The accusations of "elitism" have become so cliche that I have come to embrace the term... perhaps not unlike all the various artists throughout history that had insulting terms hurled at them (Impressionist, Cubist, Fauve, etc...) and ended up turning the term into a positive. In a similar situation one of the leading painters today, Odd Nerdrum, was forced to suffer the insults of "artists" who dismissed his work as "kitsch" for the simple fact that he continued to paint in a dramatic, emotionally-charged, and realistic manner. He now has a manifesto and a web site dedicated to promoting himself as a "kitsch artist." http://www.nerdrum.com/kitsch/
cont... The holiday reader who reads two books a year has equal value in judging literature than those who have made it a lifetime study, because it is "their opinion". Then of course the "elitist" argument comes into play or the independent thinker statement "I don't listen to professors, I am an individual..." it is just so predictable and silly. Anyway, like you say there is difference of opinion between those who have invested time in the study of literature, but there exists the ability to be able to stand back and view the work free from personal tastes of the particular style or genre. There is the difference that many people don’t seem to be able to grasp. Anyway, rant over.
Yes I totally agree with what you are saying here, as I have been trying to state on the thread (though obviously not clearly enough for some people). What is frustrating is that people seem to think they can say anything and it holds perfect weight because it is "their opinion". This is fine in itself of course, I'm not begrudging opinion, I welcome conversation and difference, but often the arguments are just so tedious it is beyond belief.
continued... I can't understand how some people cannot fathom the notion that personal opinions are not the same as the educated opinions of the culture as a whole and the experts within a given field. I have no problem admitting that while I love traditional American bluegrass music... it is probably not on par with Mozart and Bach. I absolutely hate the limitations set on these visitor messages!
continued... Even worse is the idea of cultural relativism... whereby all art is of the same value (there is no good nor bad) for all art is an expression of an individual at a given time and place. What a crock of s***! I have no problem admitting that within my own artistic efforts there are works that are clearly better or worse. There is great art and there is art that is less than great. Of this I am certain. The experts... and that includes anyone who seriously invests the time and effort into reading and understanding literature... do not always agree 100%... but there is a consensus to a certain extent. It would be rare for someone experienced and knowledgeable in literature to deny that Shakespeare or Tolstoy were great writers... even if they were not particularly fond of their work or the genre. continued...
I personally can't stand the notion that the merits of art are all purely subjective or personal opinion (and all opinions are to be held in equal esteem). I would assume that my opinions on art hold greater merit than those who imagine that comic books, Thomas Kinkade, and the airbrushed paintings of muscle-bound men grasping large-breasted women while fighting alien invaders on the covers of Sci-Fi magazines are great art. By the same token I continually laugh at those on Literature and Art forums who believe that their opinions, based upon their experiences in a couple of grade-school science classes, should rival the opinions of scientists on complex issues such as global warming... after all the "experts" don't all agree. continued...
Hi, thank god for your posts of common sense and judgement, sometimes I just despair.
Very interesting and informative for me to read your recent posts. Inspirational stuff.
