Re: [-empyre-] Introductions and beginnings (October on -empyre-)

[Renee Turner <geuzen@xs4all.nl>]

At the beginning of this months discussion, Ryan wrote:

> .. what are the consequences of different tactics

I think this is still an important question which is worth further  
exploring...   So far, we have focussed on appropriation as a tactic  
and touched on its weaknesses, but tactics for building critical  
mass*  have not been covered.   And it's connected to the idea of  
research, efficacy and sustainability.  I am thinking again about  
Crandall's project.  If you go to one lecture or discussion, it's a  
singular event.  But when you review the bulk of work over time,  
meaning the books, discussion lists, lectures and exhibitions,  
critical mass starts to build.  Or for example, from a more  
curatorial perspective, Catherine David's project, Contemporary Arab  
Representations which has occurred across different institutions.    
These projects establish a mode of study.  And as Alexis wrote saying:

"Why would, say, the
President of the United States proclaim a false reason for going to  
war?  And
what does it mean that that was, and -still is-, successful?  As an
example, there are a shocking number of people in the US who still  
believe that
Al Qaeda and Saddam Hussein were tied together, in spite of  
overwhelming factual
evidence indicating that Saddam Hussein didn't trust or have anything  
to do
with that organization."


In this light, the tactic of studying (extrapolating thoughts from  
facts/data) and collecting alternative political perspectives seems  
quite significant.     And to come back to the idea of successes and  
failures mentioned earlier, I wonder how critical checks are built  
into research processes that happen across institutions and various  
platforms to ensure not only the spirit of study, but to facilitate  
its depth.   And for us, this is not a hypothetical question or  
challenge, it is a dilemma we continue to confront within our own  
practice between places.

* btw: I am not sure if critical mass is the proper phrasing, but  
I'll use it in the meantime.. ... suggestions  :-)  ?

Renee