When asked to write an essay that analyzes the motif, mood or character development of a book I always turn to the “formula” that has been engraved in my mind. The formula is simple; it is applying the formula that is the challenge. I know that a thesis should state the argument of the paper in a concise fashion, yet it needs enough “wiggle room” to encompass all the topics that will be referenced. This writing, while tedious, is fairly easy because there is often a clear point which most people will see.
When the general public is my audience I feel like there is a lot more pressure. In this type of writing one should be “be brief and be brilliant” as my public speaking teacher always said. This is probably the most challenging aspect; to engage your audience while clearly stating your point.
However, when writing about religion I find myself a bit more hesitant. There are several reasons for this hesitation. While my knowledge of my own religion is somewhat lacking; I feel my knowledge of the many other prominent religions of the world is not really up to par. However, I don’t think I am alone. Many people find out much of what they know about other religions from the media. I feel tentative to write on the topic because most of what I do know is based on newspaper articles, night news reports, and the Colbert Reports I have seen. I feel that when one writes about any religion they always want to remain politically correct and they don’t want to ask serious questions at the risk of offending someone. This fear of offending people has made much of the media timid in their reporting. While this is not always the case it is hard as a viewer to sift through all the information we hear and judge what is true and what might have a bit of a slant to it.
I quite agree with the last bit. I feel they are far TOO timid. "You can please all of the people some of the time and you can please some of the people all of the time, but you can't please all of the people all of the time" and it's counterproductive to try.
ReplyDeleteReading this entry made me realize that I too do not know much about my religion. I too get my inforfmation from the Colbert Report. However I plan on learning more about my religion and not be timid and avoid debates about religion. I want to be able to stand up for my religion and be proud of it while also listening to what everybody else has to say.
ReplyDeleteI really liked what you posted about religion and being timid about expressing your views when you are unsure about what you have learned. That's definitely a "problem" a lot of people have because they fear stepping on other's toes. I have been told, actually through my blog, that I am very honest and blunt about my opinions. To me, I think that makes me a stronger person, but to others, I go too far. It's a very fine line of how far can I push what I believe, I line that I cross much too often.
ReplyDeleteReally great post, Stephanie. You're very clear, and you hit on some really good issues here. Keep up the good work!
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