It's (Non)Academic

After spending perhaps more time than I should on the Courier Mail's same sex marriage blog, arguing valiantly for the preservation and uniqueness of hetereosexual marriage, I had wondered about the originator of the post, Dr Karen Brooks.

I Googled for her credentials and came back with 201 references with only
two that could be considered approaching anywhere near academic works. The rest were links to book fair speaking engagements and media appearances.

The academic lightweight has created a niche for her hobby by developing a degree in popular culture.

A degree in popular culture. It's like studying a degree in snowflakes.

Both are ephemeral and ignore that popular culture, like snow flakes, doesn't spring fully formed but instead emerges as a result of a process.

It would seem that the extensive referencing to Dr Brooks by the media has little to so with her abilities as a scholar but because she's a relatively good looking blonde in her mid-40s who will talk about sex if you ask her.

Just take a look at the supercilious and slapdash effort she put into her opinion piece which became the subject of the blog. A few minutes and little effort demolishes her assertions.

Like many of those whose opinions don't stand up to effective scrutiny, Dr Brooks resorts to dismissive insults like:

I fear Howard and co have been watching too much Disney.

Also note the way that she uses subtly uses the honorific of occasional Courier-Mail columnist Ruth Limkin (she is a Pastor) to diminish her arguments - she's a religious minister, I'm an academic.

Nick points out that academic study of 'humanities' these days is less the scientific pursuit of the truth and more akin to a pagan religion. Speaking of which, Dr Brooks lists witchcraft as a passion. And fairies.

As a further aside, it has been interesting to note that those groups who call for tolerance, like activist homosexuals, are the ones least likely to demonstrate that attribute when challenged with an opposite opinion.

Introducing comprehensive research in support of my argument only results in spitting insults in return.

Maybe there's something to that, a new research field perhaps - a degree in blogging.

-- Nora

PS - Phew! I need a drink.

Fairy Belle
3/4 oz apricot brandy
1 1/2 oz gin
1 tsp grenadine syrup
1 egg white
Shake all ingredients with ice, strain into a cocktail glass, and serve.