Date: Fri, 10 Dec 1999 11:52:33 +0100
From: Karl Maton <karl.maton-AT-dtn.ntl.com>
Subject: Re: domains of the list




kent strock wrote:
> 
> Karl,
> I must take exception to your directive/suggestion that confrontational post
> be taken off line.  Do you want a sterile theoretical practice that
> resembles a tea party? While there may be acrimony in the posts, that
> doesn't disqualify it from raising question outside of a bourdiean purity.
> Texts are Texts are texts...it seems your suggestion is a purifying move.
> and hate to tell you all language is violent....unless its advertising.
> kent strock
> 

Hi Kent! 

Damn, I did say I wouldn't respond onlist to this, but ... just this
once ....  
First, I do not see a dichotomy between personal abuse on the one side
and sterile theoretical practice on the other.  I do see a possibility
off-list to clarify any personally-directed posts in a less public
context where less capital may be at stake and thus clearer and calmer
discussion may be enabled.  I just suggested that a little time off-list
between those enageged in more personally-directed attacks may enable
the on-list threads to remain on the subject at hand.  Acrimony is one
thing, ad hominem remarks are another.  The latter make no contribution
to understanding whatsoever.  I gave the example of us two, a discussion
you actually took off-list, which I thought was a very fruitful move. 
This enabled us to directly discuss various points of misunderstanding
in a more relaxed context.  We were able to see where we'd misunderstood
each other and, I think, were able to return to the list, so to speak,
better for it.  Certainly, I think my own postings have improved since
doing so.  And I have seen your postings in a new and more positive
light.  (I apologise for using this personal example, but it seems apt).
 

My suggestion  - and that was all it was - is a purifying move, if you
wish.  Or one could describe it as an attempt to maintain the autonomy
of the scietific field from extrinsic concerns.  

You're right to say all language is _symbolic violence_, though not
violent, I would say.  

With best wishes,

Karl 

Karl Maton
School of Education, University of Cambridge

Correspondence address:
108 Avenue Road Extension, Leicester LE2 3EH
Tel: 0116 220 1066
Email: karl.maton-AT-dtn.ntl.com

I am certain of nothing but the holiness of the heart’s affections and
the truth of the imagination
Keats
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