Persuasive writing

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.