[John Isbell]

I guess this is how MacArthur grants get awarded. To the rich, much shall be given. It does seem they might have done a better job identifying a major American poet and giving it to them. Vuong has never, for instance, been Poet Laureate of the United States, for what it's worth. To my mind, they tend to be decent at their art.

Cheers,
John

[Roger Slater]

They give so many grants that I wouldn't generalize about the MacArthur based on one recipient. (Of course, few of us are in a position to know whether those from most of the rewarded fields are worthy). But as for poets, it's not intended only for those who have been widely recognized already or have been Poet Laureate and such, but for promising voices that still have a long way to go in their careers and might go even further with a financial boost to free them up. Alicia Stallings, for example, who was known and admired by most of us here when she won it but still was quite young and had many more books to write and readers left to reach.

[John Isbell]

Good point, Roger. And Vuong is 30, so it makes sense if they’re rewarding promise not achievement.

Cheers,
John

[Roger Slater]

"The selection decisions focus primarily on exceptional creativity, as demonstrated through a track record of significant achievement, and manifest promise for important future advances. Emphasis is placed on nominees for whom our support would relieve limitations that inhibit them from pursuing their most innovative ideas. The MacArthur Fellowship is not a lifetime achievement award; we are looking for individuals on the precipice of great discovery or a game-changing idea."

See the FAQ.

[Susan McLean]

Actually, I feel a lot of sympathy for the people who choose the winners, knowing that they will be second-guessed and wrong more often than right. In some ways, it is laudable to seek out the young person on the way up, who really needs the funds. But in other ways it is really hard to tell the young prodigy from the flash in the pan, and time will tell its tale of whether that person will have lasting significance or implode under the pressure of expectations. If the choosers reward the people who already have a lifetime of achievement and awards under their belt, those are known quantities. But many onlookers will cavil that the ones at the height of their fame need the prize least. I think Alicia Stallings was a wonderful choice and has continued to demonstrate that she has the kind of talent that outlasts awards. I don't know Ocean Vuong's work well enough to venture a guess about its staying power.

Susan

[Rick Mullin]

I was basically calling Quincy in when I posted this. ~,:^)

Oh, I went off. I wasn't going to. As I said, I don't begrudge the guy, but I was disappointed to hear that he received such a high-profile honor on top of all the high-profile journal publications and attention he's received in the media.

[John Isbell]

Well, this year the Foundation does seem to have found the flavor of the month to bestow honors on. They didn't have to look very hard to come up with Vuong, would I think be my conclusion. And who knows, maybe he'll surprise the world, as they evidently want.

Cheers,
John