Why I write

Much like George Orwell’s essay entitled ”Why I write“, I wanted to share with you the reasons as to why I began this blog and why I continue to write articles.  In my About section, I’ve described the blog as a way for me to write for myself on whatever subject I want and that simple explanation still holds true.  But I want to expand on it and tell you more about why writing is valuable and important to me.

I’ve never been much of a politically correct type of gal.  I will always opt for what is true and what is just over what is politically correct.  I will not open my mouth to say something so that someone else will like me more (if they already do).  I find that kind of behaviour to be adolescent and too “plastic” for my tastes.  I’d rather say something because it’s real and because it matters.  I want to take that same approach and apply it towards what I write on this blog.  Having said that, I have no desire to be too serious in my approach; I know the role and importance of humour.  Also, I know the limitations of free speech and sometimes, it can be very tempting to let opinions get in the way.

I write because I can.  I write because I have some things to say and sometimes, those things are new ideas and I just want to throw them out there to the world because it’s the entire point of existence: to express ideas that are unique.  And yes, there’s a deluge of ideas and commentary out there, floating around, competing for attention. But damn, isn’t that great?  People are talking, people are writing, people are saying what’s on their minds.  That makes me happier than the thought of living in a closed society, where free speech isn’t welcome, where access to the Internet is heavily censored, where people are imprisoned for speaking up.  I embrace my freedom to speak up each and every day.  I embrace my freedom to question, to propose new ideas.  I embrace the RESPONSIBILITY TO LISTEN.

I write not only to share my own thoughts but also to repeat ideas that are worth repeating.  By listening, by reading, by observing, by shutting the hell up, I’ve come across so much research and testimonials and stories that need to be shared with the world.  From everything concerning the world of labour to new political ideas and from sharing an excerpt from a play or a few simple lessons learned from a taxi driver, these are things worth writing about. Sometimes, it’s political.  I write because people need to know about something.  For example, I’m planning an upcoming article about e-cigarettes and how legalizing them in Canada could save thousands of lives.  But articles like that aren’t in mainstream media because it’s too political.  If it even appears one day, it’s gone the next… our sources of information about the things that matter use the same profit-driven format as your neighbourhood Walmart.

And then it comes down to one of the most raw forms of human ambitions: power.  Writing is power.  One of my friend’s poems ends with “don’t fuck with a poet”.  Poets will perform poems about ex-boyfriends, ex-bosses, ex-roommates.  That’s the power of speech and we sometimes forget that our words or actions can turn us into the subject of a lot of ridicule by a witty poet!  I was telling a colleague of mine that programming is the key to the new American dream because once you know how to program, you can develop an application and sell it on your own. But the same can be said about writing.  There might be some financial rewards for popular bloggers, but for the little ones like me, it’s about power.  But, I will specify that it is the power of freedom to write almost anything in a public forum that is the key here.  It’s about being able to say “I’m going to write about that”.  And as one of my previous articles has proven, by writing about “that”, it might incite comments from anywhere around the world and it can engage people in dialogue with me or with other readers.  Ultimately, that’s a dialogue that is pretty much cemented into cyberspace, whether it’s a good thing or not for the people engaging in the discussion.

Sometimes, I write because I know that someone else wishes they could say “something”.  People are scared to talk.  They’re scared to write. They’re intimidated or shy.  Sometimes, they just want to know they’re not alone. Sometimes, we just want someone to relate to.  Sometimes, I just need someone to relate to me, to tell me that I’m not alone.

I started this blog so that I can do something that matters.  I started this because it gets really boring sitting at a desk all day and not taking the time to contribute anything to the world that is personal.  I want to encourage people to speak up, I want to encourage discussion and run contests for spoken word and give away books that are worth reading and sharing with others.  I want to write articles that will: ask questions, share old ideas and discover new ones and encourage discussion about topics that matter.  That’s why I write.

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