August 8, 2011
Every little bit of the story is true
I’m sure I’m not the only person who is watching the riots unfolding in London, and thinking about Stephen Kelman’s Pigeon English (but not the part about the pigeon). Also about the riots in Vancouver, and how books are the opposite of mob mentality. That these things are just as much about people being idiots (and how) as they are about a profound level of broadbased spiritual poverty and systemic discrimination– every little bit of the story is true. I think that it’s by reading fiction that I’ve learned to process events in the world with reactions that aren’t totally knee-jerk.
I think that it’s by reading fiction that I’ve learned to process events in the world with reactions that aren’t totally knee-jerk.
Perfectly said, Kerry. I agree. I’ve been watching and thinking along the same lines. I also think your point about broadbased spiritual poverty is really important, and is something else that reading, especially fiction, can address.