There's a term used almost exclusively by academics (and practically no one else, ever, anywhere) when they are congratulating themselves or one of their own for producing a book or study that any reasonable person who leads an even modestly full and normal life is unlikely ever to read. That term is "rigorous". I can only assume they are so fond of it because of its deceptive sonic resemblance to the word "vigorous", but actually it means anything but that . Quite the opposite. To examine something rigorously, in the academic sense, is to produce an effect similar to rigor mortis in the casual, innocent, and otherwise trusting and unsuspecting reader, much the same way that "exhaustive" treatments are invariably exhausting to any and all but those who are actually dispensing the treatment.
I'm sure that many times in his career Mr. Chomsky has been applauded by his compadres in academia for the "unflinching rigor" he brings to his examination of the "true role" that United States plays in the progressive destruction of "decency", freedom, and human happiness around the globe. Clearly, he has the courage to say things that would make people of lesser imagination and lather feel pretty silly or deeply ashamed of themselves for. Whatever he is, he is anything but a disinterested, dispassionate seeker/speaker of truth, and he is anything but scrupulous about his facts.
And with that, I will now cease and desist from ranting about him any further. |
