Linguist James Gee is the Mary Lou Fulton Presidential Professor of Literacy Studies at Arizona State University and an advocate for video gaming in education. Before participating in a panel on how games can transform our schools, he sat down in the Zócalo green room to talk about his bad habits—today, the word “situated”; in the past, smoking cigarettes—and why cats are better than kids.
What word or phrase do you use most often?
In my academic work, I think sadly the word “situated.” Not in my regular life.
What’s the last habit you tried to kick?
Probably smoking cigarettes, 35 years ago, and then I gave up kicking habits. I’ve just lived with them.
What’s your favorite thing about Los Angeles?
I used to live here. My favorite thing and my least favorite thing are the same: L.A. is the only place I know where it’s either heaven or hell but never purgatory. That was good and bad.
Ask yourself a question, then answer it.
When I was younger I could answer any question, but in my old age I’ve discovered I don’t know the answers to anything. So I’ve begun writing poetry, which is a sure sign I’m near death.
What don’t people get about Arizona?
I think they understand Arizona. I guess what they don’t get is that it’s not just a right-wing kook place. It used to have libertarians, and something in the water turned them into right-wing kooks. The good thing is, the water’s going away.
What do you eat for breakfast?
Berries, but now I eat a muffin.
Where do you go to be alone?
I never am alone. I am only with my mate, Betty, and I’m always with her, and I avoid other people—if I can. And I have nine cats—I’m with them. They’re much better than my children.
What don’t you leave home without?
Probably despair.
Do you have any superstitions?
I don’t like anything with a lot of sixes in it.
Where would we find you at 9:00 on a typical Friday night?
You’d find me playing a video game.
