tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36212542.post8858471842403140038..comments2024-03-09T03:20:20.004-05:00Comments on Tenured Radical: Anger (Is Not A Good) Management (Style): A Meditation On The American Way Of RageTenured Radicalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05703980598547163290noreply@blogger.comBlogger18125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36212542.post-6322913837544262092010-07-12T10:52:50.244-05:002010-07-12T10:52:50.244-05:00TR,
A "nattering nabob of negativity?" B...TR,<br />A "nattering nabob of negativity?" Because I speak up for conservatives when I believe they are being unfairly trashed? <br /><br />As for Zenith University, it's political orientation is well known. There may still be a few closet conservatives there, but I'm sure they are few and far between, and that they don't dare try to cause a fuss.<br /><br />As for the main point of your post, I agree that anger as it is displayed in the public sphere is often counterproductive, and that you shouldn't have been subjected to the incident you related in the post. <br /><br />But I don't see the connection between that incident and the actions of Tea Party activists. Nor do I have any insights to offer on the incident or generic anger so that's why I didn't address those aspects of your post. <br /><br />I often don't comment when I agree because there are usually other commenters who have already agreed with you, so there's no point in repeating what someone else might have said.<br /><br />What it comes down to is whether the purpose of enabling comments is just to have a cheering section or whether you are open to having your statements critically evaluated. .AYYnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36212542.post-58815031374882762582010-07-12T10:36:01.360-05:002010-07-12T10:36:01.360-05:00To the anonymous commenter I just deleted:
Plea...To the anonymous commenter I just deleted: <br /><br />Please check my comments policy (in the sidebar) before commenting again.Tenured Radicalhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05703980598547163290noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36212542.post-16375349060719792962010-07-11T16:14:49.964-05:002010-07-11T16:14:49.964-05:00Well, that's an answer I suppose AYY. Your ar...Well, that's an answer I suppose AYY. Your arguments here do seem somewhat tangential or based on big generalizations. But if in fact you only comment when you are critical, that might have something to do with my (perhaps mistaken) impression that you are a nattering nabob of negativity who is looking for liberal windmills against which to tilt. As would your assumption that Zenith had no conservatives among any of its populations, and fosters disrespect for conservatives.<br /><br />How exactly do you think you *know* that? BTW: I can name several people in my department who call themselves conservatives, and I don't think they are identifying in a casual way; and several others who are conservative, but have the grace not to turn every intellectual argument into a political issue of left and right all the time.Tenured Radicalhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05703980598547163290noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36212542.post-58178749055957865762010-07-11T15:24:54.927-05:002010-07-11T15:24:54.927-05:00TR,
Actually I think I have addressed the main poi...TR,<br />Actually I think I have addressed the main points of some of your posts. <br /><br /> I don't argue with you just to argue. When I think you're right or when I don't know enough about the issue to agree or disagree, or when I don't feel the matter is worth arguing about, I don't comment or don't criticize. <br /><br />On the same token I assume you would like to give conservatives a fair shake, but you don't always do so. Since Zenith University to all outward appearances at least, has no conservatives in the faculty, adminstration and student body, there may be an ambiance there that fosters a caricature of conservatives and conservative ideas. When you post and open it to comments, the I assume you're open to comments that are both favorable and critical.AYYnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36212542.post-8138245022103441352010-07-11T09:36:38.265-05:002010-07-11T09:36:38.265-05:00AYY: I could dispute both of these points, but he...AYY: I could dispute both of these points, but here's another question. Since none of your criticisms ever address the main point of any given post, only some small and imferred slight of "conservatives," have you ever wondered why you argue with me? <br /><br />I'm just curious what you think about that.Tenured Radicalhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05703980598547163290noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36212542.post-10475355466105507372010-07-11T02:16:04.139-05:002010-07-11T02:16:04.139-05:00"However, it is well documented that Tea Part..."However, it is well documented that Tea Parties from different reasons are highly inconsistent with each other except expressions of anger at the federal government, and that journalists talk about it all the time (my real point.)"<br /><br />Liberals and leftists can also be highly inconsistent. It just means that the party has a big tent. <br /><br />As for the journalist who talk about it all the time, they're mostly leftists with an agenda. They made specific claims that have been debunked, so now, since the journalists see their mission as doing PR for the Obama administration, all they can talk about is anger, which is something amorphous that can't be verified or disproved. I've seen much more anger at Kos's website or Democratic Underground or in the comments of other liberal blogs, than from Tea Party members.AYYnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36212542.post-58486443971212751382010-07-10T12:26:14.916-05:002010-07-10T12:26:14.916-05:00The Tea Pary [sic] supporters that I konw [sic] ar...<i>The Tea Pary [sic] supporters that I konw [sic] are motivated by principle.<br /></i><br /><br />AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Yeah, the "principle" that wearing funny hats and shrieking about socialism and fascism is totally what old tyme revolutionary d00ds would have done if they were here to see the "destruction of Our Country of Real Americans".Comrade PhysioProfhttp://physioprof.wordpress.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36212542.post-16436321278305761962010-07-10T08:04:49.174-05:002010-07-10T08:04:49.174-05:00Notorious: The roots of anger are often so deep a...Notorious: The roots of anger are often so deep and complex. I am an avoider too, and of course discovered far too late in life that explosions that were inexplicable to others drew on the anger I had just stored away and not processed in some more productive way.<br /><br />Some Guy; I get the industry thing -- I think it;s a real question for communities (not to mention universities) whether you invest in boring s**t that actually builds your economic base, or entertainment. I mean, one part of the economic base LeBron contributed to is people who couldn't afford it buying LeBron jerseys at $90 a pop so that they could have fantasies about being part of something bigger. Used to be that thing was Ford, or the UAW, or whatnot. Akron used to sell tires: now it "sells" LeBron. Which one benefitted more people?<br /><br />Katrina: Called DOT & registered a complaint -- the woman who answered the phone was spontaneously shocked by the c**t thing. Also said that I live in a mixed neighborhood where sometimes people express anger with a middle finger, and sometimes with a weapon, and that the worker needed to be talked to for his own good lest he pull a stunt like that with a woman who has, us, Family.<br /><br />Crazy; Definitely get it. And yet Cleveland has been betrayed by business and the politicians who siphoned jobs out of there, no? By bad city government, and the retraction of federal programs that kept a floor under workers until they got back on their feet. Methinks the sports thing, much as I am a fan, is false consciousness.<br /><br />sburris: Many people have had this response to the TV special and I don't disagree. It was tacky as all get out from what I hear. But why isn't this consistent with the medium nowadays? American Idol, the Biggest Loser, Wife Swap -- reality TV is *about* narcissism. Why is LeBron's so horrible?<br /><br />CPP: Excellent distinction, dude.<br /><br />Jack: It *was* dangerous, i grant you -- but so would backing up in traffic have been. Would have been less so if Dick the DOT-man had been doing his job, and the bridge had actually been closed with proper detour signs put up.<br /><br />terducken: We Phillies fans are all about refined disappointment. And yes, I get it. Strangely, people in CT felt that way when the Hartford Whalers left, even though they were unexciting and had horrible uniforms.<br /><br />AYY: No jab at the Tea Party: I find them fascinating, though not very deep. However, it is well documented that Tea Parties from different reasons are highly inconsistent with each other except expressions of anger at the federal government, and that journalists talk about it all the time (my real point.)Tenured Radicalhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05703980598547163290noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36212542.post-54779883616759998452010-07-10T05:04:42.032-05:002010-07-10T05:04:42.032-05:00Why the jab at the Tea Party? Much of what I'v...Why the jab at the Tea Party? Much of what I've read about Tea Party anger has either been debunked or at least hasn't been corroborated, The Tea Pary supporters that I konw are motivated by principle.<br /><br />As for Lebron, just wait. Once he realizes he has to live in Miami in the summer and during hurricane season, he'll be plenty sorry he ever thought of leaving Cleveland. Just wait. He'll want to go back to Cleveland for the weather.AYYnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36212542.post-1890828832396068522010-07-09T14:58:30.649-05:002010-07-09T14:58:30.649-05:00I think most of the anger over LeBron James isn...I think most of the anger over LeBron James isn't that he's leaving, it's the way that he's leaving. I lived in Cleveland when we all woke up one morning and found the Browns gone, and most of the ire was about them "sneaking out" in the night. <br /><br />That doesn't mean I defend some of the more elaborate displays of anger - I prefer refined disappointment myself.Eve Properhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04026926577142821030noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36212542.post-70766701298192042372010-07-09T13:24:39.700-05:002010-07-09T13:24:39.700-05:00Yeah, there is way too much anger in this country....Yeah, there is way too much anger in this country. I thought that the anger displayed toward George Bush and (in his time) Richard Nixon was way over the top. But some folks only get concerned if the anger is on the right.<br /><br />Not quite sure I correctly envision the maneuver you made on the bridge, TR, but it sounded a little dangerous--especially if a car were coming the other direction.<br /><br /><br /><br />JackDanielsBlackAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36212542.post-30818296575240731192010-07-09T13:23:42.010-05:002010-07-09T13:23:42.010-05:00I find it important to distinguish anger and rage....I find it important to distinguish anger and rage.<br /><br />Except in cases of actual fight-or-flight life-and-death physical danger, rage is a counterproductive frittering of mental energy. (I parody this kind of thing all the time in the blogosphere.) Anger, on the other hand, can serve as a channeling of mental energy in service of a desired goal.Comrade PhysioProfhttp://physioprof.wordpress.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36212542.post-64837955878089895622010-07-09T12:41:59.783-05:002010-07-09T12:41:59.783-05:00Rage is one thing, and a legitimate concern that n...Rage is one thing, and a legitimate concern that needs to be addressed. But turning his decision to leave Cleveland--which Lebron is free to do--into a Divalicious, reality-TV event is over the top and guaranteed to instigate Cleveland's ire. His media stunt lacked what the Buddhists call 'skillful means.' Although Kevin Durant didn't leave the Oklahoma Thunder, his re-signing was an under-the-radar event, but is still a major signing of a major player. That's the model, but then Durant would never refer to himself as King of anything.sburrishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09739528543795680856noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36212542.post-77197909334786121722010-07-09T12:41:51.676-05:002010-07-09T12:41:51.676-05:00Not the overall point of your post so much, but to...Not the overall point of your post so much, but to answer these questions you ask about LeBron James (I'm a native Clevelander):<br /><br />"How much would Cleveland love a LeBron whose career was over? Would Cleveland think that it "owned" a white basketball star in this way, and that he should be so grateful to them that he would put their desires before his own?<br />And I hate to ask this, but don't a lot of people leave Ohio (nice as it is) to seek their fortunes elsewhere?"<br /><br />Cleveland would love him if he had a career-ending injury. The point here is not so much his playing ability or even the Cavs generally but rather the "betrayal." When Bernie Kosar left the Browns or when Jim Thome left the Indians (both white players)? The same anger. When the Browns themselves relocated to Baltimore? The same anger. Just say the name "Art Modell" anywhere in Cleveland to this day and see how people respond. So this isn't about owning James because of race, nor is it about James as a player, really. It's that Cleveland *is* a place that has been bleeding talent for years - whether we're talking about sports stars or educated citizenry or big business. The downtown is dead (not one major department store remains, to give some indication) and the unemployment rate in Cuyahoga county in May was hovering around 10%. The anger over LeBron James isn't about LeBron James. It's about the economy, about feeling like Cleveland is always the loser and never the winner, and about the dying of the rust belt.<br /><br />(Actually, for a really interesting take on Cleveland and masculinity and sports, see Susan Faludi's chapter in her book Stiffed about when the Browns relocated in the 90s.)Dr. Crazyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12457967076373916629noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36212542.post-75812832455087908162010-07-09T12:34:55.674-05:002010-07-09T12:34:55.674-05:00On the other hand, what about the rage in Oakland ...On the other hand, what about the rage in Oakland yesterday? Are there perhaps situations in which violent rage is the only recourse of those who feel they have been let down by the institutions that were supposed to be looking out for them?Notorious Ph.D.https://www.blogger.com/profile/08700875559325201086noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36212542.post-87274701447430724082010-07-09T12:27:25.508-05:002010-07-09T12:27:25.508-05:00I had never even heard of LeBron James til this we...I had never even heard of LeBron James til this week, when his name was mentioned all over twitter (amazing how much you can avoid by not owning a television!).<br />But holy cow - if that picture you posted is representative, my question is not "why is he leaving Cleveland?" but "why did he stay as long as he did?".<br />Sounds like to a lot of (white?) fans, he was their pet negro, who has DARED to make a choice of his own. <br /><br />As for the obnoxious pr*** (male anatomy used as an insult) at the roadworks, you should write to the DOT and have him fired. <br /><br />For some people, it seems not so much that they react unreasonably with anger, as that they are angry ALREADY, and just looking for opportunities to demonstrate that.Katrinahttp://www.katrinagulliver.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36212542.post-71297287761573378462010-07-09T11:57:26.024-05:002010-07-09T11:57:26.024-05:00"The man is not an industry."
Actually,..."The man is not an industry."<br /><br />Actually, TR, the <a href="http://techczar.blog.com/2010/06/21/the-economics-of-lebron-james/" rel="nofollow">argument</a> is being made (not very convincingly) that he <em>is</em> an industry. But the local media are eating this stuff up because it's a lot easier than boring things like industrial policy, education, and natural resources.Some Guy on Bridge Avenuenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36212542.post-28350182608873637292010-07-09T11:50:25.970-05:002010-07-09T11:50:25.970-05:00Thanks for this, TR. I, too, am disturbed by the ...Thanks for this, TR. I, too, am disturbed by the rising levels of anger -- a specific kind of anger that substitutes for actual action. And those of us who try to avoid anger (unsuccessfully as often as not) face criticism for -- what? If the anger were the first step in solving various problems (or, in the LeBron James example, the second in stages of grief that we could actually work through), that would be one thing. But just Walking Around Pissed Off has evolved into a virtue in many quarters, and it's making me increasingly uncomfortable in my own skin.<br /><br />Crap. I need to meditate more.Notorious Ph.D.https://www.blogger.com/profile/08700875559325201086noreply@blogger.com