From: "Lachlan Whalen" <lwhalen-AT-northampton.edu>
Date: Fri, 16 Nov 2001 09:20:57 -0500
Subject: the end of theory


Hello,
	While in one respect I agree with the poster, this yet again 
calls to mind the tired question of whether in fact critical theory can 
actually "do anything" to solve the issues raised by its ponderous 
words. How do the "jobs" of academics contribute in any way to 
the problems of colonization endured by those on the ground? 
	In such academic discourse, the subalterns are again left out of 
the dialogue-- exactly the action criticised by Spivak. I certainly 
view my responsibility as an academic as more than a 9-5 job-- 
punch in, write some opaque diatribe for my corporate-sponsor-by- 
proxy university, go home & ignore the huddled masses whilst 
enjoying a comfortable tenure. Production and consumption of 
theory within academic circles should not be an end in itself.
		Sla/n, Lachlan

> 
> you know, on a certain level, all progressive posturing aside, being a 
> theorist is spivak's job.  why the 
> assumption that spivak should be accessible to the (mythic) 'general 
> reader'? they're both just jobs.



     --- from list postcolonial-AT-lists.village.virginia.edu ---