Perhaps it is the height of bad form to quote oneself. But how can that be, since the act of writing is a type of quotation of the first order, a first edition, so to speak, of quoting a primary source? Writing is a stenographer's transcript of the brain's mutterings -- the stenographer's mutterings. Regardless, I quote myself from the comments section of NH Insider, one of the other blogs where I post:

"With that said, language IS a lovely thing, and yet, sadly, we treat it all too casually. ...The casual, especially in language, has been elevated in America, taking on airs of sophistication, urbanity, and intelligence: casual sex, casual dress, casual speech, casual arguments, casual worship -- all are the signs of having arrived, of authentic individualism. The highest class is now dressed down; we define for ourselves what is comfortable, true, meaningful.

"I was listening to an interview the other day when the guest made the comment that speech structures in America have been reshaped by TV sitcoms and late-night talk-show hosts. Flippancy is now seen as sophisticated and informed; as a new virtue. And the quick comeback, the glibly spoken retort, is given at every turn. There is the expectation everywhere to reply with the sharp and witty quip that puts people at ease -- or in their place. Television is replete with these hasty, glib retorts; many of which are petty and mean insults. Sadly, our discourse has not escaped TV's less ennobling influences. We've become imitators of TV's characters that use casual EVERYTHING to flip the middle finger at intimations of authority, absolute truth, achievement, or moral clarity. As another social critic said, if your middle finger is NOT up in America, especially in social commentary, it is perceived by many in the intellectual class that you are not really well-educated. How sad."

(I guess I am guilty, or so I've been glibly told.)


©Bill Gnade 2008/Contratimes. All Rights Reserved.