Writing for Change
September 23, 2008 · Written by Melissa Donovan
Lately, it’s been difficult to blog about writing. For the past few weeks, I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about my business goals. I took a mini-vacation with some friends. And I’ve been spending most of my free time watching coverage of the 2008 elections.
The United States is in the middle of a historical election. Our next White House administration will include either the first African-American president or the first female vice president in U.S. history. The country is divided by partisanship and the candidates are campaigning heavily in their pursuit of wooing independents and undecided voters. My own politics have jumped out of my heart and planted themselves firmly on my sleeve. Each day it becomes more challenging to keep quiet about it.
This election is not only historical, it’s critical — for the U.S. and the rest of the world. Here at home, the economy’s sputtering, unemployment rates are on the rise, and culture wars are rampant. Abroad, the war in Iraq rages on while in other parts of the world poverty, disease, and terrorism continue to devour populations.
It’s hard to engage, whether here on this blog or in daily conversations, without mentioning any of it. I’ve never been so simultaneously excited and scared during an election, and the feeling that we are at a historical crossroads that will permanently alter the course of this nation haunts me incessantly. I want to watch the news, want to talk about the issues, want to write about the election. I want to be writing for change.
This could be a problem. All my business is conducted online and if I openly support one candidate over another, it could turn off potential clients or readers of this blog. Even if I write an article or opinion piece and publish it elsewhere, it may turn up in a Google search for my name. I could use a pen name. Or I could get behind my beliefs and stop hoarding them like a secret.
When asked whether celebrities should participate in political discourse, Barbra Streisand had this to say:
I see myself first and foremost as a citizen of this country… I think we are all lucky to live in a country where people have the constitutional right to voice their opinion and speak their mind without punishment or penalty. Everyone should exercise that right, because it engages people in the political process and forces our candidates to be clear about their stances on important issues affecting all Americans.
Now, I’m no celebrity, but my online actions and statements are viewable by anyone with an internet connection. My clients might read my blog or search for articles I’ve written, and readers of my blog might learn about my views and decide they don’t want writing advice for someone who’s “gonna vote for that guy.”
But which guy is that?
In this election, both candidates are campaigning for change, so the title of this post won’t give anything away about who I’m voting for. Yet when I see celebrities like Barbra, Matt Damon, and Chuck Norris openly supporting their candidates, I wonder, “Why shouldn’t I?”
Over a year ago, I started writing for change by penning articles and blog posts about animal welfare. Now, I see an opportunity to write for change in the context of America’s future. The planet’s future.
Karen Swim recently addressed her concerns about using her blog to discuss her stance on the elections in a post titled “Not in Polite Company.” She asks, “…should we avoid these taboo subjects in public?”
Writers and other artists are in a unique position to share and communicate world views and sometimes that means we step up and endorse a candidate, a policy, or a position. I’ve had heated political discussions with co-workers at nearly every office job I’ve held, and these conversations always resulted in strong friendships with individuals on the other side of the aisle, those who held opposing views or voted with the party I don’t belong to. Most members of my immediate family don’t belong to the same voting pool that I do. In other words, no matter what your views are, I can get along with you just fine. But can you get along with me?
My mind’s still not made up. I’ve thought about doing a number of things to use my writing and my internet presence to support my candidate:
- Start a new, anonymous blog
- Post a banner on my site showing my support and linking to my candidate’s website
- Write articles to promote my candidate (but should I use a pen name?)
I want to know what you think. Is writing for change a good idea? Should we publicly declare our political views? I’d especially love to hear from folks all over the world. How do you feel when Americans discuss or mention the elections on non-political blogs? Do you feel that this election will impact your country?
I’d also love to hear from readers who aren’t frequent commentators. Come on and join the discussion! Do you think I should write for change? Would doing so have a positive or negative impact on my business? Would it have any effect on the election? Would you hire services or buy products from someone who you knew supported the candidate that you are voting against?
By the way, I’m not going to turn Writing Forward into a political blog. This is and will remain a blog about writing, for writers. Keep in mind though, that writers compose speeches, campaign ads, and interview questions and answers. Elections, the news, and politics in general, are the forte of writers just as they are of politicians and show hosts.
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What a great post, and do I ever concur!
I do think this is the ONLY election I can remember in my adult life I found so important to the future of the world really. Not because the US is the world ( I don’t even live there) but because what happens there could so influence other things that happen in the world.
Melissa, these are great questions you pose about our limits too. I have started writing on this blog (you are used to seeing my other one I think) on business practices that are not common as of yet, and my posts may divide the right from the left on some points. Although I am not directly speaking politically, I am referring to policies and international responsibilities. I may not win the favor of every reader.
I think in your case, writing for writers, you challenge us to consider our niche, and what belongs there. I am thinking right now of Oprah. Guess she certainly drew the line in the sand with her fans.
Lastly, the one caution I would add is that the media does know how to captivate our attention and get us really worked up about politics - or storms. I have learned to give myself a few hours before writing …or even talking!!! after a couple hours of Media Mongering.
Harmonys last blog post..THE TRIPLE WIN STRATEGY
You may or may not have noticed, Melissa, but I’m wrestling with the same issues on my blog. After a few hours of political blog surfing the other day, I finally felt as if I had to say something. Mine was more of an issue message than a candidate endorsement, but it’s dangerous territory, all the same.
The more I think about this conundrum of whether to be quiet and inoffensive or speak up and risk alienating readers, the more I believe that we have an obligation to state our positions publicly. Our is a country founded on public discourse, and it seems wrong not to speak up, especially at times like this when so much is riding on the outcome of the next election. Here’s what I would advise: move forward, but cautiously. I agree whole-heartedly with Harmony’s advice to allow yourself a cooling-off period between viewing news and writing about it. Righteous outrage may play well on TV, but I don’t think it’s particularly good for the national psyche. I’d much rather hear a reasoned argument about an issue or person who moves you.
This may sound a bit pollyanna, but it’d also be nice to hear who you do support and why, rather than why the other guy (or gal) isn’t up to the job. This election has swiftly gone straight down the drain when it comes to mudslinging and schoolyard bullying. I’d love to see a smart, thoughtful person such as yourself argue a viewpoint from a calm, reasonable perspective, and invite civil discourse.
As for whether it’s appropriate on a writing blog, my own conclusion was “probably not, but I’m doing it anyway”. It helps to have four readers
You’ll do what works best for you, I’m sure, but as long as you keep it even-handed, you won’t turn away too many. And who knows, you might gain a few readers, too.
Bill Womack - Words for Writerss last blog post..No way. No how. No blank check.
For you, Allison and the rest of the MWP/ER-clique:
I would read you, whatever you’ll write
I just like your writing style.
And the election is also very important for Germany, too.
I just need more time (missing ER)
It doesn’t bother me one bit if someone like Matt Damon voices his support of his preferred candidate as long as he chooses the right forum in which to do it in. If I’m watching an interview with him where he’s promoting his latest movie then I expect him to stick to the subject. On the other hand, if he’s on Leno and is asked a politically oriented question, then go for it.
In terms of blogs, nothing bothers me more than to see a person’s personal political views touted on a blog about, for example, agenting (I promptly unsub’ed from that particular blog). if a person wants to tell the world about, for example, their political views or their support for a candidate or that they want everyone to buy a hybrid and help get us off this foreign oil dependency, then that person should start another blog focused on that topic, or else start with a blog like Scalzi’s appropriately named “The Whatever”.
Something to keep in mind regarding potential damage to one’s career: country radio stations here in Texas STILL will not play Dixie Chick songs b/c of what they said about Bush at that concert in France (I think it was France). I don’t agree with it, I don’t listen to country music (my wife does), but it is what it is.
Scott Marlowes last blog post..Writing Progress - 9/22/08
I tend to unsubscribe from blogs in a non-political niche that get into politics. I read political blogs, but I choose the ones I want to read. I probably wouldn’t mind if I read a thoughtful discussion of the issues, but just about every time I see someone get into political territory, they come on strong about how they’re right and anyone who disagrees is wrong. Since I often disagree, I no longer feel welcome there. This election is so close and the nation so evenly divided on the issues, there’s a good chance you will make about half of your readers feel unwelcome if you start espousing political views they don’t agree with.
@Harmony, I certainly agree. I was just a kid when Reagan won the presidency, and that’s the last time I recall such a big fuss about an election. It’s definitely a good idea to cool off between watching the news and writing posts. That’s why I have a rule about sitting on any post that might stir controversy. Most of those never get published. Oprah, who is a heroine for writers, certainly did draw a line. Then again, she can afford to do that
@Bill, Yes, I’ve noticed that there are quite a few bloggers struggling with this. Some don’t come right out and say it, but there’s definitely an undercurrent on some of the blogs I read. I notice campaign slogan words slipping into the vocabulary quite frequently these days.
From a strictly business perspective, I think that laying out political views is unwise. There are times when I write and let slip that I love dancing, or cheese, or the TV show Heroes. That’s part of who I am. But when it comes to politics and religion, I find myself refraining from letting my own personality show. Since this is not a strictly business blog, I’m not sure I need to be so secretive.
I’d bet that most people who’ve read my blog for awhile could guess my candidate, but if you really want to know, you can always email me
@Martin, Some news sources are telling us Americans that the whole world is watching, and that everyone feels this presidential choice will affect them. That’s incredible to me. I haven’t been to ER in a few months, which just goes to show, we could all use a few more hours in the day.
@Scott, I agree, political stances are best received when they’re presented in context. A lot of people complain about celebrities publicizing their views, but I enjoy learning about everybody’s beliefs, whether or not they’re famous. It’s impossible for me to understand the banning of the Dixie Chicks. They spoke their mind, which is a constitutional right. Why would radio stations punish them for that? Other artists have spoken out and did not get banned or blacklisted. Why are the Dixie Chicks being locked out?
@Lillie, Everyone is welcome on my blog and I don’t think I’d ever publish a post that made people feel unwelcome (at least I certainly hope not!). I’m lucky because I have grown up in a really split mix of views. I could write a book about it, but the short version is that I have to be respectful with people who disagree because many of them are my family members!
This blog will always focus on writing. However, there have been a few posts I didn’t publish or had to edit because I drew comparisons to issues or candidates in ways that would have given away my views. You won’t see a ranting post about any one issue (unless free speech comes under fire) or any one candidate here. If anything, it would be a mention, a metaphor, or a brief question or comment.
Melissa, from the first word of your post to the last I was nodding my head as I too have been thinking about my business, am both excited and scared about the election and wonder where we draw the boundaries. From what I gather from many friends, politics is not nearly as taboo in other parts of the world. People are free to discuss it and part as friends. I would love you no matter what.
I love differences and am quite capable of discussion, debate and even passionate arguments that end with hugs. However, I am also conscious that as a blogger with a platform you must tread lightly. I am passionate about many issues that never touch my blog but I don’t hesitate to use my pen to discuss them in other forums.
Karen Swims last blog post..Truth or Madness Monday
Melissa, you write because you are a writer and as you well know, writers write about what engages and moves them to write. I don’t see why any one worth their salt should stop reading you just because you might support a candidate that is not their choice. If you were to say for example that you support McCain instead of Obama (who is MY candidate of choice) I would disagree most likely with whatever reason you had for saying he is your man as my convictions run against everything that he stands for BUT, i would not stop reading you at all. Why should I? What you’d be doing by voicing a preference is invite a dissenting or approving opinion. Nothing more. Go for it if you feel comfortable. Whatever you decide, I’m still your dedicated, devoted, admiring reader even as, I might turn out to disagree with your political inclinations. Yours truly and always, Milena
Milenas last blog post..Because someday you might ask how your father and I met - Part I
I think you should do what you feel would be best and to hell what anyone else thinks. I hesitated for a long time to mention various things about myself online. Then I figured what the hell. Who am I hiding from? After I first wrote online that I’m gay, a client called and dropped me. She said she didn’t want people like me representing her organization. No big loss. I don’t want to work for people like that anyway.
In general, I’ll say I don’t like to see political rants randomly appearing on blogs that aren’t about politics. I’ve dropped a ton of people from twitter because they liveblog the election coverage. If I wanted to hear about it, I know where to find it. I avoid those places. Nothing personal against them, it’s just not for me.
I think you should do what’s right for you. I do think it would be best to do it separately from your writing blog, unless you want to lose a lot of readers. But that’s just my opinion.
Amy Derbys last blog post..Stupid Blogger Netiquette #407 (the Great Platitudists of Blogland Strike Again)
Melissa
Heh heh. We have our own Canadian election coming up in a few weeks.. Watching the politicians campaign is equally as annoying here it probably is for you guys. Forunately, our campaign period is much shorter than the U.S., and it will all be over soon.
One thing I have a bee in my bonnet is celebrities who get too political. I find a lot of these people a bit too arrogant for their own good.
” Oooh, I’m a pop singer. Ooh, I”m an AH-ctor. This somehow makes my opinion on domestic and foreign policy more informed and more valid than the average person on the street. Everyone, listen to ME…I KNOW better than you do! …”
As for getting political on your blog, that’s up to you. Depends on what type of crowd you want to attract. People interested in writing? Or people who want to vent about so-and-so?
You’ll probably lose some people. You’ll probably gain some people.
My personal opinion, I’m with Amy, I don’t like to see political rants on non-political blogs. It bores me (I get enough politics on the radio, TV, and newspapers). When I blog, it’s to relax and have fun.
Well, that’s my two cents.
Friars last blog post..Celebrating my Literary Ignorance: A List of Books I’ve Never Read
Melissa,
I think the crux of your issue is in your statement about celebrity. Entertainers can get away with doing the unthinkable because it is hard to discern when they are being serious and when they are being entertaining. You, on the other hand, write for other people and who those people choose to stand in for their none-available writing selves is a completely different matter. I tend to play this ultra-conservatively and keep everybody guessing. But then again I tend to be highly secretive about my politics to anyone who doesn’t know the color of my underpants.
Hi Melissa - I know years ago, folk always said never to talk about politics, religion etc to customers. But I think times have changed.
If a customer is going to judge you because of who you vote for, do you really want to have them as a customer?
What Matt Damon said was pretty bold, but not a far cry from the truth.
My wife is deeply involved in American politics, but I don’t really care to pay attention. It may affect me down the road, but my vote doesn’t count south of the Canadian border, so I just nod and smile.
Matthew Drydens last blog post..You Don’t Like Me
I’m on the fence with this one… Although, I like the idea of starting another blog under another pen name to let out your emotions and feelings towards all this politicalness that’s going on. Plus, I’ve always been a fan of pen names and the people that use them. I don’t know why, it just seems cool to have another alias. “t. sterling watson” is a semi-pen name since it is in fact my real name but that’s another story.
I can’t recall saying anything too political on my own blog, but as you know, I write whatever I feel like at that moment. And like politics, religion is one of those touchy subjects people advise to avoid unless you want to spark a heated debate. But my religious beliefs are a strong backbone to who I am, so I can’t help but let it slip out every once in a while. My family is a big part of my life too, so I mention them a lot as well. Politics I know enough to get by in a debate if I ever got into one, but I generally avoid it because it’s not a huge interest of mine. I just like staying in the know of what’s going on in the world. And I do like to know what others think. Whether you are for candidate A, B or C, if we were cool before then, I’ll be cool with you afterwards. But not everyone can say that, and I understand.
I have more pros than cons of why you should express yourself and I think that would make my comment disgustingly long. So I’ll vote for a banner on this site and/or another blog by you that’s not restricted to the business of writing and is instead just a blog of a writer passionate about life. I mean there’s only about a month left until election day and I’m sure you may have the urge to write about cheese in December or Heroes in May. By the way, shouldn’t Heroes always be two hours long? And make sure you let us know about this pen name, I’d be interested in reading.
t. sterlings last blog post..happy belated anniversary
Melissa,
Lest anyone think I’m hypocritical, let me mention that I get into a lot of personal things on my blog. Though I don’t get into politics, people probably have a pretty good idea of how I stand based on what I write. However, I consider my blog a personal blog even though I do post a lot about writing. I don’t claim to be a writing blog, and I’m not using the blog to get business (though I do have a page showing my services and I do promote my books).
I have no objection to reading your political opinions, and I’m sure you would write them in a respectful way that wouldn’t drive me away. However, I have an expectation that this blog will be about writing so I don’t come here to read about politics. I think it depends on the focus of your blog—if you want to keep this a writing blog, then the political posts probably belong somewhere else. If you want it to be the personal blog of a writer, then you can post anything you want.
@Karen, I think in an ideal America I wouldn’t worry over whether people would refuse to hire me or read my blog because somewhere I let slip who I’m voting for. This may be a great country, but we haven’t reached idealism quite yet. Maybe we will after this election…
@Milena, You and I are in agreement (on many things ;). I like your attitude! You’re right, as writers, we pretty much have to embrace those things that move us otherwise, what’s the point? Why write at all if we can’t write about our passions?
@Amy, You raise a good point. The client who dropped you — hmph! Who wants a client like that anyway? I think that this post may have led people to believe I was getting ready to launch into a political tirade, which isn’t the case at all. There have been moments in the past few weeks where I’ve almost mentioned the election in a sentence or a comment… so it’s more a question of censoring myself in little ways rather than refraining from posting articles about the election. This blog will continue to focus on writing first and foremost, no matter what.
@Friar, I agree with you and Amy. I feel like I’ve promised to write about writing, so I’m not about to change the subject matter. I don’t mind when celebrities endorse candidates. You should see my dad (who’s not a celebrity). He goes around promoting his candidate like a madman (and it’s NOT the candidate I’m voting for). He does it at family gatherings, at work, at ME! I think some people are just prone to discussing the election. The difference between my dad and a celebrity is just that the celeb has a bigger audience. Plus, some celebs end up becoming politicians. Just look at Reagan and Arnold. Weird, I know.
@Deb, I wonder why we are so secretive? I have seen many celebs and politicians interviewed, even regular civilians, who won’t say who they’re voting for. Just another thing that makes people so fascinating I guess.
@Cath, Good point! If a client really wanted to base their decision on that, they could probably poke around and figure out where I stand. I think there’s a part of me that wants to be more bold and I probably shouldn’t let “what ifs” like that get in the way.
@Matthew, There are a lot of celebs who are heavily involved in politics and have taken the time to learn about issues and candidates. Matt Damon is definitely one of them. It is still bizarre to me that the world is watching this election, sort of surreal.
@t. sterling, Heroes should definitely always be two hours long! Best show ever! For some reason, people seem way more prone to openly discuss religion over politics, which for some reason, does not make sense to me. I guess my challenge is to figure out what I’m comfortable with. As several commentators have noted, that’s the ultimate answer. I definitely like the idea of posting a banner but I’ll probably do it on one of my other sites. With just over a month to go, I also realize that I shouldn’t spend too much time analyzing this. So, I’m going to get busy writing articles to submit around the web and perhaps in print. But I don’t think I’m going to use a pen name
@Lillie, Not at all! I don’t consider Writing Forward to be a personal blog, which is why this question arose. On a more personal blog, I’d say anything goes
Hmm. Maybe what I need is to start my personal blog again. I did have one for awhile but I just didn’t have time to maintain it. Thanks for your feedback Lillie, and don’t worry, we’ll stay focused on writing here.
Hi Melissa: I live in Panama, which is where I’m from, but I’ve been following every step of the US elections on CNN. What happens in the US has an impact on the rest of the world, so I’m very interested to see how the current economic crisis will be resolved. I think you’re clearly entitled to your opinion in terms of the candidate that you back, you can openly say who you back if that is your choice, and I hope that no one would avoid doing business with you just because you backed “the other guy”. However, I have to agree with the comment above that everything has its place and it’s always a bit disconcerting when bloggers write completely off topic. You could start a squidoo lens on your candidate
Marelisas last blog post..Thoughts to Get Your Creative Juices Flowing
Hi Melissa,
I think we need more calm, thoughtful discussion about the issues (as opposed to just ‘red staters’ and ‘blue staters’ yelling the party lines at each other without listening or thinking). I am confident from reading your stuff that you would provide well-researched, well-thought out and respectful commentary on political events. And if it means such a great deal to you, then I absolutely think you should do it. This is a crucial election and you might always regret it if you don’t.
Greers last blog post..Contrast Podcast- Covers That Are Very Different To The Originals
@Marelisa, Your hopes are very much the same as mine — that people would respect a difference of opinion. I have checked out Squidoo before but haven’t had a chance to start using it, so maybe that would be a good route. I may also submit articles to other publications. I’m working on a couple of pieces now, so we’ll see what happens. I’m as much concerned with how this election affects the rest of the world as I am with how it affects things here in the U.S. I hope that America makes the right choice.
@Greer, Thank you for being so supportive! It’s easy to get heated in today’s political climate and I think those few, calm voices of reason provide much-needed thoughtfulness about the politicking that’s going on. I will definitely voice my thoughts, but perhaps not here on Writing Forward. Thanks again
Sorry I’m one of those frequent commentors, Melissa. Does my vote still count?
I think you know who I’m going to vote for. I want the war to end. I’m not really a calm voice of reason. It’s sad we have had this kind of jingoistic mentality for so long. I am getting quite antsy too. But, I can always move to Canada! Ha!
Ellen Wilsons last blog post..The Power of Perspective in Photography
Melissa, if you do decide to write about politics elsewhere, I hope you will find a way to let us know where. I would love to read it.
Greers last blog post..One More By Mary Oliver
Melissa,
This is a really interesting debate you’ve sparked. Since this isn’t a strictly business blog, it actually seems unnatural to stifle your opinions.
I think it comes down to *how* you express your opinions. As long as preferences are expressed eloquently and respectfully (which I would expect, based on your style of writing), they can only offer a stimulating perspective. I don’t get the impression that you’re debating whether or not to write an attack/rant, but rather whether or not to simply reveal your preferences.
If it feels right, go for it. I promise not to stop reading : )
@Ellen, of course you get a vote (I hope you use it on Nov. 4!). You probably know who I’m going to vote for too
Sometimes I make a game of guessing which side of the fence people are on.
@Greer, I’ll definitely mention any writing I’ve published elsewhere! Stay tuned for that!
@Zoe, You’ve said it well: stifling your opinions. I’m not going to get all political here at Writing Forward but after reading everybody’s comments, I’m not going to censor myself as much as I have been. Thanks for being so supportive
It means a lot.
Hi Melissa,
Your question about staying anonymous while supporing a candidate. I wouldn’t promote or talk about the election in writing foward. I do not think should use a pen name either if you are going to blog about this years election,
When I see people blogging for candidates, or politics that hide behind an alias make me think they do not believe in what they are discussing or who they are supporting.
Use a new blog for politics. We need to discuss our ideas more often in public to reach common ground regardless of which side of the aisle you stand on.
I am conservative and have many people I would call friends that are progressive, or liberal.
I have found out that we have many of they same goals in mind but, have different ideals to reach those goals. People that wish to go into a political tyrade I walk away from. That goes for the right as well as the left.
It is much like you have discussed talking about getting critique from people that are loons about writing. Ignore the ignorant rants, character assassination and name calling. If an individual can’t talk about anything other than canned overly repeated rhetoric they are mostly brainwashed sheep.
We should investigate on our own, and develop our own opinions rather than listen to a particular media outlet and take it as gospel. Depending on that source they each have they own agenda and/or bias. Whether it is Fox, CNN, MSNBC, and so on.
Their policies also vary on what lattitude anchors have to report stories, and how much they lean in the political arena.
I dare you to put out a politcal based blog. lol
Send me a link when you do.
I have read and conversed with you many times, and I think you could put out a quality political blog to stir thoughts and ides about the issues we face.
If you put the passion into it like you have on animal rights and issues, it will be great.
@JC, I’m not sure I have time to launch a brand new blog that focuses on politics, but I can certainly write some articles and guest posts in the coming weeks. One of those will be animal-related, by the way
and I have at least decided not to use a pen name for such writing, since I want to be able to stand behind what I say. And you can count on my passion!