Page 37 - Introducing Cultural Studies
P. 37
ntellectual Practice
Hall has always been
involved in activism and
theoretical work. He
believes that cultural
studies needs to hold both
theoretical and political
questions "in an ever
irresolvable, but permanent
tension", allowing one "to
irritate and bother and
disturb the other". It is
important to Hall that the
tension remains.
The intellectual, Hall has
repeatedly argued, must
always remain at the cutting
edge of knowledge and
theory, whilst being
committed to transmitting
these ideas beyond the
"confines of the 'intellectual
class'". Hall's life and work
can be seen in these terms
- trying to come to terms
with conflicting forces,
utilizing them, channelling
them in creative and
political directions.
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