Yes, but I understand that Matthew- who I trust is now hooked into CGF, John!- is seeking responses of academic opinion. That, hopefully includes sensitivity re `public/participatory` geographies, but that is more than a smilng face and name linked with one or two general causes.
Best, David
________________________________________
From: A forum for critical and radical geographers [[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Tracey Skelton [[log in to unmask]]
Sent: 22 October 2009 12:58
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Palin - President of the RGS??
I think it was a good appointment. We have to remember that the academic
part of the RGS is just that, 'part of the RGS'. A great deal of RGS work is
also with lay people, educators, schools, geography enthusiasts and so
forth. Having a highly recognisable and highly popular international figure
as the president will certainly enhance the appeal and reputation of the
RGS.
Having watched just some of his programmes I have to say that I think he has
considerable qualities as a geographer. He always appears open to engage and
talk with people, his commentaries on what he sees are invariably
sympathetic, non-judgemental and often admiring rather than patronising. He
tends to focus on similarities between people he encounters rather than
representing them as sensational or exotic - the latter is what so many
other male 'travellers/ explorers' tend to do, especially that dreadful man
who did the programme 'Tribe'. I think Palin represents important human
qualities required to work through cross-cultural encounters in positive and
ethical ways (albeit with a film crew in tow)!
Let's not forget either, that before it was trendy and popular and about the
dramatic saving of the planet, Palin was the President of the Campaign for
Better Transport. He did (and continues to do) a huge amount of work to
raise the profile of the organisation and is still actively fund raising for
them. So he has quite good green credentials too.
Tracey Skelton
On 22/10/2009 6:53 PM, "Matthew Hickey" <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
> Dear all,
>
>
> I am a 3rd year undergraduate student based at the University of Exeter.
>
> As part of my dissertation, I am interested in finding out academic opinion
> with
> regard to the appontment of Michael Palin as Preseident of the RGS (with the
> IBG). My dissertation supervisors Prof. Ian Cook and Prof. Steve Hinchliffe
> advisied seeking opinion on this forum.
>
> Any help and opinions would be much appreciated
>
> Kind Regards
>
> Matthew Hickey
>
The University of Derby has a published policy regarding email and reserves the right to monitor email traffic. If you believe this email was sent to you in error, please notify the sender and delete this email. Please direct any concerns to [log in to unmask]
The policy is available here: http://www.derby.ac.uk/LIS/Email-Policy
|