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Articles Conference Reviews |
2008SkinnellConference Review: Charles Bazerman Dancing at CCCC 2008 A common way of talking about 4C’s is to compare it to other national conferences, particularly MLA. For anyone who has been to a couple of C’s, it has become almost a commonplace to perceive it as a welcoming, open, collegial gathering as opposed to MLA’s depressing, staid, even hostile atmosphere. The congeniality of C’s is attested to by the smiles of people returning to see old friends, the animated conversations in the hallways between sessions, and of course, all the publishers’ parties. Still this year marked, for me anyway, an important change in the way I see the happy community that is Rhetoric and Composition. This year, I saw Charles Bazerman dance. Anyone who attended the Opening Session could not have failed to be impressed by Cheryl Glenn and Kathi Yancey’s moving, funny, and powerful speeches. They are a testament to the important local and national work that 4C’s members do, and both speeches exhibited the enduring legacy of intellectual and personal commitment to excellence I attribute to C’s. And yet, as wonderful as their speeches were, it’s hard to recall them in much detail because of the indelible mark left on my consciousness during that session by the entrance of Charles Bazerman who danced his way down from the Newcomers’ Breakfast with a full New Orleans band, replete with trumpets, trombones, and drums. Bazerman, the 4C’s Associate Chair and Chair of the 4C’s Planning Committee, strutted and cavorted into the session with what can only be described as youthful exuberance. Any attempt to categorize or describe his moves in terms of recognizable dance styles would be fruitless. Following his entrance, Bazerman began his speech to the Opening Session, but, while his talk was heartening and intelligent, I have a hard time remembering the particulars in light of the multiple times that he tore off articles of clothing, each time revealing another layer with important (if now lost) messages. Dr. David Holmes followed Bazerman with the kind offer to keep all his clothes on. Certainly, Bazerman’s conduct at the Opening Session might be read as any number of things, but for me it was an endearing reminder of the basic humanity of 4C’s attendees, both famed and otherwise. It was graphic evidence that we all put our pants on one leg at a time, even if we cannot shake those legs in what might be considered graceful or identifiable ways. I was again brought to the same realization at the Rock’n’Roll party Friday night. Many wonderful and interesting people showed up to spend a night of dancing with friends from across the country, but none shown so bright as Bazerman. He was indefatigable. He danced for hours, burning through partners with his energetic boogie-woogieing. Again, his movements defy characterization. What I can say is that anyone fortunate enough to be present at either or both the Opening Session and Rock’n’Roll party can be thankful for two things: 1) There’s no accounting for the feeling of camaraderie established by Bazerman’s willingness to let his guard down and really engage with the spirit of New Orleans (and anyone else who stepped into his circle of influence); and 2) There’s no accounting for how many other people felt comfortable letting their own guards down knowing that their own inability to move gracefully would inevitably be overshadowed by Bazerman’s enthusiasm. This year, 4C’s was wonderful, from the unforgettable location in New Orleans to the panels, sessions, and other activities. Still, nothing characterizes my experience at 4C’s 2008 better than or as clearly as the unflagging leadership of Charles Bazerman, without which the whole week would have been far less vivid. |