Comments for Looking for a Long, White Beard

Comment on Final Project – Whitman in American Media by Erin Longbottom

Erin Longbottom — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 22:36:52 +0000

The link should work now, sorry about that. Apparently the project was set as private, so when I clicked the link I could see it because I was logged in, but apparently no one else could.

Comment on Final Project – Whitman in American Media by Allison Crerie

Allison Crerie — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 16:22:06 +0000

I’m confused…. a linguistics poster? Are you sure you put in the right link?

Comment on The Good Grey Poet Vs. The Boss by kyleb

kyleb — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:34:37 +0000

Erin your article reference has helped to flesh out my ideas for my final project here in Camden. I’d been debating on how much of Whitman was really him and advertising and an American icon and found that a lot of the things he did with regard to that met up with Springsteen. The idea that these figures throughout American history are icons partially out of their work but also out of promotion on their own part. It’s almost like the tall tales of America! Just wanted to let you know and say thanks!

Comment on Erin for 11/17 by cirvine1965

cirvine1965 — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 20:44:15 +0000

Erin- I agree with your point about the idea of “The American Dream” and how lately the trend seems to sway more towards American criticism as opposed to glorifying the nation. Look at how Whitman approached the war…The Civil War was the bloodiest in American history and it ripped the nation apart. However, Whitman still came from a place of optimism and even seemed to suggest that the war was good in a way and was confident that it would bring America together in the long run. Today, the war in Iraq brings huge criticism. People see oppose to American imperialism and the whole thing got started when a small, extremist group called us out on some of our more offensive follies abroad. I wonder how Whitman would have approached the current war. A lot of what he said made America great are now the things that we are criticized for today. I still like to read Whitman’s idealistic view of our nation. In a way I think that he saw everything that we could be. Now looking back, knowing what we have become, our perspectives are different but his work is still valid.

Comment on My Contribution to the Whitman Legacy by mscanlon

mscanlon — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 18:58:09 +0000

Erin– Now I need to see you perform it! Thanks so much– this was well worth waiting for.

Comment on Erin for 11/17 by bcbottle

bcbottle — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 15:31:41 +0000

I feel that this post and comment thread was excellent. I don’t really have anything new to add. But I wanted to express my amusement.

Comment on The Good Grey Poet Vs. The Boss by Erin Longbottom

Erin Longbottom — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 03:18:42 +0000

I am the Erin from the Go Forth site! Man I didn’t know how many Springsteen fans were involved in this project…

Comment on The Good Grey Poet Vs. The Boss by kyleb

kyleb — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 02:19:59 +0000

Erin I think this may be one of my favorite posts throughout the collective project. Mainly, because I love Springsteen and I’ve actually considered the comparisons between these two. A really wonderful article and a great post on your behalf! I commented here after viewing your most recent article.

Also, haven’t check through yet but are you the Erin from the Levis Go Forth site? If so I’ve spoken with you on there!

Comment on Erin for 11/17 by Erin Longbottom

Erin Longbottom — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 22:04:50 +0000

Allison, every comment you put on my blog gives me joy. Or should I say souses me with spray… o_0

Comment on Erin for 11/17 by Allison Crerie

Allison Crerie — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 21:19:14 +0000

I, too, am I bit “down” on America. Granted, I’d rather be here than in Burkina getting my clit chopped off, or in Afghanistan dodging bombs and bullets, but still America isn’t all it proclaims itself to be.

America certainly isn’t as “free” as it says it is. one trip to Europe will prove what true freedom is. Hell, Sweden, Norway, Holland, Belgium and Spain have already legalized gay marriage. There are not the same rigid age limits to “legally drink” in Europe as there is in America, and you know what? They have fewer drunk driving accidents. Even the way Americans drive is meticulously enforced with countless laws. In the entire month I spent in Italy, where speed limits and stop lights are merely suggestions, I did not witness one single traffic accident.

But still America maintains that it’s the best at everything– having “world series” that only involve American teams. Perhaps Whitman was the first to start the snowballing trend of the Arrogant American. Though Whitman was not as obnoxious as the Overly-Patriotic people are today, Whitman certainly spoke of America (and himself) with a bit of arrogance. This, I believe, is what has made America more “unattractive” than it was Whitman’s time. It’s just too America-y, too arrogant, too annoying.