an expansive view of the theory genius
is what I used to have...I used to think theory geniuses gave us more permission to think against routinization, but terrifyingly, theory genius itself has become a routine. One form of mentorship models theory genius to one's students, hoping that they will emulate one's singularity. I have become very skeptical of theory genius....routinization of theory genius actually leads to theory esoterica, which as we know is bad for thinking!
I still think of Derrida's lessons about archives, inscription, dynamism and borders with great admiration, but it's so hard to "apply" those concepts fruitfully without falling into imitation...I'm turned on by institutional history...which we could say, tries to put theory geniuses in their place!
I still think of Derrida's lessons about archives, inscription, dynamism and borders with great admiration, but it's so hard to "apply" those concepts fruitfully without falling into imitation...I'm turned on by institutional history...which we could say, tries to put theory geniuses in their place!
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What's even worse to me is when folks try to rip off the style of the theory genius in their own writing. While just about every word and combination of words in the phrase "developing your own voice as a writer" can be criticized for naivete about identity, voice, and writing, it still strikes me as something to strive for. In the same sort of way that you know when a really good band has become great when they no longer sound like the sum of their influences but have combined them into something more.
Maybe it's time to stop using the word genius? If Derrida weren't presented as a singular model of superior intelligence maybe students would be less likely to uncritically appropriate a style of writing that is, when simply applied as a model of diction and syntax regardless of topic, intentionally obscure.
I use genius with invisible quotations -- although I do agree that it may be better to stop using the term altogether.
"Greatness" is another term that is difficult to pin down, but should not be avoided for all that.
Derrida was so powerful a thinker that I think he literally paralyzed those around him.
I am not trying to avoid judgments of quality on thinking, but I have been trying to formulate something like -- solidarity with the ordinary thinker...which is in no way like cultural studies celebration of mods or working class heroes, or Oprah watching, porn addicted audiences they loved to celebrate.
I mean something even more ordinary and less heroic...
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