Why Last Chapters Disappoint

Books on social problems always seem to end with suggestions that are banal, utopian or beside the point.

Essay in the Sunday NYT Book Review

March 21, 2011 by Uncategorized 1

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1 Response

  1. effinglibrarian says:
    March 21, 2011 at 12:48 pm

    I’d like to open a dialogue…
    the thing I hate to read is someone who makes some claim of having a solution, spends the entire time detailing the history of the problem, then finishes by stating that the goal was mainly to create, or establish or contribute to “a dialogue.”

    what that means is that, “I have absolutely no useful information or solution, but I demand credit anyway” if anyone else solves this.

    I read all these essays or editorials or blog posts where some, and I’m referring to librarians, thinker details all the problems that libraries currently suffer from, and then after realizing somewhere in the message that there really is no decent solution, will take the stand that these words should become a foundation for a dialogue on the issues.

    really? a dialogue. then what the hell did you call me over here for? I thought you had something to say. don’t tell me you have some ideas and then say that it’s just a brainstorming session and you’re assigning homework. “I’ve opened the dialogue; the rest is up to you!”

    so let me try that: “Stop the war with Mars! I think we can find common ground in our grievances.” so now, if we ever have a war with Mars, and it’s somehow resolved diplomatically by giving them access to the Moon on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays, then I want credit for being the first to open a dialogue that led to the solution.

    you remember when people used to say, “Those who can’t do, teach”?

    this is the modern equivalent: “those who have no answers, open a dialogue.”

    at least, try to end with a joke or a non sequitur, like: “I’d love to offer a solution, but I’m not wearing pants.” because I’m not.

    Reply

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