I read Pete's attack on Americana and now Larry's having a go at fastfood
poetry. Jeez what is it with you guys? Don't you have any respect for what
Alfred North Whitehead called the new seat of civilization? And that is how
we dance around America, always snapping and sniping, carping on. I actually
enjoyed David Baratier's reports --if anything they prove that poetry on
that side of the water is exciting, and a tad more entertaining than the
British equivalent. As for this business with mass consumption and
commodification, World bank, etc --it seems to me that people love to reify
abstracts --and do the opposite with people --it avoids dealing with the
realities. It is also a wonderful way of accommodating one's class and
cultural prejudices. I would go as far to say that it is a form of
intellectual snobbery. It is so easy to take aim at the biggest targets --
America --and then to attack its major cultural gift to the world --the
concept of mass production and consumerism --yet Europe benefits. But Europe
has a conscience, it has for hundreds of years exploited and abused the
planet, and still does so, but now very fortunately it can use America to
offset its feelings of guilt --and to detract from its shortcomings. Gross
hypocrisy. And this takes place at all levels. The academic who has
benefitted --decides to hand out leaflets produced on his mass-produced
computer to his colleagues. The poet publishes his hatred of the
system --and it is sent to those of a like mind, and all of them purr. The
chamberpot poetry of engagement. People go on about the environment. Over
twenty years ago I was involved in environment politics -- and I remember at
the time that my suggestions of changing things --using alternative products
and the like ---were met with contempt. However at that stage it must be
noted those in the movement focused on practical solutions --now that moved
towards ideas and politics --this second stage of development has blurred
everything --it is the same with the Woman's movement --at the beginning
people were practical and engaged in trying to achieve real goals --then the
academies took over --and the initial force and impact has sadly dissipated
and fragmented. All of it makes me very sad.
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