describing the minority as literate is a circular argument?

["diotima" <diotima -at- myway -dot- com>]

Bruce Byfield wrote:



[At any rate, to describe the minority as "literate and sophisticated" is a circular argument. In this context, both words mean "well-versed in the standards of the minority." So, really, what you are saying is that they know what they know.]



i have a feeling i'm going to regret this, but HUH???????



when lee says this: 



[What happens when members of the minority, users who may very well be more literate and sophisticated, recognize it as incorrect?]



...i understand what he is saying. but i've no idea what bruce's response above means. it almost feels purposely obfuscated, like derrida in a spiteful mood, minus the profundity.



so, the next time i interview for a teaching job and the interviewer asks about my knowledge of english grammar and my ability to teach it to third graders, should i say, "well, in a classroom full of third graders, i'm definitely well-versed in the standards of the minority, which is to say, i know what i know."

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