Comments on: The New Athenians: A Manifesto in Search of a Generation of New Poets & Poems

By: Tammy Jackson

Tammy Jackson — Tue, 20 Nov 2007 14:08:40 +0000

I wrote a poem recently on this topic... I came to a different conclusion as to what is to be done (and what should be said) about the advancement of digital and the decay of "face-to-face" interaction: http://tamjackson.blogspot.com/2007/10/humble-pie-i-use-alarmist-rhetoric-too.html Perhaps we will benefit from embracing new media IF we think about how we can utilized technology to enhance the communicative practice of writing poetry: http://tamjackson.blogspot.com/2007/11/factory.html

By: Marty

Marty — Tue, 20 Nov 2007 00:16:18 +0000

Any movement toward new poetry is worthwhile, in my mind. I’m confused, however, by the push away from individualism as a method to overcome the mass media of the information age. The individual mind, and its ability to interact with others and communicate new perspective, is critical to the advancement of poetry and art. After all, if everyone conforms to one manifesto, isn’t it the same as being lost in the images, messages, and advertisements coming from our TV’s and computers? I believe Jung and his theory that all change starts with the realization that we are not “the state” or “the church”, rather “the state” and “the church” are us. As individuals, we are free to change at any time.
Can an example of The New Athenian Poem be posted here for discussion?
Lastly, anonymous change seems destined to fail. Even celebrity gossip shows have credits…and I’m not aware of any that threaten four year olds.

By: Cuitlamiztli Carter

Cuitlamiztli Carter — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 23:32:34 +0000

This was better articulated as “The New Sincerity” a few years back, I believe. Besides, the Athenians loved technology and themselves fell for demagogues. I’d prefer the New Milesians, myself, though I think Diogenes as a person fits this rant better than any one polis.
However, I think we need more people writing good poetry than writing manifestoes.

By: Anna Evans

Anna Evans — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 19:26:50 +0000

Bravo! A lofty ideal! (Though speaking personally I’m not surrendering my cell phone.)
Seriously, the double irony here is that this is a blog post.
Anna E

By: Kent Johnson

Kent Johnson — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 16:48:08 +0000

Is TV still OK? At least the non-digital kind?
Tonight, PBS begins to air a new series on Athenian democracy…
That’s a wonderful line, which rings a bell: “Youth’s bitter exile still fresh in our mouths.”
Kent