Re: [acornlive] (Fwd) WHY2K?
Liam Ronan (acornlive@dublinwriters.org)
Thu, 23 Mar 2000 11:01:32 -0000
John's observations are chiefly two (as I read them anyway). First assertion
made is that he is in good, if depressing company and the second ventured
that it is an obvious fact that as Ireland and the Irish grew more
prosperous their writing grew more introspective and dark. An explanation is
wanted. Nessa solicits suggestions from the bright people, but I decided to
respond nonetheless.
The struggle I have in replying arises more out of the terms John uses to
posit his position than from a desire to respond with vigour. For example,
"good" company can be an assembly of cheery fellows exchanging vapid
pleasantries. That indeed would qualify as "depressing" company in my books.
However, "good" company might mean a gathering that sets blood to boiling;
ignites imagination; incites outrage (even horror); and thereby sows a rich
crop for use as writing material. Such company would be distressing to be
sure, but far from depressing.
Now as for prosperous Eire (mortgaged to the eyeballs to the EU and on a day
not far off doomed to pay the piper) and her increasingly introspective and
dark writings, my wish (not my belief) is that it were indeed so. If in fact
Eire is affluent and still able to be introspective in her creative arts,
then it is cause to celebrate. Wealth would not have washed away her
personal and collective sins; her conscience would be intact; her dark
vision of the rifts in human souls would yet be clear-eyed. However, I
humbly urge that "introspection" not be confused with "narcissism" and
"dark" with "despairing". Poverty stricken Eire may not have been invited to
the cocktail party of nations in times past because she was not painted
sufficiently. Insulated thereby, certain vile temptations never entered her
consciousness. Now she is avant garde; dressed to the nines on borrowed
money; giddy from the attention; but fatally innocent.
I should say to you, John, that Eire is largely engaged at the moment in a
veritable bacchanal of narcissism and despair because she is desperately
catching up with the atheistic, humourless, consumerist good company that
longs to depress her.
Liam Ronan
West Cork, Republic of Ireland
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