That the People Might Live

[cmt2779]

Jace Weaver's study of Native American literature is a fascinating but flawed analysis of what sets Native American literature apart, what makes it Native. That the People Might Live: Native American Literatures and Native American Community “examines what, if anything, distinguishes written product by Native from that of non-natives. . . . It is

Comments

[partial_charge]

"As a general concept or a starting point, Weaver's idea of communitism is great, but" ... but what? You're leaving me hanging here. I mean, you might have left only but a single word, but I'm still curious. I also wanted to share a thought that arose as I read.

In the failure to define his term properly (and I agree with you that he fails to do so compellingly, though I realize I'm basing this off my limited understanding of the subject as presented by you, not the original work) Weaver reminds me a very great deal of the interpretation of religious texts. That is, everyone has an idea of what a "true" adherent to their faith should get from the text, but very few are willing to admit that their point of view is yet another subjective perspective (which is fun to say out loud as you type it). This is especially the case when the view they're rejecting is socially unacceptable

[cmt2779]

Oops. I kind of left off the end of that sentence. Thanks for pointing that out. Here's the complete final sentence

[partial_charge]

Thanks for finishing that sentence. I always attempt your book reviews. Some of them are a wee bit dense but I get through most of them.

I see what you mean about the confluence of fact and opinion in this type of work. I suppose my hackles just go up when I perceive someone to be making a certain kind of statement. Personal weakness!

[partial_charge]

P.S.

You write so many of these. Do you read a whole book every day? I mean, damn...