This is my first experiment with trying to save paper usually used to photocopy study questions (although I’ll still make some backups for the internet-less). Therefore, while reading Chuck Klosterman’s article titled “What Happens When People Stop Being Polite,” be sure to take some notes on the following questions / ideas in your Source Book.
In my opinion, Klosterman has also written the most interesting essay on the Barry Bonds debate (although a bit dated since Barry has surpassed all major league sluggers), which I think students will find interesting even if they are not a Giants fan, or a fan of the game of baseball. I also use Klosterman’s idea of “predictable disillusionment” in my rather wordy review of King Dork.
He also has some books that I have enjoyed reading. They incorporate musings about modern day popular culture, some sports, a lot of music (especially 80’s metal bands), and just the right hint of New Journalistic meta-ness to make them interesting to me. His most recent “novel” was Killing Yourself to Live: 85% of a True Story.
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
I can’t find any mention of klosterman’s definition of phony. or any mention of phonyness at all. unless you consider the fact that the characters on rw are all basically the same to be phony…
My bad with the confusing first question. You are right that Klosterman never uses this term, so define it from Holden’s perspective, and then try to figure out what Klosterman’s equivalent would be. I think the idea of “sameness” that you bring up is a good start.
hey mr. quale, i finally got a chance to take a look at your site. i must say this would’ve been quite nice to have last year. especially since you’re so enthused about it and post frequently. i haven’t read it all, but i like the title with the allusion to t.s. eliot and the one with “crumby” for catcher. quite clever haha.
i also picked up sex, drugs and cocoa puffs and i really enjoy reading it. i’ve already discussed his ideas twice for my TOK journal.
but i wanted to tell you that this wednesday is the 50th anniversary of on the road. or at least that’s what i’ve heard, i’m sure you would know. anyways at the luna cafe on 16th street i was told that they’re doing a reading in case you wanted to check it out.
rachel
! You always tend to bring up books I’ve bought but got confused with. I bought this book two years ago and was really put off by the esoteric nature of it. I have no idea about metal bands or bands in general for that matter. Maybe I’ll get it more now that I see what he’s all about.
“predictable disillusionment” It’s so true ! Saying you’re disillusioned these days is so cliche and annoying.