Thursday, June 10, 2004

The more I am recognized by people in the Arab world, and the more I receive compliments about writings or media appearances, the more I realize this: an intellectual--if this is what I am--can be coopted by governments, and can be also coopted by the masses. I worry less for myself about the first kind of cooptation. It is crucial that one does not flatter the masses, or cater to the masses.