“Politically Incorrect”
Does this work against us on Medium?
My most recent story in Rogues’ Gallery takes off on the Medium curators for not recognizing some of us writers who deserve more, well…recognition.
In response, I’ve received some very insightful comments from writers who I like and respect, such as Kristi Keller, who reminded me, and rightly so, that no one’s forcing me to stay here.
Another writer mentioned that perhaps, it’s the readers who should be the target of our frustration. BINGO. After all, if, like trained seals, they’re going to clap for the same tired crap, the onus should be on them and not the curators.
And still another writer made a comment that started me thinking that perhaps my choice of topics wasn’t working for me. That even on Medium, being “politically correct” is a factor in whether or not we can “make it” here.
I appreciate that comment because this person could indeed be right. But that, in and of itself, disturbs me because it is far too late in the game for me to be muzzled. Censored.
For too many years to count, I worked as an advertising and marketing copywriter and I was adept at writing crap for crappy clients. If I used words in my copy with more than two syllables, the nitwit account team would call me on it. But I was well-paid for my efforts and for that, I was and am, grateful.
Oh, I was encouraged to be “creative,” but not overly so, if you get my drift. There’s only so much you can do with clients that hawk pest control and HVAC services, after all. Sometimes out of sheer boredom, I’d go off the deep end and come up with some really out-of-the-box concepts, but rarely did they fly.
When I started writing screenplays, I found my calling. I had two short films produced. One in New York and the other in Los Angeles. Both were inspired by true events.
The films picked up several awards but I quickly learned that awards don’t mean jack in Hollywood. At least for “emerging” screenwriters. But that said, because of my opting to write about situations that both disturbed and saddened me, I was able to create “art” from controversy.
As I no longer have a job, my belief is that I can write what I like. Even if my topic of choice isn’t particularly appealing to some. For example, I’ve been writing about the horrors that animals endure on factory farms in The Militant, the publication that Stephen Sovie and I co-edit.
In my heart of hearts, I knew that these stories wouldn’t win me many fans as people really, really want their hamboogers. (Yes. I’m a child.)
But this topic has been on my mind for a long time and my thinking was, if I can get one person to reduce his or her meat consumption, or give it up altogether, then I’ve made a positive impact. My words have meaning. I can make a difference.
So in a sense, I suppose my writing could be considered “politically incorrect,” because I don’t pander to the masses. I’m more of an “acquired taste.”
My question, though: Are journalists politically incorrect when they document the felonious doings of our Criminal-In-Chief? Or the latest mass shooting, like the recent tragedy in Milwaukee? (How many since he’s taken office, by the way?)
For Medium, yes, I could probably profess my gratitude that I have the opportunity to write on this platform. And I am grateful. The exposure alone is invaluable. But, I’d like to experience that same gratitude. Not every day. But occasionally would be good. We all appreciate a pat on the back every now and then.
No doubt, the Medium staffers have a huge job picking and plucking the gems from the dreck. But, in my considered opinion, there is far too much dreck seeping through. Like diarrhea through a diaper.
Splat! Here comes another one!
To some of the readers here: What are you thinking when you champion stories from someone who has created a cottage industry out of documenting her affair with a married man? One story, okay. Two, maybe. But a whole series?
How does a writer who’s milking the fact that she’s banging someone else’s husband garner thousands of claps, plus tons of reads and who knows how many fans?
Is spewing garbage about one’s role in an adulterous relationship any more politically correct than the things I write about?
Hell, no. But damn, people are dumb shits.
To this writer, I say: “Get a fucking life and find your own man.”
No. I don’t have to stay on Medium, but I want to. And the community is a big part of this. So maybe I should cut the curators some slack and remind the disgruntled among us that it’s those readers who champion crap that could use a good kick in the ass.
Consider it done.
Sherry McGuinn is a slightly-twisted, longtime Chicago-area writer and award-winning screenwriter. Her work has appeared in The Chicago Tribune, Chicago Sun-Times, and numerous other publications. Sherry’s manager is currently pitching her newest screenplay, a drama with dark, comedic overtones and inspired by a true story.
Hey guys, I hope you enjoyed this and, as always, I appreciate your reading. If you have a moment, please check out the following:
