Posted on April 12, 2007
Writing is hard. Writing is even more difficult when it is published for all eyes to critique. The op-ed writer is a smart yet vulnerable gazelle, dipping down occasionally for a refreshing drink at the watering hole of journalism, only to be ripped apart viciously and unmercifully by sweaty-toothed readers.
It’s not a consequential concern for the opinion writer whether the readers are going to “like” what he or she has to say, or even if they will think it’s funny. While it’s always nice to receive a few chuckles here and there, understanding the issue being argued is much more important than the author’s vocabulary or Dorothy Parker-esque puns. In my experience as a writer, I’ve received numerous compliments — and even a few darts here and there. The point is that, like many writers, I do not care whether you think my writing sucks or it makes you pee your pants because of its sheer hilarity. I do, however, passionately care about readers acknowledging what I have to say, no matter if they agree or not. That is why writers write — to stir up the readers. Trust me, it isn’t about the $5-an-article salary.
Journalist Joan Didion once referred to writing as an act of egoism; I couldn’t agree more. What’s so unparalleled about the op-ed section in every major newspaper around the world is that everyone has an opinion about something or other. I bet you have an opinion right now about this article. Maybe you think it’s redundant; you know all about the woe of the journalist already. It’s possible that you are simply skimming it and feel as if you have no opinion about opinions. But, alas, you do!
All too often, readers are much too quick to judge an article based on appearances. We’ve all heard the banal phrase “Don’t judge a book by its cover.” Unfortunately, every person is guilty of doing so. We evaluate articles by their all-too-brief and occasionally misleading headlines. Sometimes, we refuse to read an article authored by someone who may be the next Hunter S. Thompson because nobody cares to give up five minutes to digest another exhausting article about the evils of pirating music.
Writing is a two-way street. Opinion writers and readers alike have jobs to do. The writer solemnly swears to present information clearly, intelligently and accurately in approximately 600 words. Out of respect for readers — and the fact that whatever is being published will forever go down in history with the writer’s byline — it is essential to be journalistically credible. As for readers, their jobs should be enjoyable but certainly not passive. It makes me want to pull an Oedipus Rex and stab a pen through my eye every time I see a student flip to the opinion page, snicker briefly at the Darts & Pats, and then throw hours of work, intellect and pretty pictures in the trash (not even in the recycling!).
It doesn’t take long to think of some of the most influential writers in history. The Founding Fathers didn’t write the Declaration of Independence on a dare; Upton Sinclair didn’t write “The Jungle” because he wanted to advocate vegetarianism. Consequently, I write because I want readers to think critically. After all, an audience is only as clever as it is are allowed to be. I know everyone has an opinion, and I always enjoy hearing what that opinion is (personal attacks on my love life aside). I enjoy constructive criticism and a healthy Algonquin Round Table debate as much as the next person. But who am I to talk? It’s just my opinion.
Traci Cox is a sophomore English major.
