Comments on What is a writer's obligation to the world?

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keri - I suppose that's true of anything really - look at all the reality shows springing up!

posted by Ca88andra on June 2, 2005 at 5:17 AM | link to this | reply

I think it's the dumbing-down of society in general. People don't want to think about the difficult issues for which there are no easy answers. They'd rather be entertained by the latest murder mystery.

posted by keri5707 on June 1, 2005 at 8:00 AM | link to this | reply

mary - I think there's a difference between an obligation and a duty. For example I believe its our obligation as humans to treat others as we want to be treated ourselves, but its not our duty.

posted by Ca88andra on May 26, 2005 at 5:52 AM | link to this | reply

Ca88andra,

The idea of the "writer's duty" makes me shudder: it sounds too much like Soviet propaganda about art serving the social good. There are different kinds of writers, if he wants his writing to have a "higher" social purpose, then fine, but demanding that art serve the "common good" is a scary idea.

posted by Blanche. on May 25, 2005 at 7:45 PM | link to this | reply

Then we'd be a bunch of sticks-in-the-mud.

Not a happy scenario!

posted by word.smith on May 25, 2005 at 5:08 AM | link to this | reply

Hammock - hmmm it is a strange thing that I can't seem to find time in my diary for scheduled fun...lol.

posted by Ca88andra on May 25, 2005 at 3:10 AM | link to this | reply

May, I agree, and sometimes comedy is the best way to bring peoples attention to serious topics.

posted by Ca88andra on May 25, 2005 at 3:09 AM | link to this | reply

wordsmith - imagine if we were all the same... ewwww...lol!

posted by Ca88andra on May 25, 2005 at 3:08 AM | link to this | reply

Straightforward, thank you. Yes, all writers need a space. Having some readers helps too!

posted by Ca88andra on May 25, 2005 at 3:07 AM | link to this | reply

You should always pencil in Fun.

The faact is if you actually have to 'Pencil' in fun. Then theres something going. Fun shouldn't really have to be 'Penciled' in. IMO.

posted by Hammock_Noweilz on May 25, 2005 at 3:07 AM | link to this | reply

Elan, I think the world would definitely be boring without different types of writers.

posted by Ca88andra on May 25, 2005 at 3:07 AM | link to this | reply

Ca88andra, I think those writers exist but that it did not suit the article to acknowledge that. It is the same too with art. But you know even lightweight stuff can be a commentary on our times

posted by Azur on May 24, 2005 at 2:25 PM | link to this | reply

I gotta agree with you there Cass..

I believe that the world is an interesting place because of the differences that exist amongst people. It takes all types and each of us has a unique perspective.

posted by word.smith on May 24, 2005 at 12:02 PM | link to this | reply

I appreciate your humility as also your point that while the writers that

make Governments tremble are necessary, they are not the only ones that are necessary and all kinds of writing must have a space

posted by Straightforward on May 24, 2005 at 7:41 AM | link to this | reply

I think both are required. Beczuse the revelation of the truth is equally important to a read, that is light!

posted by Elan27 on May 24, 2005 at 7:30 AM | link to this | reply

Thank you Original, I thought so.

posted by Ca88andra on May 24, 2005 at 4:30 AM | link to this | reply

Interesting stuff to ponder!

posted by Original_Influence on May 24, 2005 at 4:28 AM | link to this | reply

Hammock - the world needs writers who make us laugh too! Sometimes more than we need any others...

posted by Ca88andra on May 24, 2005 at 4:12 AM | link to this | reply

My duty is to make you laugh, or at least try

(with a twist)

posted by Hammock_Noweilz on May 24, 2005 at 4:03 AM | link to this | reply