Let’s face it, we are surrounded by some seriously socially inept folk at SBL. For some reason, the world of academia attracts them. Even though they may have planet sized brains, it is painful to watch some of them ‘walk’ past.So, Jim and I thought of an uplifting competition for those of us here at SBL. The idea is to take a picture of the goofiest academic social catastrophe you can, and post your favourite on your blog.
Yesterday I snapped one chap who was going for the ‘Jesus look’ – a definite potential winner. Another one with ‘interesting’ dress sense walked past looking as though he were in deep meditation on something profound, but was clearly a little unsure as to how to put one foot in front of the other. He quickly attracted my camera-endowed attention.
Of course, I am a little reluctant to start posting my own favourites. Were one of them to end up sitting across the table at any future interview, I could find myself in a slightly tricky spot. But on the other hand, it could be a real laugh, which is the factor that usually majors in my decision making processes. So join in, and get snapping. And if I take a picture of you at SBL, be worried.
Winners will be voted a week after SBL.
7 comments:
It's almost as if the good Dr. West didn't know what to do with his hands, so in the end he settled for that pose. Did you perchance snap it before he was ready or able to put them at his side or give you a nice thumbs up (or even perhaps another finger pose)?
I well expected to see him wearing a fanny pack in that photo -- it would have gone nicely with his hip, fresh, and youthful sneakers.
And why is he clutching that back like he's afraid someone is going to snatch it from him? Who was lurking in the shadows that we didn't see in the picture?
BTW, glad you're having a great time in the states... The Holy Spirit is still telling me to tell you to buy me some books (let the Spirit lead you as to which ones) and send them to me while you're still stateside -- the shipping will be much cheaper than when you return to Germany -- God has a way of looking out for his elect ;^D.
Clearly you are not an inveterate conference goer, Nick. If you put your conference bag down, there is a very real chance that you will that someone else will pick it up by mistake, or you will pick up someone else's because they all look the same!!! It's OK if you realise the mistake immediately, but at a conference like SBL, five minutes of inattention can mean that you may never get your own bag with the stunning notes about the last presentation and the email address of the potentially very useful contact back again. I always clutch my conference bags like that, too. :-)
Judy,
Although I lean toward the egalitarian side of things I think that we can agree that as a woman you have more cause to clutch your bag. Someone as clearly rough and tough as the venerable Dr. West doesn't need to clutch anything -- if someone were to try and 'mistakingly' switch bags with him he could easily beat the snot out of them. :^D
Nick, I'm as gentle as Gandhi.
Jim,
Kudos on spelling Gandhi correctly... Most Westerners spell it 'Ghandi' which I know drives our Indian friends crazy... But back to the issue at hand... Judging from the death grip you have on that tote, you are clearly poised to knock someone upside their head if they attempt to 'accidentally' switch bags with you... ;^D
Chris,
Give me till the Sunday after Thanksgiving. I've got a post on the most outrageous thing I saw (hint: it involves a book and a blurb that Brant showed me).
Michael,
To say that I really look forward to that post is certainly true!
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