Meaning: The quote "I tended to emphasize the secular, the casual, the colloquial, the vernacular against the sacred" by David Antin, a prominent poet and performance artist, speaks to the contrast between the everyday language and experiences of ordinary people with the more formal, religious, or elevated language and experiences often associated with the sacred or divine. In this quote, Antin is expressing a preference for the everyday, ordinary, and accessible aspects of life over those that are considered more elevated or exclusive.

David Antin was known for his innovative approach to poetry and performance, often blending storytelling, improvisation, and linguistic play to create unique and engaging works. He was a leading figure in the development of "talk poems," a form of performance art that combined storytelling, commentary, and personal reflection.

In the quote, Antin's emphasis on the secular, casual, colloquial, and vernacular can be interpreted as a rejection of the traditional boundaries and hierarchies that separate the sacred from the mundane. By prioritizing the everyday and the accessible, Antin challenges the notion that the sacred is inherently more valuable or significant than the ordinary.

The secular, or non-religious, aspects of life are often associated with the everyday, the mundane, and the quotidian. By emphasizing the secular, Antin may be advocating for a celebration of the ordinary and the tangible, rather than relegating them to a lesser status in comparison to the sacred or divine. This emphasis on the secular can be seen as a democratizing force, acknowledging the value and richness of everyday experiences and language.

The casual and colloquial language that Antin highlights in the quote further reinforces the idea of accessibility and inclusivity. By embracing language that is informal and conversational, Antin's work may seek to bridge the gap between artist and audience, inviting a wider range of people to engage with and relate to his poetry and performances.

Additionally, the vernacular, or the language spoken by ordinary people in a particular region or community, is often celebrated for its authenticity and connection to everyday life. By emphasizing the vernacular, Antin may be signaling a desire to root his work in the lived experiences and expressions of real people, rather than in more formal or elitist modes of communication.

In contrast, the mention of "the sacred" in the quote suggests a deliberate opposition to the elevated, formal, or exclusive aspects of language and experience often associated with religious or spiritual contexts. By positioning the secular, casual, colloquial, and vernacular against the sacred, Antin may be challenging traditional power dynamics and hierarchies, advocating for a more egalitarian and inclusive approach to poetry and art.

Overall, David Antin's quote reflects his commitment to celebrating the ordinary, the accessible, and the diverse expressions of language and experience. His work challenges traditional distinctions between the sacred and the secular, inviting audiences to engage with the richness and complexity of everyday life through the medium of poetry and performance.