tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32542246.post2887010024337975613..comments2024-02-24T05:19:10.949-05:00Comments on Durham-in-Wonderland: Friends of Duke Petitionkcjohnson9http://www.blogger.com/profile/09625813296986996867noreply@blogger.comBlogger120125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32542246.post-36645252996715202382007-02-02T10:39:00.000-05:002007-02-02T10:39:00.000-05:00I prefer that my opponents be esteemed and intelli...I prefer that my opponents be esteemed and intelligent so that the points that they make can be used to defeat them with their own sword without the possibility that they can later exclaim that they were misinterpreted . Morons can easily make that claim and leave nothing of use for my attack . It is impolite to attack morons . <br /><br /><br />The only structurally new and significant piece of this offering by the esteemed and substantially intelligent author is the Brodhead conflation . This author makes this conflation clear in his third paragraph . He signals that it is his clear and established impression that such is his ideology Broadhead would have signed the Listening Statement . His subsequent defense of the 88 now falls into place . <br /><br />That Brodhead is a meta-member in good standing of the 88 needs no further validation . And we can thank out highly intelligent , perceptive young scholar for that .Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32542246.post-52690400619552796692007-01-29T11:15:00.000-05:002007-01-29T11:15:00.000-05:00"We have Middle Eastern Studies, Japanese Studies,..."We have Middle Eastern Studies, Japanese Studies, why not African/African American Studies?"<br /><br />Japan is a major economic competitor, both an opportunity and a threat. <br />The Middle East is of obvious strategic importance to the US. <br />Adding a department of Chinese studies is urgent.<br /><br />African American studies, not so much.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32542246.post-25735689681048084702007-01-29T11:06:00.000-05:002007-01-29T11:06:00.000-05:00Cedarford sez:
"What actions, given Duke has alw...Cedarford sez: <br /><br />"What actions, given Duke has always emphasized sports form an important base to forming a well-rounded Duke student, should be done with Duke athletics - or is the program working just fine?"<br /><br />How can you even ask that ?!?!?!<br />So far as I can tell the athletes are the only ones acting in a conspicuously honorable manner (some econ & law professors are doing OK, but they weren't out front early like the womens' lacrosse team). Athletics appears to be the *only* thing at Duke that's "working just fine."<br /><br />(Re: lacrosse players having a stripper party - from what I've heard that's the kind of thing that could just as easily have happened at any frat party. If that's correct (which I admit I don't know for sure) then Duke has a general campus-culture problem, but it's not a specifically athletic-related one.)<br /><br />"Forward looking, would it not be better to just promulgate standards of civility to all on Duke campus or interacting with external parties like Durham residents, are expected to follow? Would that not be better than endless cycles of grievance-claiming and ensuent accomodation?"<br /><br />Only if the Durham residents are willing to go along with the deal. You get the NC NAACP to sign on (and really mean it) and you might have something there. Lots of luck!<br /><br />"Let the lawsuits claim their pound of flesh. Then adapt and move on conscious of who did the harm"<br /><br />We know who did the harm, we know what kind of harm they did, we know they're still doing it, and much of it isn't legally actionable but is still a big problem, not just at Duke. It's the PC "victims-studies" types, the "Civil Rights Community," and a whole bunch of others of similar ilk. They've been winning by default for a long time, and until they're stood up to, things will keep getting worse.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32542246.post-50998531763686468512007-01-29T10:41:00.000-05:002007-01-29T10:41:00.000-05:00"Is the goal here to destroy the Group and the Rum..."Is the goal here to destroy the Group and the Rump, or to coax them out of the castle and help them find their way to a healthier, more accurate/scholarly/evidence based way of perceiving and reflecting reality?"<br /><br />Destroy.<br />There are lots of intelligent, compassionate, open-minded scholars in the world. Why should Duke spend a lot of effort on the apparently hopeless cause of reforming people who aren't?<br /> <br /><br />"I hope any others who care about the members of the Group/Rump as individuals make some efforts as well."<br /><br />I care as much about them as they care about the lacross players.<br /><br />This reminds me of all the folks in the legal field who said nothing about Nifong until the evidence had been inescapable for months.<br /><br />Ignore the language of compassion. It's a lie. This is about academic and legal guild solidarity.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32542246.post-20854103010752054422007-01-28T21:47:00.000-05:002007-01-28T21:47:00.000-05:001:20 Thank you for circling back and clarifying.1:20 Thank you for circling back and clarifying.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32542246.post-9761061156194289112007-01-28T15:54:00.000-05:002007-01-28T15:54:00.000-05:00Humanity always struggles to overcome history's le...<i><br />Humanity always struggles to overcome history's legacy of violence stemming from envy, limited resources, differing ideologies, etc.<br /></i><br /><br />Anyone who subscribes to this view has a very narrow, and romantic, view of humanity.<br /><br />As I am sure Margaret Thatcher would say, humanity consists of lots of individuals who are mostly (parents who have obligate homosexual offspring have lost the game already) all trying to get ahead and ensure that their genes get into the next generations. They all have varying levels of obligation and sympathy towards other individuals depending mainly on their degree of relatedness.<br /><br />You can, by and large, expect them to all do whatever it takes to achieve their goals, and some ethnic groups might not think that it is in their interests to pander to the interests of the dominant ethnic group ...Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32542246.post-71781359646741986942007-01-28T13:20:00.000-05:002007-01-28T13:20:00.000-05:00I meant that being American in the context of worl...I meant that being American in the context of world history means having the opportunity to start fresh, to leave behind grievances, rivalries, wars--to begin anew in this fantastic experiment of democracy. Humanity always struggles to overcome history's legacy of violence stemming from envy, limited resources, differing ideologies, etc. And Sethe engages in the same effort at an individual level. But her internal struggles to overcome the legacy of her past fail, and she goes mad. Beloved represents these struggles externally. She functions as a character in much the same vein as Nathaniel Hawthorne's scarlet "A," only far more dramatically, of course--she is a character after all.<br /><br />ObserverAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32542246.post-50778070614599229042007-01-28T07:31:00.000-05:002007-01-28T07:31:00.000-05:0011:59 Oberserver:
"...history can and will destr...11:59 Oberserver: <br /><br />"...history can and will destroy us--how quintessentially American..."<br /><br />I'm not sure I understand and do not want to read more into your "quintessentially American" comment than may be intended...what exactly do you mean?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32542246.post-15955748577219329282007-01-28T01:43:00.000-05:002007-01-28T01:43:00.000-05:00great post, 1:24
Academic accountability: what a ...great post, 1:24<br /><br />Academic accountability: what a concept.<br /><br />I posted above on this thread about what constitutes a great university. Suggest you read it.<br /><br />RPAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32542246.post-11641058837763797442007-01-28T01:24:00.000-05:002007-01-28T01:24:00.000-05:00The FODU petition is a good thing, and I hope that...The FODU petition is a good thing, and I hope that many, many people who have some connection with Duke will sign it. (I have no such connection and believe that people who do are by far the most effective signers.) <br /><br />I do believe that there are other petitions that Duke reformers should create. Duke (and many other educational institutions)have serious structural problems that have been illuminated by this case. One of these is that the concept of tenure in many cases serves to protect academic incompetents/buffoons instead of protecting genuine academic independence. (How many of the group of 88 have tenure?)It occurs to me that one way to help clean up this situation is to provide for Duke some organization that can do for tenured faculty what the North Barolina Bar can do for prosecutors and other lawyers. There should be some disciplinary procedure similar to the one which Nifong will face which can de-tenure bad professors in much the same way that bad lawyers can be disbarred. The Friends of Duke University would do well to press for the creation of such a system at Duke.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32542246.post-7184923479641777262007-01-28T00:16:00.000-05:002007-01-28T00:16:00.000-05:00Esquire, MD,
Kevin Dunn discusses C Rice's disser...Esquire, MD,<br /><br />Kevin Dunn discusses C Rice's dissertation in the 4/7/04 edition of the Washington Monthly. He quotes a famous scholar in her field who argues that she does not know history. It's a devastating review.<br /><br />DukieAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32542246.post-6982961704811517762007-01-27T23:59:00.001-05:002007-01-27T23:59:00.001-05:00Esq.,
Einstein's IQ was estimated at 160. I don't...Esq.,<br /><br />Einstein's IQ was estimated at 160. I don't have time right now to check her out, but I do know that she herself admits that she was not talented enough to continue with her musical studies.<br /><br />However, it is common knowledge that Rice's dissertation received overwhelmingly bad reviews. All her "theories" were proven to be based on other scholars' work. <br /><br />I know a lot of models and photographers that speak 5 languages. Most of my European friends are multilingual.<br /><br />My point is that I don't buy in to the MSM canard that this is an exceptional woman. And if you can prove that she has a bona fide 185 IQ, I'll fellate you on the Tonight Show. I doubt that in the history of the world any African has registered such an extraordinary IQ.<br /><br />If she is so smart, what are the manifestations? Let's just say we disagree about this woman. She strikes me as a bona fide administrator. Many pundits are now starting to address her unimaginative approach to foreign policy.<br /><br />If you'd like to look up a brillian woman, check out my ex-girlfriend, Mary Gaitskill. She was nominated for a National Book Award last year. Bill Clinton is another overrated "intellect." His poorly written book had a devastating effect on his "genius" rep.<br /><br />RPAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32542246.post-2928022307951280882007-01-27T23:59:00.000-05:002007-01-27T23:59:00.000-05:00In defense of Toni Morrison...
Well, I am sorry t...In defense of Toni Morrison...<br /><br />Well, I am sorry to say that Pynchon and Bellow, both of whom I read way too many years ago to discuss now without rereading, and McEwan are the only names on your list that overlap with my literary repertoire. Yes, I know that leaves a dreadful gap, especially with respect to Philip Roth. I have intended for some time to have a Philip Roth reading jag, but, it is not likely to take place until next fall. Nevermind that. I have read Morrison recently, and perhaps I can just focus on her now. <br /><br />Why I believe Morrison is in the Canon to stay:<br /><br />Although she does not trace slavery back to Africa and explore the universalities of human nature based on what happened there in the way Mr. Crouch would wish, Morrison's work is still universal in scope. Much more than just a "blackface Holocaust novel," as Mr. Crouch derisively calls it, Beloved is a story of an exodus from totalitarianism in the broadest sense. It is the story of the the universal human effort to overcome our collective and personal histories. Furthermore, it is a warning that unless we are able to do so (and we may not be able to through no real fault of our own), history can and will destroy us--how quintessentially American. Yes, Morrison paints her story with bold, broad strokes. Yes, it seems heavyhanded at times. I cringed more than once at the hyperbole and found some of it so annoying I launched a few searches to debunk for myself some of Morrison's dramatic exaggerations. BUT by the end of the book, I decided my own criticisms were PETTY. Where Morrison is masterful, and she is, she is masterful in a way like no other. Her description of the community celebration leading up to the arrival of the bounty hunters and Sethe's murdering of Beloved is superb. Also beautifully crafted are Sethe's descent into madness and the scene where she finally loses her mind entirely and attempts to murder a kind and helpful white man whose hat and horse trigger her memory of the bounty hunters' approach twenty years before. This scene of madness and flashback reminded me more than a little of what may have happened in the case currently obsessing us. <br /><br />Let me add that Ms. Morrison's tales are unique and represent a human experience of great interest to many of us. Until the unlikely day when someone else does a better job than Ms. Morrison telling this metanarrative, she will be an important voice in the Western Canon. <br /><br />The Bluest Eye is exquisite, and Harold Bloom prefers Song of Solomon, which I have not read, to any of her other work...if you are considering reading some of Morrison. <br /><br />ObserverAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32542246.post-49206876827802233082007-01-27T23:28:00.000-05:002007-01-27T23:28:00.000-05:00RP: Connie Rice never failed out of music school....RP: Connie Rice never failed out of music school.<br /><br />http://www.answers.com/topic/condoleezza-rice<br /><br />You can question her politically all you like, but in terms of her intelligence, don't fool yourself. Graduated University of Denver at 19 years of age, Phi Beta Kappa, speaks at least four different foreign languages, and plays a number of musical instruments.<br /><br />The woman is flat out laser smart. Her IQ, BTW, is reported to be 185. I can believe it.<br /><br />-Esquire-<br />-Maryland-Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32542246.post-16432451271695792472007-01-27T22:31:00.000-05:002007-01-27T22:31:00.000-05:0010:18
I know who you are: Debrah Correll, arguabl...10:18<br /><br />I know who you are: Debrah Correll, arguably the weakest writer on the board. Your redundant "very acute" was a dead giveaway.<br /><br />Have you considered changing your medication?<br /><br />Trinity '96Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32542246.post-24031609621330559552007-01-27T22:28:00.000-05:002007-01-27T22:28:00.000-05:0010:18
I agree. Can you recommend anyone?
I'm rec...10:18<br /><br />I agree. Can you recommend anyone?<br /><br />I'm receiving welfare, so I can't be picky.<br /><br />Thanks, friend,<br /><br />RPAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32542246.post-76980391965116763242007-01-27T22:18:00.000-05:002007-01-27T22:18:00.000-05:00To Roman Polanski:
You seem to be suffering from ...To Roman Polanski:<br /><br />You seem to be suffering from a very acute sense of insecurity. Maybe you should go get some counseling.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32542246.post-8781102931831047722007-01-27T20:58:00.000-05:002007-01-27T20:58:00.000-05:00rp,
You know I guess I did not get far enough in ...rp,<br /><br />You know I guess I did not get far enough in school for all the rigid divisions to set in.M. Simonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09508934110558197375noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32542246.post-12022860496182543452007-01-27T19:57:00.000-05:002007-01-27T19:57:00.000-05:00Simon
You're referring to cultural anthropology.
...Simon<br /><br />You're referring to cultural anthropology.<br /><br />RPAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32542246.post-12436526196173214632007-01-27T19:41:00.000-05:002007-01-27T19:41:00.000-05:00RP 6:14PM,
Nope, a culture doesn't need to have a...RP 6:14PM,<br /><br />Nope, a culture doesn't need to have any particular genius other than survival to be worth studuing.<br /><br />A need to interact with such cultures for purposes of trade ought to be enough.<br /><br />See I'm kind of strange. The best and the worst and the mediocre all interest me. Sometimes there is a pony in the pile. Besides it is interesting to see how people think. Or not.M. Simonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09508934110558197375noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32542246.post-67419798980001742422007-01-27T19:34:00.000-05:002007-01-27T19:34:00.000-05:00Esq
Let's be honest: some of the best universitie...Esq<br /><br />Let's be honest: some of the best universities in the US are public.<br /><br />A Duke degree may help you get laid in some circles, that's it.<br /><br />Let me reiterate: Duke's academic reputation has been seriously harmed by Brodhead's inaction and by the premiere of the black studies department's Spike Lee film.<br /><br />What do you elite Dukies think about the discount of your brand?<br /><br />Roman PolanskiAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32542246.post-41062062838649922582007-01-27T19:31:00.000-05:002007-01-27T19:31:00.000-05:00RP,
Actually I love Rock, Classical, Jazz, Folk, ...RP,<br /><br />Actually I love Rock, Classical, Jazz, Folk, etc.<br /><br />I used to be an engineer at WFMT in Chicago 62-63. WTAO near Carbondale,Ill 73-74.<br /><br />I see nothing wrong with studying any of it if done with rigor.M. Simonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09508934110558197375noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32542246.post-70727618187974644142007-01-27T19:25:00.000-05:002007-01-27T19:25:00.000-05:00RP: No, it's not that. It's the snottish attitud...RP: No, it's not that. It's the snottish attitude of the profs and students who post here, particularly from Duke, and almost entirely from the Left. You, and I for that matter, simply want traditional emphasis returned to universities and the classroom. These people think that if they studied in the Female Studies Department at Duke, their opinions are more important that a grad from a so-called "lower tiered" school who studied engineering because their schooling was somehow "superior." That's absurd IMHO.<br /><br />-Esquire-<br />-Maryland-Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32542246.post-50683974797725176092007-01-27T18:43:00.000-05:002007-01-27T18:43:00.000-05:00Esq
I hope you were not referring to me vis-a-vis...Esq<br /><br />I hope you were not referring to me vis-a-vis elite school snobs. I support elite curricula at any school.<br /><br />RPAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32542246.post-48767411333435855942007-01-27T18:39:00.000-05:002007-01-27T18:39:00.000-05:006:16 Indeed, people will vote with their feet. If ...6:16 Indeed, people will vote with their feet. If Duke doesn't respond aggressively to the attack of the G88, its reputation will definitely suffer.<br /><br />Esq--Are you serious about Rice, or just being cute?<br /><br />If you're serious, suggest you read reviews of her book/dissertation. It was blown out of the water. I also understand that she flunked out of music school. Rice's rise is all about the gross affirmative action policies that are covertly supported by punks like George Bush.<br /><br />If you can provide me with some examples of her "genius," I'll listen.<br /><br />RPAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com