Trashing Caryl Emerson's recent book on Bakhtin?

[Anja Grothe]

As a Ph.D. candidate about to enter the profession, I have been following the
recent discussion over Dmitry Khanin's review of Caryl Emerson's skeptically.
Issues of accuracy, cultural division and appropriateness with regard to the
book and its review have been eloquently discussed by senior members of the
list (and now seem to drift to topics such as address and salary). I would
like to add a more general comment.

In the very beginning of my studies I have been taught that thesis and
antithesis are essential parts of a well-crafted argument.
Development of the discipline, discoveries, progress, can in my opinion only
be made by such argument, and criticism, for which respect of a colleagues'
research and stance is a prerequisite. And while irony well used is a great
rhetorical device for adding spice to an argument, it certainly spoils its
taste when intended for personal attack only.

As a Slavist, I am inspired by enlightening, learned criticism based on
original texts (by that I mean texts in their original language). As a
Comparatist, I am also aware of the limits of linguistic proficiency and
thank those scholars like Caryl Emerson, who, via analysis AND translation
"tries(y) to move between two languages/cultures and inform each about the
other" (HG). This is essential to comparative studies, this gives other
disciplines an option to use a wide range of critical thought (how they
choose to apply it, is a different matter).

I would like to enter the profession with the conviction that it is governed
by sharp, ethical criticism and personal respect. If battles beyond the
critical argument become the focus of discussion,  and if this is the
reaction to intellectual difference and tight monetary resources in academia,
it does not appeal as a lifetime consuming occupation.
Rhetoric is a sharp tool: As much as it is needed to open packages containing
intellectual treasures, and cutting through layers of meaning/(differing)
opinion to get to what lies beneath or beyond, it can also be, wrongfully,
applied to hurt and 'trash' what is meant to blossom and grow.  I would not
choose to enter a battlefield. I'd rather 'cultivate our garden' (Candide).

Anja Grothe
City University of New York