Critically-acclaimed “half-breed” former gangbanger “Margeret B. Jones” and and 70s Kung-fu expert and counterculture icon Billy Jack discuss the difficulty of negotiating a multiculturalist society built around the duelling concepts of racial/ethnic “authenticity” and the social construction of identity — the latter being the structural imperative of a postmodern ethos whose dogmas are predicated upon the (ironic) deification of man-made paradigms
“So. I guess in a weird kinda way, we’re like, kindred spirits separated by our different cultural moments —*
” — Oh, no you don’t. Afraid you’re on your own here, my little crack-runnin’ kemosabe.”
35 Replies to “Critically-acclaimed “half-breed” former gangbanger “Margeret B. Jones” and and 70s Kung-fu expert and counterculture icon Billy Jack discuss the difficulty of negotiating a multiculturalist society built around the duelling concepts of racial/ethnic “authenticity” and the social construction of identity — the latter being the structural imperative of a postmodern ethos whose dogmas are predicated upon the (ironic) deification of man-made paradigms”
Billy Jack would be, like, so into takin’ Margaret aside and givin’ her that tough love, with a couple of roundhouse kicks to any guys stayin’ at her house who might be Crips or Bloods. Then he’d take her on a spirit walk where they’d chew some peyote and seek their spirit animals.
During this, Margaret would, like, admit to Billy Jack that she made the whole thing up. Then Billy Jack would so kick her ass all the way to Marin County.
While it did take a few readings (I tend to read fast and skip words, a hard habit to break) it turns out the title is a succinct commentary on the issue at hand. J.G. could’ve written a few paragraphs that said the same thing, the only difference being he would’ve been accused of being long-winded and wordy by the usual drive-by commenters sent from the lefty sites which monitor this one. As it is, all they can say is it makes no sense, which translates to mean they didn’t get it.
Of course, without the free education I’ve already received reading other posts here on the subject (infinitely preferable to sitting through classes surrounded by the usual liberal ilk… I have had more than enough of that), I would’ve had a much more difficult time understanding this one.
“Ms. Seltzer said she had been writing about her friends’ experiences for years in creative-writing classes”
They really, really need to add a lecture or two on not making shit up and then passing it off as nonfiction (journalism schools also apparently are in desperate need for this revision to their syllabi).
Sad. The long layoff has made Jeff go rusty. I mean, can you imagine him in top form, using “deify” for “reify”? Just sad… Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have to go tell Michelangelo that he’s using the wrong type chisel.
Maybe in the interest of cultural diversity she is making faux ethnicity fashionable. Everybody can do it if they try. And I am getting really pissed at David Letterman for making fun of my turban whenever he gets in my cab.
Jeff, you need to get with the program. Like Chutch, Seltzer is a half-breed by choice, not DNA. Myself, I’m thinking of going Mongolian one of these days…cool headgear and kick-ass barbecue are just some of the perks. Got a book comin’ out, too.
OMGOMG
Jeff, may i fallat ur feet and worship u?
plz?
Ah – Billy Jack is back.
My soul is now at peace.
That’s what I’m talkin’ about. I just pushed my next post back to give this room to breathe, like a fine wine.
Unbelievable. All it takes is a couple of pitbulls and a hoodie, and *poof*, instant gang cred!
Oh: and memoirs.
street cred slart.
ur so 90s.
I like her. Really she defrauded all the right people. And she loves dogs. I hope this isn’t like a setback for her.
Reminds me of the Beauchamp character. Whatever happened with him and Franky Foer, anyway?
Is Ward Churchill married?
hehe yesssss, maybee.
were u hopeful?
I got a tattoo of my preferred enema brands on my lower back. Best thing I ever did. No more mix ups.
Billy Jack would be, like, so into takin’ Margaret aside and givin’ her that tough love, with a couple of roundhouse kicks to any guys stayin’ at her house who might be Crips or Bloods. Then he’d take her on a spirit walk where they’d chew some peyote and seek their spirit animals.
During this, Margaret would, like, admit to Billy Jack that she made the whole thing up. Then Billy Jack would so kick her ass all the way to Marin County.
Fade to black…
Does that title actually mean anything? Important? Can I get a hint?
Cuz I have to admit I’ve seen all those words before but not so densely packed together. I’m feeling a bit inadequate.
… but I’m still outraged.
I was just throwing a bunch of big words together to make the sauce seem thicker. I’m like the blogging version of Prego.
Prego is owned by Campbell’s Soup. Just like Pepperidge Farm Cookies, of which I am fond.
Last time I saw him, Foer was still determining what National Review covers and how they talk about it.
And he added the entire Republican blogosphere (and Reason) to his stable of bitches during the fake Ron Paul outrage of ought eight.
And it was easy.
Sheesh! I need a Ph.D. just to understand the title of this post.
Word.
You had me at “half-breed.”
Always the giver. You might try some corn starch mixed with a little water next time. I’ve had good results anyway but I’m no Rachel Ray.
You had me at “half-breed”
Chicken-liver. You saw all those big words and hopped off.
PS that horse looked dead or nearly so.
PPS OK, I didn’t see the whole thing
While it did take a few readings (I tend to read fast and skip words, a hard habit to break) it turns out the title is a succinct commentary on the issue at hand. J.G. could’ve written a few paragraphs that said the same thing, the only difference being he would’ve been accused of being long-winded and wordy by the usual drive-by commenters sent from the lefty sites which monitor this one. As it is, all they can say is it makes no sense, which translates to mean they didn’t get it.
Of course, without the free education I’ve already received reading other posts here on the subject (infinitely preferable to sitting through classes surrounded by the usual liberal ilk… I have had more than enough of that), I would’ve had a much more difficult time understanding this one.
“Ms. Seltzer said she had been writing about her friends’ experiences for years in creative-writing classes”
They really, really need to add a lecture or two on not making shit up and then passing it off as nonfiction (journalism schools also apparently are in desperate need for this revision to their syllabi).
Shorter Jeff:
“Look, I feel that the story is real. That’s good enough for racist hatemongers who don’t get what it’s like to suffer for your art.”
Sad. The long layoff has made Jeff go rusty. I mean, can you imagine him in top form, using “deify” for “reify”? Just sad… Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have to go tell Michelangelo that he’s using the wrong type chisel.
/no winky smiley needed in present company
were u hopeful?
No, I thought his faux-Indian self might like this chick.
I meant deify, SI.
That’s why it’s ironic: they’ve turned the secular particular into a universal rule — turned their relativism into a form of metaphysics.
Thanks, though.
Oh, I’m just funnin’. Seeing you back at the controls brings out prolix anti-humor like that in me.
Obama absolves you.
Is Billy Jack echoing Gary Larson? “Kemosabe” — an old Apache expression for a horse’s rear end.
What he’s channeling is the removal of his boots. The better to kick you in your evil white man’s face, don’t you know.
“Shoot, I’m happy,â€Â
Ok
Maybe in the interest of cultural diversity she is making faux ethnicity fashionable. Everybody can do it if they try. And I am getting really pissed at David Letterman for making fun of my turban whenever he gets in my cab.
Jeff, you need to get with the program. Like Chutch, Seltzer is a half-breed by choice, not DNA. Myself, I’m thinking of going Mongolian one of these days…cool headgear and kick-ass barbecue are just some of the perks. Got a book comin’ out, too.
I hear ya’. Many’s the time I think to myself, why not just be a lesbian? I can have chicks AND be angry!
I kid my lesbian friends. You’re all good peoples.