Derrida is dead; Buffy lives

[indri]

The Guardian asked some notable luminaries what they knew of his philosophy. As I've never studied Derrida myself, I am unable to comment with certainty on the following summary from Denis MacShane, UK Minister for Europe:

The core of Derrida's thinking is that every text contains multiple meanings. To read is neither to know nor to understand, but to begin a process of exploration that is essential to comprehend oneself and society.

I can say with confidence that I understand that point of view so much better after two and a half years in Buffy fandom. It's been lit crit with teeth, thousands of people arguing passionately and tenaciously over a single work, espousing often astoundingly disparate but justifiable points of view. You begin to see the fault lines in your own and others' ways of thinking.

I think I've even begun reading the news differently; this huge example shows how variously people can interpret a TV show, let alone the many sources from which we construct our understanding of the world at large.

Comments

[missmurchison.livejournal.com]

My earnest advice on reading more Derrida: don't. I had the sad experience of taking a Derrida seminar once.

I'd rant at length, but you are spared because I have to shut this down and go to work.

But I do love the various interpretations I find in fandom. It's one of the main attractions for me.

[shapinglight]

Seems like Derrida (who I have never read) would be proud of us.

[rusty_halo.livejournal.com]

Good point. I feel the same way about Buffy fandom, though it's nearly impossible to explain to someone else who hasn't experienced it.