Pomo Paradox, a Dialog

Pomo Paradox, a Dialog

 

           Dana S Leslie:  ALL tests are political, an imposition of the test makers’ ‘answers’ upon the test takers -- a paradigmatic case of discursive imperialism.

           Nathaniel Hellerstein: Will that be on the final exam, Professor? You see, I need to pass Pomo 101 to take Intermediate Propaganda, please help me. And do I have to use the words ‘paradigmatic’ and ‘discursive imperialism’? The cribsheet says ‘iconic’ and ‘semantic hegemony’!

          DSL: The professor might accept “iconic” (though that is a too trendy misuse of “icon”). But “discursive imperialism” is definitely required. After all, it is the professor’s own coinage!

           NH: Very well, then, “an iconic instance of discursive imperialism”. Thank you, Professor.

          DSL: Upon further consideration, I only wish it would rise to the level of “icon.”  But I doubt it ever will. Thus I will disallow the use of “iconic,” in this context. “Paradigmatic” is a more apt term.

           NH: Sigh, all right... but can it be a paradigmatic “instance”? Or a “quintessential” case? You see, the docent’s computers are looking for plagiarism, but the search program doesn’t do synonyms.

           DSL: “Paradigmatic instance” is acceptable.

          NH: A “paradigmatic instance of discursive imperialism”? Thank you, Sir, you are... beneficent...

           DSL: Better make that “Ma’am,” or you flunk!