Oh, agreed. I have trouble with the problem of
inclusivity/exclusivity, as influenced by inapplicable or inflexible
definitions of what "excellence" is.
Also fully agree on the note about Arnold's idea of 'charletans'--no
need to throw out everything he said just because his episteme was
wack--no one has a choice about what episteme they are born into.
Recognizing and reconciling oneself to or publicly protesting inherent
contradictions, paradoxes, and basic hypocrisies, though--well, that's
as old as culture(s).
Best,
c
Dominic Fox <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
I am all for the construction of canons of excellence. They give you
something to argue about. Jazz lovers do it, boxing fans do it, why
shouldn't literary folk?
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