Thu, 15 May 1997 11:50:35 -0400 (EDT)
Thu, 15 May 1997 11:49:51 -0400 (EDT)
Date: Thu, 15 May 1997 11:49:33 -0400
From: Gernot Kohler <gernot.kohler@sheridanc.on.ca>
Subject: private re: Homage to Professor Frank (fwd)
To: chriscd@jhu.edu
Dear Professor Chase-Dunn,
Attached please find my posting to the Post Keynesian list (pkt),
entitled "Homage to Professor Frank". I wrote this in order to correct,
if possible, the impression which was created by a reply of mine to
Professor Frank a few weeks ago. My reply was not only ill-conceived and
impolite but also misrepresented my own enthusiasm for world system
studies, even if from a Post(-)Keynesian perspective.
If you think it's appropriate, I would appreciate if you could,
perhaps, forward this post to wsn, as my reply was also posted on your
list.
Sincerely yours,
Gernot Kohler
Oakville, Canada
---------- Forwarded message ----------
Homage to Professor Frank [a personal note from Gernot Kohler]
Yes, I do place the portrait of Professor Andre Gunder Frank next to my
collection of Post(-)Keynesian icons, heroes and giants. I would like to
pay homage to a wonderful scholar, gentleman and fighter for justice and
enlightenment. I admire in Professor Frank that he is one of the pioneers
of world system analysis. World system is such a rich concept that it can
also enrich Post(-)Keynesianism. (I hasten to add that Post(-)
Keynesianism can also enrich world system studies. Both statements made
with due humility.)
The study of 5000 years of world system development does not provide
direct answers to such nuts-and-bolts questions as: How can we increase
global effective demand? and so on. However, it plays a crucial role in
shaping public consciousness, which is a foundation for finding
nuts-and-bolts solutions. In particular, Professor Frank's (and
colleagues') recent work raises consciousness about the fact that Western
white males are not (NOT) the center of all of creation. From the
imperialist doctrine of "The White Man's Burden", he shifts awareness to
"the white man as a burden".
I can only hope that the eminent professor, as a veteran of many
scholarly and ideological battles, may have an understanding that, as
a novice in these tricky matters and due to inexperience in debating, I
once lost my cool in a reply to him -- which was in the wrong place, at
the wrong time, with the wrong words, and vis-a-vis the wrong person.
Now, arranging the icons on my wall -- next to which Post(-)
Keynesian should I place the effigy of Professor Frank? (But, I better
stay out of more trouble ...)
What was the metaphysical and/or econometric essence of what I
really wanted to say in the first place? "Solidarity is a good thing" --
I bet you a doughnut that that's what I wanted to say.
Nothing wrong with paying homage to a wonderful eminent scholar. (Of
course, my Post(-)Keynesian heroes are also wunderbar. No doubt about that.)
Regards,
Gernot Kohler
Oakville, Ontario