thoughts on Walker & tradition

part of what's stressing me out--other than the simple fact that i am not going to meet my deadline--is the intensity with which people are debating this women's religious narratives tradition. walker seems to stand in for some essence of African American national narrative, American nationhood--the ability to convert and change oneself and get some power by linking with tradition--so everyone's getting very excited about her ability to stand in for that essence, or something. i had the thought & lost it, since Andy gave me a glass of his very nice wine. but once dinner sinnks in, i'll be back.