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But I'm not here to talk about postmodernism. I tried to do that last spring, and afterwards I was thoroughly deconstructed by the deconstructionists for attempting to deconstruct deconstructionism. At least, that's the construction I put on their construction of it. I was talking about postmodern culture, and they thought I was talking about postmodern literature. Not at all the same thing!

Larry Wall#277

CommunicationCulturePhilosophy

About this quote

What does it mean?
Attempts to discuss postmodernism led to being deconstructed by deconstructionists, showing how terminology can be misinterpreted.
In plain terms
Talking about postmodernism got tangled in jargon.
What can you take from it?
Be clear about terms to avoid misunderstandings.

Where it applies

  • lecture
  • writing essays

Putting it to work

  • define concepts early
  • listen for feedback

Questions to consider

  • How can you prevent jargon from derailing a conversation?

Another view

The anecdote is highly specific to academic circles.

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