This introduction will be more extensive in due time. For now, I am not sure what to write here.
My theme for this journal is the concept of the armchair philosopher, the sort of non-professional intellectual who learns about and comments on the world without leaving his local surroundings. Although my work in academia will some day make me a professional philosopher of sorts, I want this blog to represent my non-academic, “armchair” observations.
While in New York City, although I did not specifically know the term flaneur at the time, I acquired a love of what I liked to call “urban exploration.” In this blog I am linking the concept of the armchair philosopher with this idea of the flaneur, a French identity connected to a sort of casual, observational stroller. The Flaneur is someone who is both idle and active, walking around with no specific purpose or destination except to perceive and experience their surroundings. In France, a flaneur often has a dandyish connotation, since flaneurs were usually people of privilege and many would wear expensive attire for their walks. Being a comfortable gay man who studies and writes abouts queer issues, I appreciate the dandyish connotation and embrace it. Furthermore, I recognize my position as a privileged intellectual and understand that many people are not as fortunate to have the resources and free-time that have allowed for me to pursue my studies and write this blog. I hope to use this space, whenever possible, to advocate for and advance the interests of those without the same privileges that I have.
