Reflections after reading an article by
Norman Denzin
When I read a confirming article I feel as
if I have just heard a good sermon. I am
re-charged, re-invigorated, re-fired.
When I connect with an author in a reading, I go through a sort of
spiritual experience. Denzin builds up
an argument piece by piece to what
reads to me like loud, declamatory phrases: “We must create a new narrative, a
narrative of passion and commitment, a narrative that teaches others that ways
of knowing are always already partial, moral, and political.” (Denzin, 2011,
p.654) There is a pause, I sense. I feel
moved.
The line of argument is strong and
comforting. I concur. Yes, I say to myself. It echoes my thinking
and introduces new ideas. Perhaps I belong
to a minority community of qualitative inquirers who defend their beliefs to
the world beyond their circle, to the world of audits, outcomes and
evidence. Solidarity in a postpositivist
world.
