Strangling animals, golf and masturbating
Via The Literary Saloon, Margaret Drabble's article I loathe America, and what it has done to the rest of the world. I do not disagree with her sentiments. Except, it's not "anti-Americanism" even if she says so. "I detest Disneyfication, I detest Coca-Cola, I detest burgers, I detest sentimental and violent Hollywood movies that tell lies about history" she says. I detest them too, if mild irritation is detestation. But this isn't America. They are American, obviously, but then again so is Ted Bundy, Wallace Stevens, Jeffrey Dahmer, Bill Hicks, Anne Coulter, Emily Dickinson, Tom Clancy, Muhammad Ali, Richard Perle. The list is endless. Play the game yourself.
Drabble is a typical English liberal. Rather than engage with the facts, she expresses woolly opinions. So, easily dismissed. Which is why, of course, it is allowed a place in popular media. Alternative analysis, exemplified by the editors of Medialens, is ignored.
Speaking of Ms Drabble. I wonder if the public baths named after her in Newport are still going? I'm talking about the All England Summarise Proust Competition of course (which in the LP version is held at the Margaret Drabble Memorial Baths, Newport). This is apropos of an odd reaction I have to The Literary Saloons' use of the Royal We. Every time I read it, I'm reminded of something, but I didn't know what until last night:
Yes: the three-headed knight in Monty Python and The Holy Grail! I hope they (?) don't mind.
Margaret Drabble is a senile, doddering, wizened old hag whose books and comments are about as interesting as the contents of a cowpat. I truly despair for the sad creatures who lead such empty lives that they seek escapism in the drivel that Drabble churns out. In another century this old crone would have been burned at the stake.
And a merry Christmas to you too!