So sez the Prez

[Joseph Murphy]

Markus wrote re strong statements by Hasumi Shigehiko on  film studies in
the US being a "closed system," "useless anywhere else in the world,"
worthless in terms of cultural studies, etc:

>It's hard to know what to make of these vitriolic comments. Why the venom?
>Who is he actually attacking here? Considering the truly impressive work
>that's been done in film studies vis a vis reception and film's relationship
>to class, modernity, imperialism, etc. etc.

Hasumi is one of Japan's most prominent literary and film critics,
President of Tokyo University, and generally a very well-respected public
presence., so it seems important to know what he's getting at here.  One
wouldn't want to assume.  I think I read that the University of Chicago is
bringing him in this spring.  If it's not too impolitic, perhaps someone
could make it a point to ask?

JM