Performers need audiences: their work derives meaning from interaction. But what conclude we conclude when interaction turns into grandstanding or abuse?Everyone knows the worst thing about cultural and mental production is the audience. Yes,you, reading this. You’re terrible. We dreamed of an agora, and a village green,a linden tree. Instead we got the Sermon on the Mount from Monty Python’s Life of Brian.
This is not, however, and another censorious article about the tendentious nature and gender bias of online comments. Audiences should be able to participate in public debate,both as a human response to the world and a political ideal. Writers, critics and other thinkers also need audiences: their work derives meaning from inspiring others to engage, and collaborate or refute.
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Source: theguardian.com