In “Let’s Talk About Love” Wilson gives reasons for his tastes and distastes, followed by different reasons to support both. In chapters six to eight, the concept of taste is examined through the ideas of Hume, Kant, and Bourdieu. Does Wilson seem to favour one over the others? If so, how does this impact what he shares in the book? How did his tastes originate?
Wilson writes, ““The bias that “conformity” is a pejorative has led, I think, to underestimating the part mimesis- imitation- plays in taste. It’s always other people following crowds, whereas my own taste reflects my specialness.” (p. 79) Wilson is now a well-known cultural critic working for The Globe and Mail, Canada’s largest national newspaper in circulation. By working for a paper with such an impact across Canada, there is no doubt that his shared opinions may shape the opinions of readers. Is Wilson being a voice that is leading to people following crowds? If he thinks that a person’s taste should reflect their specialness, is he being a hypocrite by working as a critic?
Some other quotes to discuss:
“Does this mean people are lemmings? No, just that we’re social: we are curious what everyone else is hearing, want to belong, want to have things in common to talk about.” (p. 79)
“So songs might in part be famous simply for being famous.” (p. 79)
“Within what more than one writer has called “No-Brow” culture, who needs professional critics? What do they offer, if not objectivity?” (p. 86)