Janet Malcolm Interview
Sense
“The autobiographer works in a treacherous terrain. The journalist has a much safer job.”
This made a lot of sense to me especially when I had to write my own biography for my Learning Portfolio. The autobiographer needs experience with words without sounding conceited or self-absorbed. Writing from the journalism perspective takes away the more personal, and sometimes intrusive, aspects of writing.
Nonsense
“My analysis of journalistic betrayal was seen as a betrayal of journalism itself as well as a piece of royal chutzpah.”
I never realized how catty and rigid journalism can be. From the lawsuits Malcolm suffered to the backlash from the journalist community, it didn’t make sense to me that people can be so harsh. I don’t understand how nonfiction writing can create a hierarchy.
Walid Ra’ad Interview
Sense
“In any case, as far as we are concerned, there is no doubt that spaces such as universities, galleries, and museums do not operate outside the industrial, financial, scientific, information, and service sectors of the economy, and as such they are part and parcel of the same capitalist organization of labor, its services, and its products as the commercial art world.”
I agree that capitalism rules over much of modern society today. Unfortunately, art doesn’t escape this category. The places Ra’ad lists resonate the most. With my bill of more than $60,000 that I have to pay back for my education, it’s impossible to create freely without the financial burden weighing on me. There is often a blurred line between commercial art and fine art.
Nonsense
“In different places and at different times I have called the Atlas Group an imaginary foundation, a foundation I established in 1976, and a foundation established in 1976 by Maha Traboulsi. In Lebanon in 1999, I stated, ‘The Atlas Group is a nonprofit foundation established in Beirut in 1967.’ In New York in 2000 and in Beirut in 2002, I stated, ‘The Atlas Group is an imaginary foundation that I established in 1999.'”
I find this an unnecessary thing to do especially if the people that listen to him are actually interested in the creation of this organization. Because of my vague knowledge of the situation in Lebanon, I would be more appreciative of the message he wants to spread about the country. It’s also unprofessional if he is playing a prank on the exhibitions and lectures he presents at.
