Steve makes an interesting general comment on the forum to date:
<in fact, I'd go further... we need to acknowledge that this forum is itself
exclusive... not everyone feels safe or easy communicating in this
environment... indeed, I think that this forum's complete and abject failure to
generate any meaningful discussion on what exactly is critical about critical
geography is symptomatic of this...>
In a previous contribution I raised the issue about defining
'critical geography'. I feel this term is appropriated by some people
on the list in a rather complacent way - as if they were saying: 'We
are the geographers who are critical - who carry out work that is
clearly a critique of society, policy issues etc. Other geographers
who do not share our 'narrow', marxist (?), ill-defined political
perspective cannot be regarded as 'critical'.
I have a sting impression that I do not share the same political
perspective as many of the geographers on this list, but should that
exclude me from participating? To put it differently: is it fair to
the membership of this list if I continued to 'participate' even
though I do not share similar views to those which have been
expressed?
Steve makes the point that the discussion so far has not been that
impressive. I agree. It has been articulate, but very narrowly
focused on a few issues which have not generated much variation in
opinion. In some ways these issues could be described as 'safe',
'popular' or perhaps even 'politically correct'. But they have not
really got to the root of the problems which have been raised -
little was said, for example about the nature of the Nigerian
government or about interrealtionships between business and politics
in Nigeria/Africa. I should add that I am not particularly well
informed on these issues.
The main reason I continue to subscribe is that this list has brought
together an interesting group of geographers with the potential to
proivde a useful exchange of views. Perhaps the ice has not been
broken yet and if some people meet in Vancouver or wherever, this
might help to generate a more open and truly 'critical' discussion.
Seamus Grimes
Univ College Galway
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