Textual evidence should be offered in the appraisal of writers

Dear Editor,

The more Abu Bakr writes the more he exposes his prejudices. What does it matter whether Naipaul is the “lower middle-class” son of an indentured servant or the son of a slave or the progeny of mixed blood?

To enter into a dialogue with Bakr is to enter into a world of convoluted talk. Nowhere have I mentioned Naipaul’s form and mastery of language. My contribution touches on the works of at least three Caribbean writers locating them in their cultural context.

It is fruitless to participate in an informed “discussion” if no textual evidence is offered in the appraisal of writers and their works. The letter columns are virtually open blogs and probably give vicarious pleasure to readers who are not willing to alter their mindsets.

If Bakr is concerned about nihilism and despondencies he should go to Frantz Fanon and Franz Kafka to begin with.

Much misinformation has been peddled about Naipaul’s infamous statement that “Nothing has ever been created in the West Indies”. This and other statements attributed to Naipaul need to be critically analysed in the context in which they were written for us to benefit from their insight.

Yours faithfully,

Ameena Gafoor