Subject: Re: Avoidance of stereotypes and the true themes of "Eskimos"
From: Andrew Kennis (kennis@math.grin.edu)
Date: Tue Feb 25 1997 - 17:46:51 GMT
On Tue, 25 Feb 1997, Jeff Ross wrote:
> Homophobia? Where did you get that? How has anyone seemed even slightly
> homophobic. I'm not certain where this assumption has come from.
I said that I *hope* it wasn't homophobia that led many people to
conclude that one of the main themes in "Eskimo" was whether or not
Eric was homosexual, not that it was definitely homophobia.
> I do not believe that using stereotypes to indicate a character's leanings,
> wants, economical stance, OR sexuality is beyond what J.D. would do.
I do, because I have never seen an instance where he has done so. Once
again, I think that the conclusion that JDS intended for Eric's
homosexuality to be ambiguous based on evidence involving stereotypical
assumptions about homosexuality, is a false one. I also would tend to
believe that Eric's supposed homosexuality, wasn't even a theme in
"Eskimos". Furthermore, I think that more than a few people on this list
seem to not have the ability to distinguish between a stereotype based on
a foundation of crap and cultural traits based on valid sociological
evidence.
> It is a worthwhile literary technique which allows for ambiguity and
> questions to arrise.
Using stereotypes is a worthwhile literary technique which allows for
ambiguity? Uhhh, no.
> In other words, who wants to be told everything outright? I certainly
> wouldn't.
Guess what, I don't like being told everything outright and either and
never advocated doing so, as a viable literary device.
> J.D. Salinger is not a god he is a human being who has written some
> stories, not all good, yet most far far better than average. Why?
> Because he uses many of the infinite number of stylistic touches
> available.
>
Damned right he uses many of stylistic literary devices, and one of them,
certainly is not stereotypical insinuations to provide for ambiguity. :-)
--AK
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