Slog - Comments on The Look http://slog.thestranger.com/2007/07/the_look Look at the look on that boy's face: Part One That's a look to make any father proud. Get rid of that silly head thing he's wearing, and there you have a perfect boy. No hurt, no pain, no emotion on the surface. All summer within; all winter without. You can smile at him, and what you'll get back is that wall, that supreme indifference. Melt into the air the clownish clothes, gaudy gold, and traditional values of aristocrats, but keep forever that expression made of stone. My best attempt at that stone look: Part Two My mother to me,... Copyright 2008 Mon, 23 Jul 2007 11:20:05 -0800 Tue, 24 Jul 2007 19:38:10 -0800 http://www.movabletype.org/?v=3.34 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Comment by Will in Seattle Well, some of us, Charles, are just happy smiling people.

Which I suppose is strange in this rainy city, but it is what it is.

]]> Will in Seattle http://slog.thestranger.com/2007/07/the_look#c767425 http://slog.thestranger.com/2007/07/the_look#c767425 Arts Mon, 23 Jul 2007 11:43:20 -0800 Comment by Mr. Poe Part one: Looks to me like his face is screaming with hurt and pain.

Part two: Your mother sounds like a total bitch. How dare Americans (love the exclusive) smile at you. Let's all carry no emotion when we walk around. That'll make everybody's day. Great thinking. Should we log our dodged dose over at Equilibrium if we fuck up?

Part three: Have a discussion about this with the ever-so fabulous Ms. Dutton, who happens to own a smile and a laugh that would fill even Hitler's heart with warmth.

]]> Mr. Poe http://slog.thestranger.com/2007/07/the_look#c767430 http://slog.thestranger.com/2007/07/the_look#c767430 Arts Mon, 23 Jul 2007 11:49:19 -0800 Comment by maxsolomon smiling is how apes communicate to other apes that they are not threats.

see, other peoples who are not americans? we americans are not threats to you - we only want your natural resources! smile!

]]> maxsolomon http://slog.thestranger.com/2007/07/the_look#c767431 http://slog.thestranger.com/2007/07/the_look#c767431 Arts Mon, 23 Jul 2007 11:50:51 -0800 Comment by Chris B Yeah but I have to admit that there are days when I don't smile, don't feel like smiling, and feel practically besieged on all sides by people who want to cheer me up. Me and Bill Hicks, I swear:

"C'mon! It takes less energy to smile than it does to frown!"
"Yeah? Well it takes less energy for you leave me the fuck alone."

]]> Chris B http://slog.thestranger.com/2007/07/the_look#c767434 http://slog.thestranger.com/2007/07/the_look#c767434 Arts Mon, 23 Jul 2007 11:55:33 -0800 Comment by michael The more you write, the more I think you are an unpleasant, angry man.

Goodnes help any of your children if they, gasp, grow up to be happy (I'm sure you'll brow-beat that crazy idea out of their young head).

]]> michael http://slog.thestranger.com/2007/07/the_look#c767437 http://slog.thestranger.com/2007/07/the_look#c767437 Arts Mon, 23 Jul 2007 12:00:24 -0800 Comment by mason Part I: The Mudede Stone Look.

You misspelled "Stoned"

]]> mason http://slog.thestranger.com/2007/07/the_look#c767440 http://slog.thestranger.com/2007/07/the_look#c767440 Arts Mon, 23 Jul 2007 12:04:12 -0800 Comment by john Michael can screw off. Read Part Two. It's a plea for authenticity.

Also, this made me smile a real, honest to god smile. Especially Charles' post of himself. I think that's awesome.

]]> john http://slog.thestranger.com/2007/07/the_look#c767441 http://slog.thestranger.com/2007/07/the_look#c767441 Arts Mon, 23 Jul 2007 12:04:25 -0800 Comment by It's Mark Mitchell While I can see Part the Second as a plea for authenticity, I smile at a lot of people in the course of my day, whether I'm working or walking down the street. If it makes them feel intruded upon, they can do what many assholes do, and just turn their noses up in the air and ignore me. Then I'll do what I normally do, which is laugh out loud.

]]> It's Mark Mitchell http://slog.thestranger.com/2007/07/the_look#c767447 http://slog.thestranger.com/2007/07/the_look#c767447 Arts Mon, 23 Jul 2007 12:16:45 -0800 Comment by Gitai I thank God on behalf of your children that the little ones acculturate to American culture so quickly and easily. That, perhaps, is their greatest hope of not growing up to become people that cut themselves to feel something.

]]> Gitai http://slog.thestranger.com/2007/07/the_look#c767451 http://slog.thestranger.com/2007/07/the_look#c767451 Arts Mon, 23 Jul 2007 12:19:28 -0800 Comment by Carrie Interesting. I'm an American who moved to Gaborone in 1988 and recall that at first I was surprised that almost everyone said hello (dumela) when passing on the street. Now that I think about it, it was automatic for me to smile when exchanging greetings, even with strangers. Perhaps that's a somewhat American reflex, like smiling when a photo is taken.

]]> Carrie http://slog.thestranger.com/2007/07/the_look#c767461 http://slog.thestranger.com/2007/07/the_look#c767461 Arts Mon, 23 Jul 2007 12:32:50 -0800 Comment by brandon this is one of the most amusing criticisms of americans. just as those from your culture aspire to look cold and unemotive, we like to look warm and approachable. just chalk it up to cultural differences and leave it at that.

i can't speak for all americans who smile too much, but i don't think it's because "they think they know you". probably just that they think it's nice to be smiled at.

]]> brandon http://slog.thestranger.com/2007/07/the_look#c767465 http://slog.thestranger.com/2007/07/the_look#c767465 Arts Mon, 23 Jul 2007 12:38:55 -0800 Comment by Justinius This is especially funny coming from someone who lives in Seattle, considering that this city is well known for its "cold shoulder."

]]> Justinius http://slog.thestranger.com/2007/07/the_look#c767487 http://slog.thestranger.com/2007/07/the_look#c767487 Arts Mon, 23 Jul 2007 13:00:54 -0800 Comment by Paulus Charles smiles all the time.

]]> Paulus http://slog.thestranger.com/2007/07/the_look#c767488 http://slog.thestranger.com/2007/07/the_look#c767488 Arts Mon, 23 Jul 2007 13:01:47 -0800 Comment by ben Really, haaah, what is the point of adopting a stone-faced look if you are stone-faced all the time?

Smile, don't smile--but let's not pretend one default expression is superior to the other.

]]> ben http://slog.thestranger.com/2007/07/the_look#c767491 http://slog.thestranger.com/2007/07/the_look#c767491 Arts Mon, 23 Jul 2007 13:04:37 -0800 Comment by Original Monique Americans and our willingness to look at other people make us unique. In many European countries, if you look at someone directly, it is an invitation to talk. So when we look at people, and then smile (as it is polite in our society to do so, Charles) it gives a weird signal that we want to talk.

I had an older German man explain that to me. Very fascinating. After you learn to stop looking at people directly, you can spot the other Americans in a crowd with ease (not that its not easy already...but you get the point)

]]> Original Monique http://slog.thestranger.com/2007/07/the_look#c767495 http://slog.thestranger.com/2007/07/the_look#c767495 Arts Mon, 23 Jul 2007 13:08:36 -0800 Comment by josef Charles, the American smile is a political strategy. It serves to reinforce the American myth of equality and universal value. It says "I believe we have commonalities and I believe that given time, I would have a reason to smile at you." This myth is no more harmful than any lie other cultures tell and believe. I don't know anything about African culture (or, at least, anything I'd be willing to posit as definitive) so I have no idea what cultural lie motivates your boy's face. All lies, though, make their most prominent manifestation on the face -- and everyone lies all the time. This, I am sure, is one of the only universals of the human existence. Everyone, in order to succeed inside their cultures, their families and their occupations, must constantly deceive their peers. No one can ever admit to everything he wants and remain legitimate. Our survival depends on our ability to lie.

]]> josef http://slog.thestranger.com/2007/07/the_look#c767506 http://slog.thestranger.com/2007/07/the_look#c767506 Arts Mon, 23 Jul 2007 13:22:43 -0800 Comment by Will in Seattle @13 - yeah, actually, he does, it's rare he isn't.

]]> Will in Seattle http://slog.thestranger.com/2007/07/the_look#c767537 http://slog.thestranger.com/2007/07/the_look#c767537 Arts Mon, 23 Jul 2007 13:51:13 -0800 Comment by longball @2 - Mr. Poe, you are a well documented Mudede hater, as are many of the sloggers who still feel compelled to read and comment on all his posts, but taking a cheap shot at his mom? C'mon now.

]]> longball http://slog.thestranger.com/2007/07/the_look#c767544 http://slog.thestranger.com/2007/07/the_look#c767544 Arts Mon, 23 Jul 2007 13:57:33 -0800 Comment by Mr. Poe @18

I do not hate Charles. Not even close. As for the comment about his mother, how is that a cheap shot? Now that I've read it, it does sound a bit harsh...funny harsh, actually. I'm extra proud of myself. He'll understand. Besides, we're bros. We used to hang out every day and read Lolita together in the park while a sprinkler gently sprays us in the sun. Oh Charles, remember the fun?!

]]> Mr. Poe http://slog.thestranger.com/2007/07/the_look#c767551 http://slog.thestranger.com/2007/07/the_look#c767551 Arts Mon, 23 Jul 2007 14:05:34 -0800 Comment by Mr. Poe *sprayed. Fuck.

]]> Mr. Poe http://slog.thestranger.com/2007/07/the_look#c767553 http://slog.thestranger.com/2007/07/the_look#c767553 Arts Mon, 23 Jul 2007 14:06:23 -0800 Comment by ecce homo This "article" is the very reason why the US needs to restrict immigration.

]]> ecce homo http://slog.thestranger.com/2007/07/the_look#c767561 http://slog.thestranger.com/2007/07/the_look#c767561 Arts Mon, 23 Jul 2007 14:17:43 -0800 Comment by longball OK, Mr. Poe, you are forgiven, but only because EH's post @21 sets a new standard in this thread for knuckle-dragging offensiveness. Sometimes EH helps remind me that the rest of us are all on the same side, despite our petty squabbles. hugz?

]]> longball http://slog.thestranger.com/2007/07/the_look#c767568 http://slog.thestranger.com/2007/07/the_look#c767568 Arts Mon, 23 Jul 2007 14:23:44 -0800 Comment by Mr. Poe Oh. My. God.

]]> Mr. Poe http://slog.thestranger.com/2007/07/the_look#c767572 http://slog.thestranger.com/2007/07/the_look#c767572 Arts Mon, 23 Jul 2007 14:26:54 -0800 Comment by Mr. Poe Yes, hugz. The 'omg' was for E**e's post.

]]> Mr. Poe http://slog.thestranger.com/2007/07/the_look#c767576 http://slog.thestranger.com/2007/07/the_look#c767576 Arts Mon, 23 Jul 2007 14:29:05 -0800 Comment by Gitai One could always turn the argument around and say that Ecce is an argument against birthright citizenship.

]]> Gitai http://slog.thestranger.com/2007/07/the_look#c767604 http://slog.thestranger.com/2007/07/the_look#c767604 Arts Mon, 23 Jul 2007 14:51:27 -0800 Comment by ecce homo A immigrant to america who expresses an dislike for american culture is not one that we need to have in our country. Period.

Why would someone who doesn't like americans move to america? We don't need that kind of immigrant.

And this is a new low? Your defintion of low is pretty shallow.

]]> ecce homo http://slog.thestranger.com/2007/07/the_look#c767623 http://slog.thestranger.com/2007/07/the_look#c767623 Arts Mon, 23 Jul 2007 15:15:58 -0800 Comment by SeMe one aspect of american culture he does not like. im sure he likes others.

i am sure your fellow nativists dislike you and your points of view on culture.

puritans are not the only ones whose values' matter.

Native americans dont smile at passerbys, and surely you are not advocating deporting them because frankly the only reason you are here is because they didnt have an immigration policy when your lot came over from Europe or wherever.

]]> SeMe http://slog.thestranger.com/2007/07/the_look#c767628 http://slog.thestranger.com/2007/07/the_look#c767628 Arts Mon, 23 Jul 2007 15:20:46 -0800 Comment by ecce homo Your point about indians doesn't make any sense. I have met plenty of indians who smile. And considering that they are american citizens BORN in the US, why/how could you deport them.

Could you explain?

]]> ecce homo http://slog.thestranger.com/2007/07/the_look#c767633 http://slog.thestranger.com/2007/07/the_look#c767633 Arts Mon, 23 Jul 2007 15:24:43 -0800 Comment by SeMe "and surely you are not advocating deporting them"

you means you not me.

im sure youve met some natives who smile, but native culture throughout the americas is not big on smiling. surely you know that.

when you say deport those who dont like those who smile than the example was brought to ilustrate that your puritan nativist values are not the only ones that made this country.

you are the guest of this country. and again, if native americans had an immigration policy perhaps they would have deported you.

clear?

]]> SeMe http://slog.thestranger.com/2007/07/the_look#c767637 http://slog.thestranger.com/2007/07/the_look#c767637 Arts Mon, 23 Jul 2007 15:30:08 -0800 Comment by ecce homo No

I was born here. I am not a guest.

The indians lost, get over it.

And to generalize native culture across the US is impossible and racist. They are all not the same.

My point is about america hating immigrants. Why don't you go back to where you are from if you don't like it here.

]]> ecce homo http://slog.thestranger.com/2007/07/the_look#c767639 http://slog.thestranger.com/2007/07/the_look#c767639 Arts Mon, 23 Jul 2007 15:33:48 -0800 Comment by Katelyn How is it that everyone else knows Charles and I don't? Goddamnit. Someday, someday.

]]> Katelyn http://slog.thestranger.com/2007/07/the_look#c767643 http://slog.thestranger.com/2007/07/the_look#c767643 Arts Mon, 23 Jul 2007 15:37:14 -0800 Comment by ecce homo I mean the american hating immigrants should go back, not you SeMe. Unless you are an america hating immigrant.

]]> ecce homo http://slog.thestranger.com/2007/07/the_look#c767644 http://slog.thestranger.com/2007/07/the_look#c767644 Arts Mon, 23 Jul 2007 15:37:25 -0800 Comment by SeMe nativism and patriotism are truly the last refuge of scoundrels.

im out.

]]> SeMe http://slog.thestranger.com/2007/07/the_look#c767647 http://slog.thestranger.com/2007/07/the_look#c767647 Arts Mon, 23 Jul 2007 15:39:20 -0800 Comment by brandon why do - *ahem* - certain commenters feel the need to bait other commenters into silly, protracted debates when they are clearly lacking a substantive, coherent, remotely-relevant-to-the-present-topic argument? anyone dropping highly inflammatory one-liners into the comments section is clearly looking to rumble.

i think maybe certain commenters need more hugs at home. and i think maybe the rest of us need to just ignore certain commenters.

]]> brandon http://slog.thestranger.com/2007/07/the_look#c767676 http://slog.thestranger.com/2007/07/the_look#c767676 Arts Mon, 23 Jul 2007 16:23:31 -0800 Comment by Will in Seattle the sooner we can put ecce homo on ignore, the sooner most of us will breath a sigh of relief.

]]> Will in Seattle http://slog.thestranger.com/2007/07/the_look#c767691 http://slog.thestranger.com/2007/07/the_look#c767691 Arts Mon, 23 Jul 2007 16:34:50 -0800 Comment by ecce homo Yeah, cause your sensitive little self can't handle a little ecce homo can it will.

You and Sean both have such a hard on for me. I think its cause you actually agree with my points, but in the little gay, seattle, hipster yuppie world you reside in, you can't wrap your brain around the fact that I am right about most things.

THe point of Chaz's little speech was that americans smiling is stupid. To which I replied that ANY immigrant who is anti-american needs to go back to where they came from. Its all of YOU that are off topic. Perhaps your posts need to be deleted.

]]> ecce homo http://slog.thestranger.com/2007/07/the_look#c767732 http://slog.thestranger.com/2007/07/the_look#c767732 Arts Mon, 23 Jul 2007 17:05:00 -0800 Comment by keshmeshi You and Sean both have such a hard on for me.

You wish.

]]> keshmeshi http://slog.thestranger.com/2007/07/the_look#c767749 http://slog.thestranger.com/2007/07/the_look#c767749 Arts Mon, 23 Jul 2007 17:26:14 -0800 Comment by brandon well, one could argue that your contempt for freedom of expression is decidedly more anti-american than someone else's contempt for people smiling too much. but then one would be completely defying one's own plea to one's fellow sloggers to just ignore you. and that would just be stupid.

]]> brandon http://slog.thestranger.com/2007/07/the_look#c767756 http://slog.thestranger.com/2007/07/the_look#c767756 Arts Mon, 23 Jul 2007 17:36:39 -0800 Comment by ecce homo I have NO comtempt for freedom whatsoever.

]]> ecce homo http://slog.thestranger.com/2007/07/the_look#c767818 http://slog.thestranger.com/2007/07/the_look#c767818 Arts Mon, 23 Jul 2007 19:40:35 -0800 Comment by arandomdude Not contempt for freedom in general, contempt for 'freedom of expression' read the whole sentence please.
Your almost deliberate misunderstanding of statements makes me think you're doing this for attention.
And the point that he was trying to get through to you was that just because someone doesn't like one tiny part of the culture (like smiling all the time) doesn't mean they hate *all* of America or the entire culture. Do you even like all of your own culture?

Ok, No more feeding the troll. You really should register ecce, that way I could put you on ignore.

]]> arandomdude http://slog.thestranger.com/2007/07/the_look#c767889 http://slog.thestranger.com/2007/07/the_look#c767889 Arts Mon, 23 Jul 2007 23:28:04 -0800 Comment by seattle98104 I agree with ecce's sentiment; that one who cannot produce a liberal/progressive point of view should not be allowed to comment on a liberal/progressive blog - they should be deported to michellemalkin.com...

]]> seattle98104 http://slog.thestranger.com/2007/07/the_look#c767979 http://slog.thestranger.com/2007/07/the_look#c767979 Arts Tue, 24 Jul 2007 09:39:59 -0800 Comment by Kiru Banzai I think Charles looks a little bit like Lennie James in this picture, and I think that's cool.

]]> Kiru Banzai http://slog.thestranger.com/2007/07/the_look#c768353 http://slog.thestranger.com/2007/07/the_look#c768353 Arts Tue, 24 Jul 2007 11:26:38 -0800 Comment by Lee Gibson I smile at people because I actually, genuinely, really and authentically like people. I am a happy person, and it shows.

Except for ungracious twits like Charles and, apparently, his mother. I'll smile at people like that just to get 'em riled up. I still win.

]]> Lee Gibson http://slog.thestranger.com/2007/07/the_look#c769314 http://slog.thestranger.com/2007/07/the_look#c769314 Arts Tue, 24 Jul 2007 19:38:10 -0800