- Tuesday, September 25, 2007
- The Coward and the Egoist
- Posted by Zach in News
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Have you ever enjoyed a book or film and then read a reviewer who smothers the work in venom syrup? One of two things happens: One, your high opinion withers, and you relegate the film or book to the category of “guilty pleasure.” Regrettably, I’ve done this. This is generally a preferred course for people who don’t mind a certain amount of intellectual schizophrenia. By calling it a “guilty pleasure” you get to straddle the fence. On the one hand you like the thing, but suggest that your liking is without merit—it’s guilty. This person wants to present an opinion but doesn’t want to be bothered to defend it. This approach is for cowards.
There is a second possibility. This one is for the egoist. Regrettably, I’ve done this too. If you happened to like the work and some fat, reclusive, internet, pop-culture junkie insults it, here’s what you do: wait until some pretentious lazy brains repeats the review. Then, consolidate all your forces and defend the work with a passion that borders on mania. Overstatement is a pitfall. You might find yourself insisting that Honey I Shrunk the Kids stands up favorably to Battleship Potemkin.
The first approach is good for people who like to have friends. It’s sort of easygoing and self-centered. The second approach (also self-centered) is sort of like an intellectual tackle. It feels good and is a surprisingly effective way to terrorize people away from casual opinions. If it offers anything in the way of value, it does so because it impeaches those who pursue fashion as an acceptable alternative to philosophy. On the down side, it makes one exhausting company and an unpleasant addition to parties.
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2 Responses to “The Coward and the Egoist”
But what then is the solution . . . letters to the editor . . . stop reading reviews? I am curious. Guide me in my course of action. What about when the book or movie comes into critical question during a friendly conversation? Should I smile knowingly and say something obnoxious like, “I have my opinions, but we don’t need to discuss them now . . . ” Is one of the options that you’ve discussed a better course than the other? Is this a trick blog? Are you just trying to waste my time and work by making me think about things like this all day? Confess.
Yes it is a trick blog. Gotcha!