7 Comments

You should write more, Sebastian. I did not expect a piece about a whole load of inside baseball would keep my interest through to the end. Finding an image from Achewood waiting for me there? *chefs kiss* Mexican Magical Realism has been on my mind lately. Must be a sign.

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My mom and her friends. What I'd give to be in that vinyl wall-papered kitchen of 40 years ago, listening to those stories...

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Late to the party on this one, but finally had a chance to read what all the hubbub is about. And I always appreciate your take on things! I think your final paragraph launches a whole other important discussion. I completely agree that the title of the article makes for good clickbait, but "does a disservice to this very good story." And I think we see this all the time in our society. [Cue a reoccurring rant I present to my classes on the regular...]

We're encouraged (forced? baited? clickbaited??) to view the world as a collection of dualities. You either believe this or you believe that. You're either on this side or that side. Who is the bad art friend -- Dorland or Larson? Whose team are you on? YOU MUST CHOOSE.

During said rant, I like to take some personal responsibility for my part in cultivating a society in which civil discourse is all but dead. Given education's obsession with the argumentative essay, it's no wonder we grow up to continue fighting. As teachers, we are often encouraging students to pick a stance and defend it. If they can do it, we praise them. If they struggle, we guide them towards better ways to "prove" their "point."

Life is messy and nuanced. To pretend it can be tackled in a five-paragraph essay or filtered down into a textbook is disingenuous and, I think, harmful. Dangerous, even. And yet...I have to get back to grading.

Thanks for making me think more!

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