New Criticism vs. Postmodernism with a Side of Privilege

Something Tempest said in a discussion yesterday or the day before helped to crystallize something in my mind.  This is often true of things Tempest says, but this time was different because she wasn't doing it on purpose.  (note: if you haven't been keeping up with the Cultural Debate of Doom 2009, ummm, I don't think it's possible for me to bring you up to speed.rydra_wong  has cataloged everything important that hasn't been deleted or locked. And what kate_nepveu  says over here is super important, fellow white people!  Go read it! But most of what I'm going to say here is generic & future-facing.) 
( New Crit, Postmodernism, Privilege, Racism... )