What a great idea. Complete the story (all this said to the NY Times), as good journalism should do, by seeking out and engaging other voices. Step away from your anointing of the one journal that, thanks to the wisdom and hubris of its young and privileged voices, is suddenly showing the way. Implicit in that branding is an ignorance and contempt for the hundreds of sites and editors and writers who are each, in their own way, showing a way. Spin the compass. The needle always stops pointing at a different direction. What if we all did that, every day, with our own curated list of bookmarks? Head in the direction, for an hour. Read someone new. See a strange and unfamiliar place or a thought. Imagine where that democratic discipline might take you, us. Thanks, Becky, for reaching out and engaging a few articulate defenders of "the other."
Hilarious as it was poignant... and spot on. When the story of David and Goliath is told, no onlooker is cheering for Goliath. Perhaps critics of small presses and Mr. Putin should take note.
I am not surprised that those who have experienced privilege (whether "woke" to it or not) do tend to get defensive about a movement toward more inclusivity...which translates to competition. However, in that these same folk often tout the values of entrepreneurialism, competition ought to be embraced... as it is the foundational motivator that leads to innovation. Hmm, I think the phrase, "Read the Room" works, as well as "market-driven." What the market demanded in 1980s (remember Teddy Ruxpen?) is not what sells today. It's like cursing the rainbow for the rain.
I disagree wholeheartedly with the premise of your article. The American literary scene is closed to people like myself, straight white males. I've been writing, and publishing, since the 80s and the doors have slowly closed to people who hold my world view (traditional) and people who look like myself. I will no longer enter the 'literary' contests of the 'woke' lit mags (that's just about all of them, based on my experience). They will no longer get my 'submission' fee. Submission, by the way, says it all. To be published in the new American literary scene, you must be 'woke,' for lack of a better word. People who believe and think as I do, and especially people who look like me will not get past the phalanx of young women and young feminized males that man (yes, I'll say man) the gates. It's a big joke.
What a great idea. Complete the story (all this said to the NY Times), as good journalism should do, by seeking out and engaging other voices. Step away from your anointing of the one journal that, thanks to the wisdom and hubris of its young and privileged voices, is suddenly showing the way. Implicit in that branding is an ignorance and contempt for the hundreds of sites and editors and writers who are each, in their own way, showing a way. Spin the compass. The needle always stops pointing at a different direction. What if we all did that, every day, with our own curated list of bookmarks? Head in the direction, for an hour. Read someone new. See a strange and unfamiliar place or a thought. Imagine where that democratic discipline might take you, us. Thanks, Becky, for reaching out and engaging a few articulate defenders of "the other."
You give me hope, fearless Becky, when little else does. THANK YOU and please carry on.
Yes, Becky!
Hilarious as it was poignant... and spot on. When the story of David and Goliath is told, no onlooker is cheering for Goliath. Perhaps critics of small presses and Mr. Putin should take note.
Wonderful. Thank you again.
I am not surprised that those who have experienced privilege (whether "woke" to it or not) do tend to get defensive about a movement toward more inclusivity...which translates to competition. However, in that these same folk often tout the values of entrepreneurialism, competition ought to be embraced... as it is the foundational motivator that leads to innovation. Hmm, I think the phrase, "Read the Room" works, as well as "market-driven." What the market demanded in 1980s (remember Teddy Ruxpen?) is not what sells today. It's like cursing the rainbow for the rain.
I disagree wholeheartedly with the premise of your article. The American literary scene is closed to people like myself, straight white males. I've been writing, and publishing, since the 80s and the doors have slowly closed to people who hold my world view (traditional) and people who look like myself. I will no longer enter the 'literary' contests of the 'woke' lit mags (that's just about all of them, based on my experience). They will no longer get my 'submission' fee. Submission, by the way, says it all. To be published in the new American literary scene, you must be 'woke,' for lack of a better word. People who believe and think as I do, and especially people who look like me will not get past the phalanx of young women and young feminized males that man (yes, I'll say man) the gates. It's a big joke.