Please give me your "take". . .

[AuntShecky]

. . .on this line from the great literary critic, Harold Bloom:

"I realized early on that the academy and the literary world alike -- and I don't think there really is a distinction between the two -- are always dominated by fools, knaves, charlatans and bureaucrats. And that being the case, any human being, male or female, of whatever status, who has a voice of her or his own, is not going to be liked."


Do you agree or disagree with Professor Bloom? Do you think his assessment is valid? Is "being liked" important?
Can one have a distinctive voice and still remain "likeable?

[Nossa]

I think it depends on your audience. Being liked isn't easy, if you're saying things that people don't like/approve of. But for me, I think that if I have a firm belief in what I say, I wouldn't care much who agrees or disagrees. Being liked isn't what I'd look for, respect though would be my goal. I would respect that you have an opinion and a voice of your own, but not necessarily the opinion itself.
As for his statement, I don't think that the literary world is dominated by fools (at least not for the most part) but I agree that there's no guarantee nowadays that when you say your opinion, and people don't agree, that you'll be treated as you might want, and killing in this point is even something to be expected(but that's in extreme cases).

[papayahed]

To an extent I think he's right. For the most part I think people like to hear that they are correct and tend to gravitate towards those that share the same views and outlooks.