Date: Fri, 5 Nov 1999 17:18:13 -0500 (EST)
From: Gerald Levy <glevy-AT-pratt.edu>
Subject: Re: AUT: "Post-Modernism"


Please send to only one list at a time. I have no desire to engage in a
dialogue with those on some of the other lists that you sent messages to.

Perhaps you should add another theme:

-- the witch hunt by "orthodox Marxists" against the post-modernists.

As is the case with all witch hunts, the "trial" centers around false
accusations. 

Interestingly, in this particular case, we had a "Marxist" (Alan Sokal) 
authoring a fraudulent "post-modernist" article for publication with the
intention of discrediting the post-modernists. Perhaps, in retrospect, the
party that was discredited the most was the fraud, Sokal.

Of course, there are many other examples of witch hunts directed by
"Marxists" -- usually directed against *other* Marxists (although,
anarchists have sometimes taken on the burden of being accused of being
witches by their Marxist "comrades"). The common theme and modus operandi
is *distortion*. It is fair to say, I think, that if you can only argue
against another position by distorting that position and creating straw
wo/men, then that is a good indication of both the insecurity of the
accuser and the extent to which they are willing to fabricate history for
their own purposes.

btw, I am not now nor have I ever been a post-modernist. And it only seems
fitting that in the climate created by the "orthodox Marxists" a denial of
this sort is in order. After all, McCarthyism was the pre-eminent example
of witch hunts in the US in the 20th Century. No doubt, though, others
will accuse me of being a "witch" or a "witch supporter" for writing the
above. So be it. Some of my best friends are witches. The revolution,
indeed, will need the support of witches and an earnest effort by all to
rip apart and set aflame all straw men.

Long live witches!
End the inquisition!

Jerry



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