tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35123617.post116095819609437839..comments2023-08-11T18:04:32.104+05:00Comments on Notes from Underground: The Decline and Fall of the English Language?Kochevnikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17324813801736964649noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35123617.post-1161099754489434112006-10-17T20:42:00.000+05:002006-10-17T20:42:00.000+05:00I find it interesting that you do not even mention...I find it interesting that you do not even mention that which made McWhorter famous which is his popular books on the state of blacks and race within American society and his policy solutions to race related economic problems. <BR/><BR/>McWhorter's primary job though is as a linguistics professor at UC Berkeley. This does sound like a very interesting topic that I had not previously given much attention as one who is caught up in the cultural movement to cast off the restrictions that you describe. The entire subject of declining language and expression calls to mind Orwell's '1984' particularly O'Brien's speech about the destruction of language leading to the destruction of thought entirely. On the whole I think the 1960's cultural revolution of liberation was a positive event, but such things always take place in cycles. Currently, I believe Western society is in a phase of cultural apathy, but how long could such a thing last? The current Christian evangelical movement for example shows that a culture of apathy, liberation, and decadence simply breeds and strengthens reactionaries. I believe the same will happen with culture. We do live in a free society, and one of these days it will be cool again to be educated, cultured and articulate in ritualistic or complex expression. How long can a society get by on 90's Alternative (Bitch) Rock and misogynistic and violent "Gangsta Rap" and Hip-Hop before people want something different and more sophisticated or seek for a cultural Renaissance of classical forms and traditions? <BR/><BR/>A study of history shows clearly that all societies experience these cycles and we should neither be surprised nor particularly worried about it. The good thing about a wealthy liberal society though is that if you do seek for the traditional forms, you are free to pursue, study, and produce them to your heart's content.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com