Journalists are often taught to keep politics out of our storytelling. But if we step back and admit that all writing is political, we can see the importance of writing with a moral agenda in mind.
I agree. Politics is ineluctably threaded through any author’s work. Attention to the times, whether intentionally or not, also scores a piece of writing.
As an example: I have tried not to write politically lately, not to let the state of things seep in between my words. I made this resolution so that my writing could be a refuge from the madness of our current moment. The upshot? I was not able to write.
Just this morning, I let that rule go; writing came easily after that.
You get this, and I appreciate your clarity and humanity, as we all live with and write from who we are.
As a White, educated individual, I recognise I do not face the same challenges as people of colour - even those who are educated. Often, those who use their literacy to speak out against social injustice become targeted, as there are people deathly afraid of hearing the truth - or confronting the truths about themselves.
Creativity and social awareness are inseparable; through art, we break free from constraints, challenge injustice, embrace diversity, and disrupt doctrines that aim to conform us. The most profound social activism has often emerged through books, where words hold the power to disrupt and unsettle. Those who seek control recognise this.
But art's power transcends writing. Political art adorns the walls of the world's great museums, pushing us out of our comfort zones. Expressing art - be it written, visual or performed - compels us to confront challenging norms.
Writing about social injustice doesn't weaken a story - it enriches it. It makes it human. It speaks directly to another being, saying: 'I see you. You matter.'
Thanks so much for this article, Kavita.
I agree. Politics is ineluctably threaded through any author’s work. Attention to the times, whether intentionally or not, also scores a piece of writing.
As an example: I have tried not to write politically lately, not to let the state of things seep in between my words. I made this resolution so that my writing could be a refuge from the madness of our current moment. The upshot? I was not able to write.
Just this morning, I let that rule go; writing came easily after that.
You get this, and I appreciate your clarity and humanity, as we all live with and write from who we are.
I loved this article, thank you, Kavita!
As a White, educated individual, I recognise I do not face the same challenges as people of colour - even those who are educated. Often, those who use their literacy to speak out against social injustice become targeted, as there are people deathly afraid of hearing the truth - or confronting the truths about themselves.
Creativity and social awareness are inseparable; through art, we break free from constraints, challenge injustice, embrace diversity, and disrupt doctrines that aim to conform us. The most profound social activism has often emerged through books, where words hold the power to disrupt and unsettle. Those who seek control recognise this.
But art's power transcends writing. Political art adorns the walls of the world's great museums, pushing us out of our comfort zones. Expressing art - be it written, visual or performed - compels us to confront challenging norms.
Writing about social injustice doesn't weaken a story - it enriches it. It makes it human. It speaks directly to another being, saying: 'I see you. You matter.'