does it matter?
Why are we doing this? Specifically, why am I doing this?
What is going to happen to the research I produce, to the youth I invest in, to the projects I envision?
Are they doomed like so much of the rest of academia to become dusty old collections of words that hold meaning only for others who fancy themselves people who think about youth media? How I detest research that does not serve a larger purpose. That fails to integrate into its existence the participatory action that grows out of collaboration with others. Yet at the same time, how does research on the ephemeral, the encounter, cultural poesis- how does this serve a large purpose, a greater need? Who benefits?
When you make a beautiful piece of art, or write about love and care and hope, or make a stunning documentary like “The House is Black,” who sees, why do they see, and where- or what- is the purpose? Is the purpose of research that is experimental to move academia in new ways? Is moving academia to reconsider knowledge a valid purpose for academic research? Does moving academia in new ways result in moving society and the world in new ways?
Is my thesis- about AMIGOS- going to move AMIGOS in new directions? Is it needed? Is it needed by the vols? By the youth? Surely the youth need to participate. The program needs to happen. It needs to happen because of human rights, of technological interventions, because our young people need experiences that allow them to read the world critically.
But the research? Does theoretical research let us better that, or does grounded theory, practical experience hold more sway? Does it matter, will it go to extend this youth media project- which is quickly disapearing since Jon and I left? Will anyone listen, or does this simply serve as a massive excersersize in compromise and in theory and in academia for me?
Is this going to change anything? Does sitting in a classroom hold any sway? Youth media practitioners don’t seem excited about enagaging with students or academics. There doesn’t seem to be a fluid conversation. How can they be bridged?
Leave a Reply