One of the wonderful things about blogging is that the medium allows us to voice our opinions about issues that are happening today, right now. Sure, you could write a book about the radical left party's recent victory in Greece. And yes, you could write a short story about stay-at-home moms being stigmatized in our society (one of the blogs we'll read this week).
Blogging is immediate. Blogging allows us a way to enter into the conversation. This week's readings and homework assignment will have you thinking about ways that writers can respond to current events or issues in today's popular discourse.
Think about popular issues ensures that we are never at a loss for material and inspiration. No doubt, coming up with ideas for blog posts on a regular basis can be tricky. But if you keep your eyes and ears open for things that anger you, issues that you object to, as well as issues that excite you and that you wish to support, you will never be at a loss for blog content.
Some thoughts on how to approach responding to public discourse:
1. How is a particular group portrayed in the media?
Every time I watch a movie about writers, my skin begins to crawl. Writers are usually portrayed as tortured souls, afflicted with some kind of emotional block and/or substance abuse problem. Almost always, the writers in these movies are male. The arc tends to be that the writer will overcome some kind of emotional issue and then, voila! he will write in a flood of inspiration, not sleeping and just pounding away at his work. Next thing you know, he's finished the book in a matter of days, the agent loves it, he becomes rich, and the movie ends with him giving an author reading to a room full of rapt audience members.
As a writer, I find this portrayal both deceptive and somewhat revolting. Writing, as we all know, is a lifelong process requiring daily work and diligence...As you think about something in popular discourse, you might want to look at popular media. How are groups portrayed in movies and TV shows? What do they get wrong? (Another group often misrepresented is teachers!)
As a writer, I find this portrayal both deceptive and somewhat revolting. Writing, as we all know, is a lifelong process requiring daily work and diligence...As you think about something in popular discourse, you might want to look at popular media. How are groups portrayed in movies and TV shows? What do they get wrong? (Another group often misrepresented is teachers!)
2. Have you heard someone say something recently that epitomizes a narrow view of something?
In Adam Weinstein's post, which you will read this week, he is responding to an article that was widely circulated about people in his generation. Maybe you have heard someone say something on TV or the news. Maybe you have heard a friend casually say something that you know, in your heart, is simply not true. Whether it's someone you know or someone you've heard/seen from afar, is there a view being expressed that you want to challenge?
3. What cultural myths have gone on for too long?
This week you will also look at a piece by a blogger named KillerMartini. She wrote about the actual experience of someone living in poverty in America. Overnight, the piece went completely viral, earning her a book deal and actual cash donations. She takes many of the popular views people hold about the poor and systematically debunks them. There has been a considerable backlash against this piece actually, with many questioning if the author was actually poor. Regardless, the piece is extremely well-written and, even if it is not completely autobiographical it does an incredible job of shedding light on an aspect of society not often addressed from the inside.
4. Can you respond to a current event?
This week's reading includes a piece written by my friend Becky, in response to the popular notion of "literary citizenship." This piece definitely toes the line of an "article," though she published it originally as a blog piece on a site mainly intended for much more casual pieces about writing and publishing. This piece demonstrates that you shouldn't worry too much about the distinction between "blog" and "article." If the content is good and the evidence is solid, just say what you have to say.
5. What or whom is it time for you to defend?
Some of you might not be inclined to write about political issues. This is your blog and your blogging experience! But you can write about whatever you want, so long as you feel passionate about the topic. One article here deals with clean eating, while another deals with myths around being an only child. Your piece for this week could tackle something along these lines. You could reflect upon what it means to identify with a particular population, such as the piece about being trans. You could speak up about a new child's toy, like the article about the new Frida Kahlo doll.
In this week's reading, there is some advice to op-ed writers. While many of you might, in fact, approach this assignment in a more personal way, some of the tips here, such as reading your work out loud, might still serve you. (But as with all our readings, whatever doesn't serve you need not worry you. If you don't want to write a fact-heavy piece, you by no means have to.)
This is great practice for writing blog pieces that matter. As we saw last week, there are a dozen small tricks you can employ to be a more effective blogger. But ultimately, content wins out every time. Practice writing powerful, opinionated content that engages with the issues--big or small--of our time, you will be well on your way to a successful blogging practice.
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