Gobineau

Edgar Allan Poe and democracy

I'm sorry if you were offended by my revert to your addition at Edgar Allan Poe - and I'm also sorry it inspired a personal stab against me in your next edit summary. The problem I have is two-fold: for one, this is a featured article and giving an entire section to a comment from one author about something so specific seems WP:UNDUE. It would need additional information and commentary to justify such attention. Secondly, the main quote supporting Poe's views on democracy (that it is fit for dogs) comes from a work of fiction which includes both satirical and sci-fi elements; Brooks would need to explain his reasoning why Poe saved his political thinking for a work of fiction not otherwise expressed in more personal writings. I'm also concerned that the commentary on Poe's dismissal of other people borders on the sort of character assassination originated by Rufus Wilmot Griswold which others have perpetuated despite lack of evidence. Finally, Milton Metzer intended his book for children and I'm not sure it passes as a reliable source for such a high-integrity article. Thank you for discussing this before restoring the information. --Midnightdreary (talk) 13:42, 11 January 2012 (UTC)

One other note, to be clear: I really should not argue whether or not this information is true. I would like to suggest that if it were an important aspect of Poe studies, the information would be readily available in multiple sources and, if that's the case, the section could more easily be incorporated into the article with more than a one-sided interpretation. --Midnightdreary (talk) 13:54, 11 January 2012 (UTC)

Please do. Multiple sources would definitely add some heft against my WP:UNDUE argument. However, I must ask that you refrain from making this personal. Your most recent edit summary bordered on a personal attack. Please don't make this a "me vs. you" kind of situation; I'm only concerned about the integrity of a high profile, recognized featured article. Again, evidence would be helpful that comes from something other than a satirical work of fiction (unfortunately, vague references to other people like Baudelaire and Coulombe are not helpful here). --Midnightdreary (talk) 17:39, 11 January 2012 (UTC)

I don't know why I seem to be drawn to this dispute like a moth to a flame. I guess I'm fascinated by the idea of someone picking such a cold prickly username in order to roil the "bien-pensants" and expecting to succeed in building consensus for an unfashionable idea.

On further reflection, it reminds me of one of my favorite C. S. Peirce quotes:

"In all the works on pedagogy that ever I read - and they have been many, big, and heavy - I don't remember that any one has advocated a system of teaching by practical jokes, mostly cruel. That, however, describes the method of our great teacher, Experience. She says,

"Open your mouth and shut your eyes

"And I'll give you something to make you wise;

"and thereupon she keeps her promise, and seems to take her pay in the fun of tormenting us." ('Harvard Lectures on Pragmatism', CP 5.51, 1903) — John Harvey, Wizened Web Wizard Wannabe, ^{Talk to me!} 12:22, 12 January 2012 (UTC)