Monday, April 18, 2011

Can we please stop calling Kay Ryan an outsider now?

I mean, like who didn't see that coming?

7 Comments:

At 4/18/2011 1:59 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Next comes the scene where Kay Ryan takes your arm and growls "Luke, I'm your father."

 
At 4/18/2011 2:41 PM, Blogger John Gallaher said...

Will that be right before she lifts Dana Gioia over her head and throws him into the abyss?

 
At 4/18/2011 5:35 PM, Blogger Gary B. Fitzgerald said...

Based on the last five (six) winners of the Pulitzer Prize for poetry: Natasha Trethewey, Robert Hass/Phillip Schultz, W.S. Merwin, Rae Armantrout and, now, Kay Ryan, it seems obvious, to me at least, that this is no more than an academic popularity contest and devoid of any true critical measure of the value of the actual poetry submitted.

I am aware that in 2005 there were over 200 entries in the contest, probably many more today, yet one never hears of a winner previously unrecognized or unknown. It would be interesting if Columbia made public the entire list of entries so all could draw their own conclusions.

 
At 4/18/2011 6:11 PM, Blogger John Gallaher said...

The pulitzer prize is a lot like the Academy Awards.

Just sayin'.

 
At 4/18/2011 8:03 PM, Blogger Gary B. Fitzgerald said...

An astute observation, and the list of the neglected, actors and directors alike, is extensive. Movies, however, with or without accolade, are still seen by the public. Whether Indie or Studio, recognized by the Academy, Sundance, the Golden Globes or not at all, word gets around.

Unfortunately, without the Pulitzer to bring attention to it, most poetry still remains invisible, and, regrettably, the choices the Committee generally makes ensures that any poetry that might be popular will always remain invisible.

 
At 4/26/2011 6:02 PM, Blogger Unknown said...

yeah, you the white male hetero poet, you're the real outsider, hunh——

 
At 4/26/2011 7:21 PM, Blogger John Gallaher said...

Knott,

I dont' remember ever calling myself an outsider, nor have I ever heard anyone call me an outsider. Such names, like "avant garde," as well, are just product placement, and I know you know it.

You sound so lonely sometimes, writing this way. You really just need a hug, I've decided.

 

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