So I have been subtly accused of pretent/sion. Its not the first time. What do I do about this? Reactions come with out choice. Even If I did not react then that paradoxically would be a non-reaction, which would be some form of reaction. Another paradox I have encountered is that being non-dogmatic is in itself dogmatic. Well I have confused myself so I’m just going to react.
Firstly lets get our word defined so I know what I am actually addressing. According to the Collins dictionary pretension (as they choose to spell it) is, “a false claim to merit or importance.” And the Merriam-webster dictionary says this,
Main Entry:
1pre·ten·sion
Pronunciation:
\pri-ˈten(t)-shən\
Function:
noun
Date:
15th century
1 : an allegation of doubtful value : pretext
2 : a claim or an effort to establish a claim
3 : a claim or right to attention or honor because of merit
4 : an aspiration or intention that may or may not reach fulfillment
5 : vanity , pretentiousness
I could analyse these definitions and see whether my blog fitted into such a concept, however that would be pretty dull and mostly subjective so probably pointless; so I will just say that I'm not sure if I have claimed anything of false merit or importance? probably? but when I started to write this blog I had no certain intention. The more frequently I have used it, I have tried different styles of writing and also tried to write about things in an honest way, without boring my reader. I have also tried to avoid writing about my day in a mundane or banal fashion or replicate generic reviews of movies/books etc that can be found in abundance elsewhere on the Internet. I’m not really sure where that leaves this claim of pretent/sion. I have probably just written my most boring blog entry; who knows?
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3 comments:
You can’t fight the evolution of language. By your definitions the old joke "Pretentious, moi?" would not exist.
The general meaning of its use today (making unjustified, unnecessary, unwarranted claims with regard to cultural interest or understanding with the specific purpose of exaggerating importance, worth, social standing or whatever) plants your blog firmly within the ‘pretentious’
Nice book by the way, can I get a copy?
p.s. Your case is not helped by the use of ‘pseudo intelligence’. Words like existentialism, rhetoric and paradoxically serve only to further the impression that a man who’s summary of Danny Boyle is that he “don’t know shit about filmmaking” is using rich language to divert attention away from a poor argument. To quote Frank Turner “He’s not as clever as he likes to think, he’s just ambitious with his arguing”
p.p.s. I didn’t say Frank Turner couldn’t also be talking about me.
I concur that language is subject to evolution. I am not attempting to fight the evolution of language merely referencing supposed experts on the topic, whom happened to suggest an alternative spelling, which I highlighted. Whether experts they be is up to the individual to decide. However they seem pretty well established at their craft.
Until the comment which I am responding to was read by me, the joke referred to, relative to me did not exist.
Is that your definition? Cool!
'psuedo intelligence'? this needs expanding on as I don't fully understand. I enjoy using language. I try to use it in an appropriate manner, such as using the most apt lexicon I am aware of to articulate my thoughts. If you think the words highlighted are rich that is your application of such a term. Even if they are, I don't see why they cannot be used alongside words that are perhaps more crass like 'shit' and why that would suggest 'psuedo intelligence'. What even is intelligence? I'm not even sure I or anyone has a firm grasp of how to define such a massive term.
Divert from argument? What argument? I'm not really sure I have an argument as such to be described as poor. I would prefer to suggest my recent posts (as they are the ones I think your referring to) are thoughts or observations in regard to a certain topic. As I said in the original post I try and write in an honest way. Am I being dishonest? What am I pretending to be?
as.well. The Danny Boyle comment was a joke, sorry if it was too self indulgent to be appreciated.
also.as.well. who gives a fuck?
I honestly hadn't read this blog entry prior to sending you the message saying to see or read Watchmen as it's full of 'pretentious pseudo intellectual babble that you will no doubt enjoy'.
Weird.
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