Stylish murder

De Balie, a left-wing cultural center, has deemed it fit to organize a debate about style and the art of conversation. The words 'extra' in the electronic invitation would seem to suggest the debate has something to do with the murder of Van Gogh. And so would the subject: 'The art of conversation.'
Under the banner there's a quote from a book by Charles Bukowski, who apparently wrote: 'You can say everything, and do everything, but do it with style.'
It's an interesting statement for its countless ambiguities. Was Theo van Gogh a stylish man? Is nearly decapitating someone a stylish act? Is De Balie organizing a stylish debate?
Well, perhaps the subject of the debate will help determining that:

'Not a meeting on the freedom of expression. Instead, a meeting on the art of conversation. Those who haven't mastered this art, will resort to calling names, and who can't even master that, will resort to violence.'

Theo van Gogh used a lot of profane language, but was also a masterful interviewer, capable of conversation which could be gentle even at its hardest. His murderer used violence, but wrote a glowing call to Jihad, which was at least an attempt to reason with the infidels. De Balie wrote a very vague invitation, but without any insults (well, at least no unambiguous ones), and they've never hurt anyone there (although their coffee can be murderous).
Who could have guessed that the art of communication would be so confusing?
The most interesting thing is that Van Gogh is never mentioned in the invitation, and yet he seems to be present in every line.
For the invite goes on: 'No noise, but control.' Ah. They wouldn't be referring to the noisy wake we held for Van Gogh on the Dam Square, now would they? It's a good thing they aren't too clear about what they mean, or someone might challenge them.
But they don't seem to want to be challenged, or to engage in a debate. For then their invite says: 'No opinions, but thoughts.'
I hope they will a nice civilized evening during which absolutely nothing will be said.
Actually, I am sure of it.

19:22

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