The Hour of Parleying is Dangerous
Diary of a Viva Ninja: Day 25
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The Parley, Frederick Remington, oil on canvas (1898)
In his collection of reflective essays, Montaigne, writing contemporaneously with the Siege of Mussidan (April 1569) which was taking place 20 miles from his estate, discusses unfortunate examples of generals exploiting the protocols of Jus In Bello: in particular the long tradition of the ‘parley’, when representatives from opposing forces meet to discuss terms. Montaigne quotes several infamous episodes where the parley was used to invade and seize the castle or town behind the backs of the general engaged in dialogue. Well, if we can for the moment ignore the ignoble behaviour of world leaders who tear-up peace treaties or murder anyone who disagrees with them, irregardless of international opprobrium, as we’ve seen this week, then I would like to, briefly, repurpose the notion of ‘parleying’ for my insignificant, imminent PhD Viva. This may seem like an insensitive trivialisation, but I would argue that it is in the microcosm of our daily lives that the battle for truth, conscionable values and civilised behaviour is fought and won.
In my up-and-coming Viva I have discovered that my external examiner) a highly accomplished academic) writes what is unapologetically ‘Grimdark’ science fiction. Now, on the surface, this is diametrically opposed to my concept of Goldendark: an ‘ethical aesthetics of Fantasy’ which I posit in my thesis. Initially, this discovery caused me concern: would such an obvious fault-line make my external antagonistic? But on reflection, and discussion with supervisor, I realise it is an opportunity for a lively critical debate. It is so easy in an age of Tribalism to stay within a cohort of like-minded people who reiterate your interests, belief system and values. If anyone posts something we strongly disagree with on social media we can mute, block or unfriend them with a painless, anonymous ‘click’ of a button. This is far easier than having their ‘toxic’ views poisoning your cosy digital bubble, and in truth there is something about so-called information communication technology which often seems to me to be opposite of communication: it simplifies, polarises, and distorts, reducing the complexities of our lives to little jpegs, gifs, soundbites or reactive statements. It is hard to sustain any kind of intelligent discourse in the echo-chamber of social media (exceptions do occur, but so often it just becomes a shouting match). However, within the ‘held space’ of the Viva dialectical discourse is not only possible, but actively encouraged. It is the raison d’etre of it, in many ways. One is expected to engage in a critical debate, defending one’s thesis. And so, the opportunity to meet with a writer and academic on the ‘other side of the fence’ should be seen as a positive. In truth I don’t see Goldendark and Grimdark as antagonistic concepts (as they may first appear) but as modalities existing within a healthily diverse ‘biome’ of contemporary writing in science fiction and fantasy. What Goldendark is resistant to is any kind of cultural hegemony, one that makes Grimdark (or its Godparent, Neoliberalism) the only game in town. Considering that Grimdark originated from wargaming (Games Workshop’s Warhammer 40,000) the notion of conflictual play, in which opposing forces are roleplayed by contained within a lively, ludic framework, should allow for a healthy cut-and-thrust without the actual drawing of blood! One can disagree with someone without actually disliking them, or being able to converse with them. As long as the tone of the conversation is respectful, mutually curious, with each party being able to consider the other person’s point of view, there is no reason to see the prospect of such a potential dialogue as threatening. It is just shooting the breeze. One’s viewpoint may even be modified as a result. After all, this is how ideas develop, and the academy (and civilisation) advances.
So, to modify Montaigne’s titular dictum: the hour of parleying is dangerous, but it is also essential.
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