Are you Blue? Are you Red? It doesn't really matter. We are all war red. Washed in blood. Children cry. Nowhere is there a dry eye. The conductor waves his wand. The cameras dance on cue. Never Forget. Uncle Sam Wants You. Oh, how they fight. In the house called white. Red and Blue They scream. But all they care about Is the color green. Colors melt on the T.V screen. Red, Green, White, Black, and Blue... Never Forget. Uncle Sam Wants You.
Author: ideate123
I have long believed that it's never too late to achieve your dreams. Indeed, I have lived this mindset. After nearly two decades in sales (the first decade spent in the travel industry, and the second decade spent in the food and beverage industry), I reentered the university system. As a result, I have collected an AA degree, a BA degree, and, finally, a MA degree. During this reboot phase, I have published in two consecutive issues of the Mangrove Review, won several FGCU writing awards, and presented at two international academic conferences. I was also honored with Graduate Student of the Year in conjunction with the College of Arts and Sciences in the 2020-2021 academic year. Thankfully, I now have the confidence to write for a living—or at least I think I do. When I am not writing, I enjoy paddling around the Florida mangroves in my little yellow kayak.
Why People Like Propaganda
We have all been lied to since birth. Consequently, we have been conditioned to like the lies. Cradle-to-grave propaganda begins with songs and stories read or sung by a parent at bedtime. Children are mesmerized when the gallant prince rescues the beautiful princess, or when the power of sisterly love saves the day. But it’s more than memorization—it’s hypnotization. Storytelling has programming power that teaches us “proper” action. At a core level, we realize this—hence the public outcry when cartoons embrace controversial cultural trends. Similarly, when authority figures tell adults made-up stories— just like our parents used to—behavioral blueprints are downloaded into the subconscious mind. Hypnotic spells though—can—be broken. America, like Snow White, has become poisoned by deception, but the kiss of truth can wake us from our slumber.
Today, propaganda has infiltrated news outlets, and biases are embraced instead of eliminated. Narratives emerge to serve bias not truth. Truth, therefore, becomes important only in terms of perception. When one narrative is proven false a new self-serving narrative takes its place, without pause. In this way, the propagandist consumer never has to challenge his or her world-view. A tailor is ever ready to alter the suit of virtue in accordance with the facts of the day, and the consumer can rest easy knowing that his/her truth remains the indisputable law of the land.
We have all been comforted with propaganda our entire lives. Understanding origins may be key to waking from our slumber. How many of us remember being rocked to sleep by “Hush, Little Baby”? It is a great example of how propaganda soothes the soul:
Hush, little baby, don’t say a word,
Mama’s gonna buy you a mockingbird.
If that mockingbird don’t sing,
Momma’s gonna buy you a diamond ring.
and if that diamond ring turns brass,
Momma’s gonna buy you a looking glass. …
As evidenced by these lyrics, the brilliance of propaganda lies, in part, with the constant rhythmic shift to a new lie. It happens so fast that you never spend much time (or any time) thinking about the preceding lie. You never question why a diamond ring would turn brass or why a mockingbird won’t sing. Instead, this nursery rhyme creates a belief that momma will always take care of you, and the newly created fabrication will be fabulous.
As with so many nursery rhymes and fairytales, false narratives have a dark side. Again, the good propagandist follows this formula and incorporates heroes and villains into storyline construction: The Big Bad Wolf constantly threatening to eat Grandma. But your grandma was never in danger because the wolf has different dinner plans—you. Your fear is what’s for dinner and the propagandist feasts on it, skillfully turning fear into hate. Hate then becomes a drug, and consumers become addicts.
Propaganda is everywhere today and its poison afflicts those on both sides of the aisle. We have grown to like the taste of the delicious red apple, despite the bitter poison, but there is much tastier fruit. The antidote requires us to first recognize that we are being fed a steady diet of poison. After that, we must reject the poison and seek out what is good and true. For example, if it is proven that a diamond ring turns brass then we must question who gave us that diamond ring, and if that person should be trusted to give us a looking glass.
Furthermore, symbolism of the tale is important. The mockingbird is embraced by religious and spiritual teachers as a symbol of innocence, purity, and protection. In this rhyme, it fails to sing—why? The silence of a symbolic protector speaks volumes. After the bird fails to sing, the singing parent promises one dysfunctional amulet after another in hopes of soothing the child. This begs the question, how are symbols of protection being used today as false promises?
Truth demands rigorous examination and it demands integration and meaningful change. We cannot simply turn over and go back to sleep when confronted with the truth—we must act on it. We must be willing to change our view should new facts present themselves—welcoming the change.
Should we choose to embark on debunking propaganda, it is important to remember that some truth is often woven into a well-crafted falsehood. As any good storyteller knows, a believable lie often contains distorted truth. Leaning in again on “Hush, Little Baby”: Mockingbirds do sing, looking glasses do shine, and the parent can be trusted to provide another promise-filled solution. Truly, the web of propaganda that surrounds us offers little cocoons of truth wrapped in lies and presented as dinner. Just remember the spider that feasts on the fly and never forget to ask why.
Unmasking the Mask
Once upon a time, I was a pajama warrior. America was asked for “15 days to stop the spread” and I complied. From home, I watched as the fear-counter continuously ticked away on my television screen, listing COVID-19 cases and COVID-19 deaths. My Facebook feed was filled with tutorials on homemade mask construction. I tried my hand at making some masks out of paper towels and rubber bands—proudly sharing. I had latex gloves shipped to my door. Although these weren’t the brightest moments of my life, I did manage to stay away from Netflix’s Tiger King.
After a few weeks, my money ran dry. So, I put on my Covid gear and went back to work as a personal shopper. I discovered that local markets now resembled my grandmother’s plastic-coated living room: everything and everyone made plastic safe. Buffet-style sneeze shields hovering in midair, separating people. Rolls and rolls of masking tape used to create a human maze: directional arrows controlled my path and plastic strips controlled my stance. Masks of all types and shapes were worn on every body. I was awash in fear and sanitizer, and, so, I happily complied. As I walked the one-way aisles, I was thankful that COVID-19 was so polite: respecting distance and directional rules as it did.
I wish I could say that I quickly understood that masks and distancing did not work—but that would be untrue. Like so many pajama warriors, I danced around plexiglass to avoid the COVID-19 boogieman. I even wore a mask to Thanksgiving dinner in 2020, but—thankfully—it was then that the spell was broken. I became aware that the media narrative never changed despite contrary information. I started doing my own research, and I started to realize how much fear was controlling my behavior.
I know now that wearing a mask “not intended for medical purposes” is as useful as relying on a pool noodle to keep afloat in 10-foot waves. Aside from the germ pro-and-con debate, of which, many articles have been written, I contend that mask-wearing creates a psychological minefield—a minefield best avoided. For starters, mask-wearing promotes a world in where we are constantly conditioned to feel unsafe. Since mask-wearing is touted as creating safe—not unsafe—conditions, I contend that mask-wearing is the ultimate gaslighting exercise.
It starts with the ritualistic procedure of putting on a COVID-19 mask. Like with all good rituals, it’s a simple act that requires just a few simple steps: take out the mask, attach it to one ear, and then the other ear. It takes only a few seconds to perform, but it is the same thing done in the same order—over and over again. It can be done alone or in groups. It signals that you are a part of a morally superior group. It makes people feel that they are safe.
Indeed, rituals are thought to relieve stress and improve cognition (Psychology Today, O’Connell); however, it is here that the COVID-19 ritual falls out of alignment with other, more positive, rituals. The false sense of security culled from mask-wearing is countered by a constant stream of visual and sensory reminders of sickness and death. Since the mind is an all-powerful tool, this constant fear reminder is incredibly dangerous.
If we train ourselves to be afraid then we precondition our bodies to accept illness, increasing our chances of getting sick as well as increasing the amount of time it takes to heal. Could this be why Florida—despite lax mask rules and a high elderly population—was not a Petri dish of infection like it ought to have been if mask-wearing performed as advertised? Could mask-wearing actually increase our chances of getting sick and staying sick? A placebo is, after all, just a placebo: it can produce a positive or a negative result.
This worry-mind is then further exasperated through isolation: humans need humans. Since human companionship and communication is essential to healing, isolation is as dangerous as fear to a healthy life. When visitor bans were imposed at “care” facilities, dementia skyrocketed. In many cases, Grandma was forced to die alone. And we call ourselves a civilized society. But being in the company of each other is not enough.
The human connection is most effective when we can use all of our senses to communicate. The effectiveness of nonverbal communication has been understood since 1967 when Mehrabian and Wiener concluded that nonverbal factors are responsible for 93% of human communication. Now add masks into this equation. We can no longer see a smile, a smirk or a frown. We can no longer hear a clear voice or a clear laugh.
I wonder, is it just a coincidence that masks came on the scene the same time that mal-, mis-, and disinformation became a thing? Masks and censorship emerging and converging at the same time. A time when we, collectively, ceased to trust what others had to say. A time where we were constantly reminded to conform, to mute our voices, and to give away our power.
This giving away of our human power hit home for me when I attended a funeral mass in 2021. Masks were required in this Catholic church and, so, masks were tear-soaked. Then when the priest offered communion, he offered only the body (bread) and not the blood (wine) of Christ, stating that the wine wasn’t safe. Fear consciousness proved so pervasive that the healing ritual of Christ’s sacrifice—and Christ’s ability to heal—disregarded in favor of COVID fear. COVID compliance protecting more than Christ. Safety versus connection—even with God himself— positioned as the prized possession.
As the Covid-tooth-tiger prepares to pounce once more, I wonder what we will define as sacred this time around the block. Will it be a mask, a human connection, the power of the human mind, God? Like the childhood game of old, one does not belong. Perhaps, there is more to “being safe” and “staying safe” than sanitization.
Stay “safe” everyone.
Life in the Panopticon
“Fear can make you do more wrong than hate or jealousy…fear makes you always, always hold something back.” Phillip K. Dick
It could be argued that I majored in fear. Since fear is not a recognized degree, my college transcript reflects English as my major. Really, though, it should say fear. After all, fear and trauma were my specialties. Specifically, how fear and trauma are used to alter behavior. I wrote paper after paper on this topic or some version of it. I presented this theme at prestigious academic conferences and wrote creative pieces (fiction and non-fiction) that revolves around gaslighting and how fear fuels the fire. Sadly, I am not immune.
Rationally, I understand that fear treats facts like a politician treats ethics. Fear though is rarely rational. When the Covid-19 fear-counter served as a daily reminder that a saber-tooth tiger was on the prowl, I altered my behavior accordingly: I wore a mask, I distanced myself from others, and I cowered in crowds. This went on for most of 2020. I am not proud of my fear-based compliance.
I started to come to the conclusion that this was fear-based when scientists like Robert Malone, Michael Yeadon, and Geert Vanden Bossche were vilified and de-platformed. When debates ceased. If you dared to disagree, you were deemed a threat to society. Although there was a huge chasm between cases and deaths, mainstream media broadcasters did not dwell on that detail. Likewise, predictions and proclamations were not revised when death forecasts were invalidated. For example, Thanksgiving feasts did not greatly inflate Covid-19 deaths, but that did not stop the pundits from declaring that Christmas should be canceled. When Christmas festivities came, I left my mask at home. Then came the “miraculous” vaccine.
Experimental vaccines were positioned as the only viable way out of mandated lockdowns and forced facial gear. If you did your own research and found that Ivermectin taken with Zinc and D3 was an effective protocol you were dismissed as a fool who prioritized horse medicine over real science. It made no difference that the inventor of Ivermectin won a Nobel Peace Price for its impact on human health: fear over facts. Even today, many of RFK’s YouTube videos—as he campaigns for President—are being labeled as “medical misinformation”.
Sadly, I have let fear dictate my behavior in multiple arenas. I have also bowed to political pressure. While sometimes contentious in classroom discussions, I understood the unspoken rule that Trump was to be abhorred. In English, I studied the Panopticon: A theory that examines the power of prisoners policing themselves. So, I understood the power of social pressure even as I succumbed to it. But why read and study books like A Time of the Butterflies and The Diary of Anne Frank, if I continue to prioritize the Panopticon over freedom?
As a student, I rationalized my silence as a show of respect towards my professors—respect, well deserved. I rationalized that there is value in exploring all ideas—which is true. As a job seeker, I rationalized that publicly espousing my political views would lead to limited opportunities—likely, true. I rationalized that if I was to be an outspoken political advocate against fascism in America, I would succeed only in inviting personal attacks—sadly, true. I rationalized that Facebook posts don’t change minds—absolutely, true. So, I have remained silent in public forums. I have rationalized my fear of being labeled “a deplorable” so completely that I have become a card-carrying member of the Panopticon. But the good thing about the Panopticon is that it has no locked door and no armed guards. I am free to leave at any time.
I am fortunate that the Panopticon is America’s primary system of control; however, as George Orwell once said: “All tyrannies rule through fraud and force, but once the fraud is exposed, they must rely exclusively on force.” Weatherman Biden’s days may become thunderous as corruption claims escalate, and, as Orwell suggests, this storm will unfavorably impact all American citizens.
Deep layers of corruption have formed a mask over our once-free nation (more on this later). Like the Covid masks of old, we are all being forced to breathe through the dirt. Yet, the press continues to inform us that the collective cloth we are breathing through is clean. We may not have much time left to find and use our voice.
Won’t you join me?
Action and Adaptation
Last month, I focused on adaptation and audience. Today, I would like to focus on action and adaptation as it relates to the world of writing. As a recent college graduate, I find that I am doing a lot of adapting. I have taken time to regroup and reassess—vital to the adaptation process. As I regroup, I ask myself:?
Why is no one reading my resume?
If they are reading it, why is no one calling me for an interview?
What can I do to create success?
How am I defining success, anyway?
What am I trying to accomplish?
How do I define success?
What obstacles might be impeding success?
Are these obstacles mutable?
While your answers to these questions will surely be different from mine as will be your actionable adaptations, I think it might be helpful to share my own recent experience as it relates to this topic. It is my blog after all. 😊
I Create New Stuff
While some obstacles require ballet maneuvers to circumvent, there are a lot of obstacles that can be eliminated. For example, employers want Word Press knowledge. So, I created my own Word Press site. If you are reading this blog, you are on my site now. 😊 Employers want to see work samples, so I created a portfolio on the writers.work web site, which I then linked to this blog. When creating my portfolio, I found that I really did have a nice assortment of professional work that I could highlight. This also helped to keep me motivated. Creating new stuff has the benefit of creating positive energy. Let’s be real, rejection can be a drag. Additionally, I have identified a few, yet to be written, documents that can help round out my portfolio, and I offered to write a few pro bono pieces for a friend who is in the process of launching her own business. Helping others is an undiscussed part of the adaptation process—but it is a critical one. I find that so often in life you get what you give. Also, by creating this website, I expanded my employment definition to include the world of freelance writing.
I Seek Feedback
I value feedback and I seek it out wherever and whenever I can. Fortunately, as an alum, I can continue to take advantage of FGCU’s career center—and I do! I also splurged for a coaching session on my writers.work site: money well spent! Coaching and feedback is always helpful when repositioning.
I Recognize Unmovable Obstacles
Since I have a pretty hefty resume, I am seeking, at least, mid-level positions. I recognize that this might be part of the problem as my previous professional experience is a bit outdated. Additionally, my previous experiences are in complimentary fields, and not 100pct matchy-matchy with my current career aspirations. For now, I choose to chug along, but I keep this obstacle as a known obstacle. I have taken great pains to craft my cover letter and resume accordingly. I hope that by understanding this obstacle that I can minimize the impact it has over me getting that next gig—let’s hope!
I Redefine Success
I am thinking hard right now about what defines success FOR ME. I have always had the spirit of an entrepreneur. Therefore, I might find the greatest success in NOT being hired—well, not in the traditional sense anyway. Would freelance writing be the best fit for me? Do I want to be employed in a traditional brick and mortar environment? At the end of the day, I know that I want to make a difference in the world around me, and I want to use writing as a tool to achieve that end. That is my one constant. Everything else around it is changeable. Being willing to redefine what success looks like might well be the key to achieving this allusive beast.
I Acknowledge What is Working
As important as it is to critically analyze areas for improvement, it is also important to analyze what is working. For me, one of the best things that I did after graduating was to join a writing group. This group consists of writers at all levels, and this helps to remind me that writing is a process. Every month, I critique, I listen, and I revise. We share in each other’s successes and each other’s missteps. I listen to Writing Class Radio. I write every week (even if it is small piece). Also, sharing what I learn with others via this blog is another. Even just the willingness to take a step back and regroup is a vital part of the process. Come to think of it—I am doing great!
In Conclusion
One thing that is certain, writing is not easy and that includes finding a writing career. If you are in a similar boat, hang in there. Steer your boat according to where you want to go. Don’t be afraid to try a new fishing hole, and don’t forget to take a break once in a while. But, above all else, take a look around from time to time to enjoy the scenery. I suspect that a beautiful sunset may be just over the horizon. In fact, I think I can see one now!
The Art of Adaptation
As I search for writing gigs, I find myself making a big deal about my ability to adapt to change. But what is adaptation anyway, and how does it apply to writing? This blog is a result of my musings on adaptation. I hope you enjoy it.
The Art of Adaptation
Words can be like a tailored business suit—confirmative and structured. Words can be like a little black dress—socially acceptable and polished. Words can be like a pair of loose fighting yoga pants—relaxed and easy. Words can be like a saucy bathing suit—daring and risqué. Words can be like a seductive nightgown—intimidate and exclusive.
When we go to our closet, we chose the articles of clothing that best represent our activities of the day, and, so too, do we choose our words to fit the audience that we intend to write for. However, the choice of words and structures are rarely as simple as a choice between a pair of yoga pants and a business suit, and a writer often finds herself adapting as she writes. This is sometimes known as editing; however, adaptation, I believe, is a process all to its own.
As children, we learn to phrase things differently to Mom than we would to Dad if we want to get an extra cookie. So, too, do we phrase things differently when we want to be considered for that dream job or to please a professor—or ourselves. Therefore, adaptation is the art of doing it all—although not necessarily all at once.
Effective adaptation can be broken down into three components:
- Knowing your audience
- Knowing yourself
- Knowing time
Audience
Adaptation requires knowing your audience, and—whenever possible—creating the audience that you want for what you are writing about. For example, there is a difference between writing a piece for a publication, and chosing a publication after the piece has been writen. Think again about the clothing metaphor that I opened this blog with. When you choose an outfit for an office party, that outfit is perfectly tailored for the occasion; however that does not mean that you can’t –and won’t—wear that outfit to other events. Regardless, you will—likely—not wear this outfit to the gym. Likewise, not all pieces will go—or should go—to the same place. As a recent graduate, many of my pieces were written for a specific class, and thus I did not have a choice regarding my audience; however, my personal preference is to write for myself first and then figure out what party I want to go to.
The first step to understanding your audience requires that you understand their point-of-view. The next step is to determine if you point-of-view aligns with your audience’s point of view. If not, the differences will need to be identified. Once identified, those differences will need to be addressed in some fashion. Keep in mind that an effective piece does not have to mirror the audience’s views, but the piece should, at least, acknowledge or address them in some way. Also, acknowledging alternate points-of-view also has the added benefit of increasing your own credibility. If points-of-view are irreconcilable it is ok to move on and find an audience that will be receptive to your piece. In fact, you may find that choosing the correct audience for a particular piece is essential—whatever that piece may be. Sometimes, what can be said to Mom cannot be said to Dad and to try to do so would be futile.
Truth
Successful adaptation requires knowing yourself as well as knowing your audience. Knowing yourself requires knowing your truth. I find that embracing my personal truth is always the best way to go. Therefore, the more that you can find a way to include your own truth into the adaptation process the more successful a piece will be. Yes, it is important where the piece is going, and who is going to read it; however, it is equally important that your own truth remain fully recognizable on the page. For example, I once had a professor who was adamant that GMO crops benefit humanity. As an organic loving girl, my personal truth—backed up by data—was/is in opposition. In this case, I found that the best way forward was to introduce the idea slowly in a different thesis. So, I changed my argument to focus on the Honey Bee and the consequences of colony collapse on life as we know it. By doing this, I was able to stay in my truth, and incorporate some of the data about organic and sustainable farming practices without being in direct opposition to the professor’s staunch position. If you can’t change your audience, can you change the topic? In some cases, this may be the best option available, and it allows for controversial idea(s) to be introduced in alternate ways—ways that may ultimately prove to be more effective to getting your view across.
Know Time
Adaptation requires knowing time. Sometimes, choosing when you write a piece is also a part of strategic adaptation. Do you have the distance and perspective that you need to truly convey and communicate your stance on an issue? A professor once told me that in order to write a good memoir piece that you need to have at least seven years distance from an event. While I disagree with that quantification, there is truth in the fact that distance requires the passage of time. To use a cliché, “hindsight is 20-20.” Distance allows for us to see the full spectrum without being caught up with emotion, agendas, or hoped for outcomes. Therefore, distance can only be achieved when detachment occurs. Prior to that, it is best to journal so that details are not lost and can be of use to you later. In addition to asking yourself if you have enough perspective to write on/about a specific topic it is also necessary to consider if you are ready to write about it. Is this the right season to write what you want to write? I think, here, about the money argument that so many people make when deciding whether or not to have children. On paper, there is rarely enough money—but there always is. Similarly, it may feel like its never the right time to write what you want to write. Sometimes, people will get hurt by what you intend to write. However, sometimes staying in your own truth requires that you do it anyway. Sometimes, you just need to take out that Winter coat and declare it to be Winter.
Thoughts to Ponder
Adaptation is a never-ending process. As we grow into our own strengths our words change; what we say changes; how we say it changes—but strategic adaptation never does. So before writing your next piece (be it a sales pitch, a creative work, or an academic essay) ask yourself the following questions:
- What is your truth?
- Does the subject matter align with your truth?
- Is this the correct audience for this piece?
- Is this the right time for this piece?
- Can you incorporate or address alternate points-of-view into your piece? If so, what?
The Art of Adaptation
As I search for writing gigs, I find myself making a big deal about my ability to adapt to change. But what is adaptation anyway, and how does it apply to writing? This blog is a result of my musings on adaptation. I hope you enjoy it.
The Art of Adaptation
Words can be like a tailored business suit—confirmative and structured. Words can be like a little black dress—socially acceptable and polished. Words can be like a pair of loose fighting yoga pants—relaxed and easy. Words can be like a saucy bathing suit—daring and risqué. Words can be like a seductive nightgown—intimidate and exclusive.
When we go to our closet, we chose the articles of clothing that best represent our activities of the day, and, so too, do we choose our words to fit the audience that we intend to write for. However, the choice of words and structures are rarely as simple as a choice between a pair of yoga pants and a business suit, and a writer often finds herself adapting as she writes. This is sometimes known as editing; however, adaptation, I believe, is a process all to its own.
As children, we learn to phrase things differently to Mom than we would to Dad if we want to get an extra cookie. So, too, do we phrase things differently when we want to be considered for that dream job or to please a professor—or ourselves. Therefore, adaptation is the art of doing it all—although not necessarily all at once.
Effective adaptation can be broken down into three components:
- Knowing your audience
- Knowing yourself
- Knowing time
Audience
Adaptation requires knowing your audience, and—whenever possible—creating the audience that you want for what you are writing about. For example, there is a difference between writing a piece for a publication, and chosing a publication after the piece has been writen. Think again about the clothing metaphor that I opened this blog with. When you choose an outfit for an office party, that outfit is perfectly tailored for the occasion; however that does not mean that you can’t –and won’t—wear that outfit to other events. Regardless, you will—likely—not wear this outfit to the gym. Likewise, not all pieces will go—or should go—to the same place. As a recent graduate, many of my pieces were written for a specific class, and thus I did not have a choice regarding my audience; however, my personal preference is to write for myself first and then figure out what party I want to go to.
The first step to understanding your audience requires that you understand their point-of-view. The next step is to determine if you point-of-view aligns with your audience’s point of view. If not, the differences will need to be identified. Once identified, those differences will need to be addressed in some fashion. Keep in mind that an effective piece does not have to mirror the audience’s views, but the piece should, at least, acknowledge or address them in some way. Also, acknowledging alternate points-of-view also has the added benefit of increasing your own credibility. If points-of-view are irreconcilable it is ok to move on and find an audience that will be receptive to your piece. In fact, you may find that choosing the correct audience for a particular piece is essential—whatever that piece may be. Sometimes, what can be said to Mom cannot be said to Dad and to try to do so would be futile.
Truth
Successful adaptation requires knowing yourself as well as knowing your audience. Knowing yourself requires knowing your truth. I find that embracing my personal truth is always the best way to go. Therefore, the more that you can find a way to include your own truth into the adaptation process the more successful a piece will be. Yes, it is important where the piece is going, and who is going to read it; however, it is equally important that your own truth remain fully recognizable on the page. For example, I once had a professor who was adamant that GMO crops benefit humanity. As an organic loving girl, my personal truth—backed up by data—was/is in opposition. In this case, I found that the best way forward was to introduce the idea slowly in a different thesis. So, I changed my argument to focus on the Honey Bee and the consequences of colony collapse on life as we know it. By doing this, I was able to stay in my truth, and incorporate some of the data about organic and sustainable farming practices without being in direct opposition to the professor’s staunch position. If you can’t change your audience, can you change the topic? In some cases, this may be the best option available, and it allows for controversial idea(s) to be introduced in alternate ways—ways that may ultimately prove to be more effective to getting your view across.
Know Time
Adaptation requires knowing time. Sometimes, choosing when you write a piece is also a part of strategic adaptation. Do you have the distance and perspective that you need to truly convey and communicate your stance on an issue? A professor once told me that in order to write a good memoir piece that you need to have at least seven years distance from an event. While I disagree with that quantification, there is truth in the fact that distance requires the passage of time. To use a cliché, “hindsight is 20-20.” Distance allows for us to see the full spectrum without being caught up with emotion, agendas, or hoped for outcomes. Therefore, distance can only be achieved when detachment occurs. Prior to that, it is best to journal so that details are not lost and can be of use to you later. In addition to asking yourself if you have enough perspective to write on/about a specific topic it is also necessary to consider if you are ready to write about it. Is this the right season to write what you want to write? I think, here, about the money argument that so many people make when deciding whether or not to have children. On paper, there is rarely enough money—but there always is. Similarly, it may feel like its never the right time to write what you want to write. Sometimes, people will get hurt by what you intend to write. However, sometimes staying in your own truth requires that you do it anyway. Sometimes, you just need to take out that Winter coat and declare it to be Winter.
Thoughts to Ponder
Adaptation is a never-ending process. As we grow into our own strengths our words change; what we say changes; how we say it changes—but strategic adaptation never does. So before writing your next piece (be it a sales pitch, a creative work, or an academic essay) ask yourself the following questions:
- What is your truth?
- Does the subject matter align with your truth?
- Is this the correct audience for this piece?
- Is this the right time for this piece?
- Can you incorporate or address alternate points-of-view into your piece? If so, what?
Hello
A Little Bit About Me:
I have long believed that it is never too late to achieve your dreams. For me, writing is the manifestation of an idea brought to life, and, indeed, writing has allowed for me to achieve my dreams. In 2016, after almost two decades in sales, I found myself wanting a change, but I did not know what I wanted to do. I opened a book, Who Moved My Cheese, that was sandwiched in between two other long neglected books and gave it a reread. I came to a page where a question was poised: “What would you do, if you weren’t afraid” (48). Etched into the block-of-cheese, my younger-self had penned in the answer to this question: “I would write.” So, I decided to heed the dream of my younger-self, and I reentered the university system where I learned how to write with finesse, and I collected a few degrees along the way: an Associate of Arts, a Bachelor of Arts in English, and a Master of Arts in English. While attending Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU), I worked as a writing consultant at FGCU’s Writing Lab, helping others to fine-tune their own voice. Additionally, I founded and facilitated a community outreach program: Students and Seniors: From Our Nest to Theirs. I designed this letter writing campaign to unite students and senior citizens during a time of COVID-19 related lock-downs and visitor bans, and it remains my proudest life accomplishment. During my time at FGCU, I won multiple writing awards, published in two consecutive issues of the Mangrove Review, and was named Graduate Student of the Year for the 2020-2021 academic year in the College of Arts and Sciences. I also presented academic papers at two consecutive international conferences. I am now embarking on a post-university life, and I am thrilled to be able to share what I have learned—both in and out of the university setting— through exploration of the written word. This blog is part of an idea manifestation that was brought to life so many years ago: a reimagining that began with an answer to a question that was written into a figurative block-of-cheese.
What Will I Write About?
While I originally started this blog to write about writing, I have since changed my blog’s purpose. For now, This blog will examine how fear and trauma (a college research specialty) are used as tools to control behavior. Gaslighting in all of its many forms will be a secondary theme. This blog is being used to help guide my thoughts as I work on a larger project.
I am so happy to have you here.
A Thoughtful Voice 