Our blog name, aside from being so long that you really *have* to bookmark it (hint, hint), is pretty open to interpretation. I guess a good way to introduce myself is to share some of my thoughts on the idea of "recreational criticism," what it is and why we love it.
Because we (the bloggers*) all care very much about our work and our field (English Studies), we tend to put a lot of pressure on ourselves. We worry about what our peers and colleagues think of us, what our students think of us, what our intimidatingly smart professors and department chairs think of us. We worry about the future and how on earth we're going to weatherproof the cardboard boxes we'll be living in when we graduate.**
"Recreational Criticism," to me, is a reminder not to worry so much, because what we're doing is really a lot of fun. We're lucky to be doing it, and we should really take time to enjoy the ride. I hope this blog will be a place where we can spin some of the challenges we're facing as young academics into something entertaining, engaging, and (of course!) fun.
Expect rants, anecdotes, thought-provoking reflection, book reviews, and maybe some recreational deconstruction*** if you're lucky. Consider yourself fairly warned, and welcome aboard!
~LA, City U.
*You know, I like that word almost as little as I like "pedagogue." How do we feel about calling ourselves "bloggists?" "Bloggistas?" "Bloggerinas?" They all sound like something you should discuss with your doctor. With the door closed.
**I'm thinking cellophane and duct tape.
***An especially awesome game involving the relentless deconstruction of everything your opponent says/writes. Played well, it's probably unwinnable.
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