Russell Baker's statement reflects his frustration with contemporary poetry, suggesting that much of it has become difficult to comprehend and disconnected from everyday experiences. He likens modern poets to lonely aliens communicating through cryptic codes, implying a lack of clarity or relatability in their work.
This quote delves into the broader issue of communication barriers within artistic communities. Baker's metaphor of isolated beings sending coded messages highlights how poetry might have lost touch with its audience by becoming overly abstract and inaccessible. It also hints at the challenge of finding common ground between artists and readers, where the former may be experimenting with new forms that the latter struggles to understand or appreciate. This disconnection can alienate potential readers and limit the broader impact of the art form.
Russell Baker is a well-known American journalist and writer, famous for his witty commentary on society and culture. He served as an editorialist and columnist for The New York Times from 1967 to 1990 and won numerous awards, including the Pulitzer Prize in 1979. His observations often blend humor with social criticism, making him a respected voice on cultural trends and literary developments of his time.
