Having had some experience with Bourdieu last semester, I was very confused when, in his essay "Rites of Institution" he made a reference to Charlie Brown's lovable pooch Snoopy.
Bourdieu leferences when Snoopy sits on his kennel and says "How can one be modest when one is the best?"
This put the concept of the piece into perspective for me. Bourdieu's response to Snoopy is "When it is common knowledge...that one is the best." The institution and symbolism of several rituals in our society impose rules and take rules away from those who are affected. Therefore, when the world knows you are the best, you conform to the rules of the best, and you can judge like the best, then you, my friend Snoopy, are the best.
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ReplyDeleteIsn't it hypocritical that Bourdieu alienates his readers through language? In order for Bourdieu to be the best (and I think he thinks so), wouldn't I have to understand what he is saying in the first place? Or ... am I so awed by his mastery over the language of linguistics that I automatically place him on some kind of linguistic pedestal?
ReplyDeleteAcademia produces its own capital through scholarly language. Law produces its own capital through a language that can be interpreted only by lawyers. According to Bordieu awe and intimidation are the expected outcomes( or frustration) by those who do not speak the dominant language of those realms.
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