discuss this subject with people who think it's okay to judge the value
> of other people's contributions. That's not what I signed up for and
> that's not anything I want to be a part of. I want to be part of a
> community were people can freely express their thoughts without fear that
> someone else is going to come along and ruin it.
Precisely.
Please don't temper your reactions in the future. Your honesty here is
great, and it may help other people who don't feel quite up to the task of
speaking up. I think we're trying to create and keep the kind of community
you're looking for. I hope that this hasn't soured you, or anyone else who
has remained silent, about this list.
If anyone agrees or disagrees, please let's hear from you. It feels kind
of funny for me to be out here, talking this utopian monologue thing!
--tim