Abstract is the New Bullcrap

We all love words, and the power they can have when applied correctly. Words, like images, have the inherent potential of meaning so much more than their individual letters, illustrating exactly what we wish to portray in a way guided by our own personalities. There are, however, people out there (or right here, depending on where you are) who abuse this power so often, to such an extent, that it seems the right to speak one's mind should be revoked in some instances. The first kind of abuse comes in the form of ignorance (and its cousin hatred), when people just blurt out whatever inappropriate things they might be feeling. That is a completely different discussion. The thing that I want to address in today's little rant, is the concept of abstract bullcrap.

Abstract bullcrap can be compared to a cucumber, or even a colorful balloon. So beautiful, so shapely and pleasing to the eye, but completely devoid of any real relevance to us. Cut it in two, or poke a hole in it, and all you have is water and helium everywhere, respectively. Amazingly, though, there are still people who have this as their main form of conversation or expression, surrounding themselves with empty, inflated words in order to seem either smart, reflected, or artistic (oftentimes all of the above). Sadly, this is true for many of today's aspiring poets, and for many of today's teachers in the humanities (or, as is my case, nursing), as well as way too many of my fellow students nowadays. Hidden behind the term 'abstract,' these people get to spew out clichès, platitudes, and other little monologues of absolutely no relevance or meaning, receiving praise from other, less perceptive (or intellectually sceptical) individuals. Most of the time, no criteria of substance, factual evidence, or even coherency is demanded, as long as it sounds clever, insightful, and uses enough big, complex words.

The abtract bullcrap poet is the most prevalent form of bullcrapper online, seeing as the sceptics in other arenas seem to (for the time being) be aware of them and to deal with them appropriately. The abstract poem, manufactured in less than 2 minutes and demanding nothing more than a feel for sentence structures, should be relatively easy to spot. That's why it's so astonishing that people don't do so more often, and that these "poets" (notice my quotation marks) get any fans or readers at all. In fact, before I go any further, let me give it a whack:

Fall leaves
Good riddance, never astounded
Disappointing its minions
Fall falls while we stand
Trembling at the prospect
Knowing is no more.

Ah, braaaavo, bravo. Again, again! No. The fact is, and let me emphasize this part, anything can mean everything. Then again, and this is my point, the opposite is equally true. Everything can mean anything, meaning that the abstract form of expression (here referring to verbal and written abstraction) usually means only what each individual interprets it as being. So, in fact, the next time something so abstract sounds oh, so beautiful and true, give yourself a pat on the back. In a sense, you wrote it, you are responsible for the beautiful part of it, seeing as the cunning abstract linguists are just providing you with the empty glass for you to fill with actual meaning. The people who in daily life, in class or elsewhere, spew out redundancies and abstractions, are simply masking their own lack of factual knowledge with whatever empty sentences enter their minds, well knowing these sentences are always true to some extent (and also true in almost any context, amazingly) but never specific or factual enough for them to be called out on the factual basis of their arguments.

My hope is that more people will put these people to the test, seeing as the abstract bullcrappers' worst nightmare is being forced to answer factually based specific questions. The best ones will always manage to get away somehow, but at least the rest will be forced to read up and join the real world after a while. Nothing is more annoying than redundant abstractions, when having to sit right there and having exposed what is going on, while being forced to watch most others give their praise in awe of the "brilliant" mind of the person in question. Expose the abstract bullcrappers, and demand quality over quantity when it comes to the arguments from people around you. Abstract isn't beautiful. It's bullcrap.


(PS: Here is another example. Don't fall asleep!)

 

Labels: Personal Issues, Rants

posted by CK @ 02:25