So, over the past 12 years, I've written Noam Chomsky (via email and letters) on four separate occasions. Guess what? He replied every time. I wrote him because I respect him so. He is one of the the greatest minds of, well, blah, blah, you know. I just think he's brilliant.
So here's some past emails with Dr. Chomsky (I lost the letters). By the way, as you may well know, Chomsky is also a legend in the field of Linguistics, so writing him was, well, daunting as hell.
This first one is from a few days ago. His reply is in italics.
Dear Dr. Chomsky,
Let me begin by thanking you for replying to me on two separate occasions over the past ten years.
My latest query may be outside your realm, but I thought I'd ask your opinion. I am an artist. We live, I believe, in a society (the U.S.) in which the visual arts have relatively no meaning or cultural value (sometimes I think primeval societies valued art more).
Do you believe the arts have a purpose in today's society? When I graduated from college with a BA in English Literature, the recurring question was, "What are you gonna do with that?" Frankly, is there a point in continuing to pursue a life that has such little impact on society? Again, I'm sorry if this one comes from left field.
Thank you so much for everything.
I wonder whether that’s true. Musical events and museums are packed, though the younger generation generally has different tastes than mine. It’s true that the “New Spirit of the Age: Gain Wealth forgetting All but Self” doesn’t value the arts. But recall that the complaint is quoted from mid-19th century.
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(This is from '09)
Dear Dr. Chomsky,
Thank you for your responses to my queries over the years. I'm amazed that someone of your stature would reply to my, perhaps, sophomoric letters.
Here is my question. Do I have any reason to believe in the U.S., (my "homeland")? I honestly don't know. I voted for Obama, but I'm starting to believe he's just another tool of the government. For instance, we're still at war, whether it's Iraq, or Afghanistan, or Yemen, or wherever. It's hard to believe in my country after all I know; especially from what you've taught me. I was brought up "placing my right hand over my heart" for the Pledge of Allegiance, but it's hard to believe at 42. I'm disillusioned, and still somewhat naive, I think.
Finally, thank you, sir, for teaching me what I didn't learn in college. It's been difficult, but I'm a better man for it. Sincerely,
Allan Ostermann I don't think it's wise, ever, to put faith in leaders. Rather, in people, and in oneself, and one's ability to work with others to make things better. That's how progress takes place, and I think there are plenty of opportunities now -- and more than enough serious problems to address.
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This is from '08:
Dear Dr. Chomsky,
In the past few years I've written you twice, and both times you replied with thought provoking responses. I am truly thankful that you have taken the time to answer my queries.
This time I would like to ask your opinion about the internet as a media source, and its influence on journalism as a whole.
I feel that there is a dangerous complacency in America regarding our country's "quantity" of media (as opposed to quality). There was a time when news sources were up to the scrutiny of editors and people verifying the validity of claims. Today we have tons of news, via the TV, the radio, the printed page, and the internet. (eg.If, say, Gannett News Service owns 50 newspapers, TV stations, etc., there's little chance for any variety in the news; and there is probably an agenda). Now that we have the internet, it appears that there is unprecedented freedom of speech, with literally millions of stories appearing at any hour.
Do you believe that this illusion of free news is ruining the credibility of news in general? Are we at a point where people mistake this quantity, this "more" news, as superior to valid, fact infused quality news that can empower the reader and aid society as a whole?
Thank you for your time, and I hope my question made some sense. I tried to say a lot in a little space.
Sincerely,
I doubt that there's much to say at a general level. There are people who use the internet sensibly, there are others who are mesmerized by it and websurf uncritically. It also is a cult-generator. Someone puts up a slightly odd idea without evidence, someone else chimes in with something similar,... pretty soon a cult is formed, with real cult-like properties. All too many examples. As for influence on journalism, the same. It can be used sensibly or not. Rather like books.