Friday, July 16, 2010

The Problem of Theory

The problem with intellectuals is that their minds are constrained by their schooling. The longer and more intense the education, the more they're limited by the indoctrinated boundaries. For instance, they view literature-- or even a film like "El Cid"-- through the prism of theory. When the auteur theory was proposed by French intellectuals in the 1950s it was recognized as a flawed idea. In the decades since, however, it's been taught in academies, so it now has the presence of law. It's become an accepted fact. The same for postmodern mumbo-jumbo, which combines a grain of insight with layers of linguistic trash.

Because of theory, status quo intellectuals are unable to view art with fresh eyes and an open mind.

No comments: