From: ncordova-AT-ithaca.edu
Date: Wed, 08 May 2002 06:51:47 -0500
Subject: Re: The state of this list


A few more comments from somebody who has been on the list for quite some 
time:

I definitely will take a break from the list this Summer. I will be 
moving and will not enjoy easy access to my email. But I would have taken 
a break nonetheless, because yes, the signal to noise ratio (to use an 
old phrase) has being skewed to much more noise than signal. Still, like 
Jaclyn said, one learns from noise. However, it's become quite a din, and 
if it is learning about postcolonial stuff I want, I will secure it in 
other ways.

Jaclyn makes some good points but I disagree with others. Although we are 
in a virtual space and not around a diplomatic table, it does not follow 
that we should be uncivil to each other. The dichotomy established 
renders into each domain a set of "ways to behave" that I think are not 
helpful. Sometimes online environments cut through much civil behavior 
and do not necessarily move understanding forward. I've experienced that 
plenty in other lists and with student lists. Jaclyn, there is an 
implicit carrying of a bias, one that notes that the "plain man's/woman's 
speech is somehow closer to the truth," than some other "fake civility." 
Hence, "fake civility" is derided for plain spoken-ness that allows us to 
scream, and rant, and vent, and quite frequently say very very little. 
So, fake civility, or fake thinking and conversation? Why have the 
binary? Conversations here are not anymore "real" than in other spaces, 
and frankly, perhaps they are less so, as we are insulated from each 
other in many ways. I don't want the imposition of speech codes, but I do 
expect a modicum of respect, and if that's not possible, then at least 
principled response and disagreement.
 
While this list has not always (and probably cannot be expected to be) 
being about "well thought out analyses," I think a fair expectation is 
that the conversations that will ensue will be thought out well enough to 
be conducive to critical thinking, further questioning or conversation, 
if not insight. I don't want to learn to deal with statements like "well 
clearly he has a Nazi approach," on this list. I expect that the person 
posting that line will explain what they mean, and that the statement 
will generate critical thought. I already know how to respond to such 
statements, and they involve taking into consideration the nature of the 
communication context and vehicle. We're far enough into listservs and 
online chatting to know some things about communication in these domains. 

This might be an experimental space, but I disagree that it is the only 
one that will get us anywhere about how to deal with people who don't 
think, talk, or function like we do.  I do that every single day of my 
life to a greater or lesser extent. What's more, I do that on other lists 
in which participants do not insult each other, or revert to sputtering 
inanities as part of their experimental communication behavior.

The old understanding regarding posts one doesn't like, "zap them" I 
think should be under review. Public spaces, public spheres should 
welcome and appreciate diversity of viewpoints, perspectives, and 
goodness knows forceful dissent and contrariness. But in this type of 
forum "zapping" does not necessarily allow one to participate better, and 
in fact, might curtail one from being part of a conversation that might 
have repercussions about the life of the community and the survival of 
the public space. 

I'm not a professional, nor do I think the distinction is helpful here. 
Again, those distinctions are driving wedges more than helping us 
understand whatever we came to understand in this list. I am interested 
in what is deemed "post-colonial." The only professional "form" I expect 
is that the list will be at least moderately helpful in pursuing, and 
expanding those interests in a diverse way. Like I said at the beginning, 
that for me has not been happening. 

Best,

Nacho Cordova
ncordova-AT-ithaca.edu

 




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