[lbo-talk] Trash [was: Celebrity and false idols]

[Tom Walker]

My answer would be a, b and d, although d is the most pernicious and 
abundant variety of trash. I would add another definition: set piece 
"debates" between interlocuters whose sole purpose is advancing or 
defending their positions. Most of what passes for discussion involves 
people displaying their well-rehearsed canned opinions on commonplaces 
that have been ephemerally elevated by the spectacle apparatus. "O.K., 
class,  today we will all talk about federal air marshalls or Ann 
Coulter or Intelligent Design or taking Christ out of Christmas." And 
then everyone is for or against shooting passengers, skinny blondes, 
science vs. religion, etc. and it reminds me of the pink blanket, blue 
blanket nature/nurture "debates" that the first year psychology 
textbooks featured. Pap.

*Wojtek Sokolowski wrote:*

 >What is the definition of trash? Is it

 >(a) tabloid-style chat on the subject of

 >sex,celebrities, and "human interest" stories?

 >(b) ad hominems hurled at interlocutors?

 >(c) opinions that most interlocutors find false,

 >objectionable, or offensive?

 >(d) opinion that most interlocutors accept for their

 >face value without questionning their validity?