"I remembered how before Gaza I used to get excited about writing stuff. I haven’t felt that feeling since 2023."
I feel the same way. I haven't felt like writing fiction for a long time now. I feel the need to reveal the war crimes happening in Gaza instead. And life will never be the same, like you say, until we make those responsible face justice and reparations are made. #FreePalestine
Fiction may be a more effective way to reach people. It’s also harder for the propaganda machine to attack or censor. I’m going to try this clever way to change minds
You have a good point there Michael - fiction somehow seems to get people to understand in ways that non-fiction has never been able to. Fiction, in a way, seems to lower a person's guard when reading it - maybe even allowing them to imagine and make connections more freely.
Fiction can be used as a powerful tool for good. Conversely, we see it used as a tool for evil (Hollywood generated propaganda movies). I doubt most people notice
Michael, I've been reading through the comments to get an overall sense of what this forum is all about, not intending to leave a comment on this particular post. But your comment sticks out in my mind as one which addresses the concern I've raised here many times: Are we in a position to make a difference? And what can we do to improve traction in that area? And more on the controversial side: Is this column and its commenters doing more good than harm? Similarly: Does this column serve its author in occult ways, while appearing to serve a disadvantaged community?
These are difficult, and often emotionally triggering, questions. But they are legitimate to ask of a community which posits itself on the moral high ground.
The thing about your comment is that you are thinking about outcomes, and factoring in some of the nuanced dynamics that strengthen or weaken the effort. Fiction, for example, is an interesting one: It leverages "obliquity" (there's a book by that name) as a way around the resistance that too often arises in response to direct confrontation. In that sense, it is novel in comparison to most of Caitlin's work. Of course, the "other edge of that sword" is that you probably won't reach your audience in time to land the desired "punch." Nevertheless, I applaud the creative thinking.
A forum like this is an obvious platform of opportunity for people to brainstorm solutions, but I just don't see that happening. That leads me to believe that relief to Gazans is not the dominant goal here. Caitlin exhorts us to "work on ourselves," and "become more aware of who we are inside." Caitlin fans who come here for "emotional release," please take note.
NO ONE is forcing you to read Caitlin’s columns, you self-important asshole. (We’re all aware that you’re tired of reading about genocide, poor little you.)
Caitlin keeps her readers outraged and outrage is a vital thing. So just move along to YouTube and watch some cute videos of puppies, ya soulless bastard.
Quit flapping your gums, Beth, and instead inform us on your progress to adopt Palestinian children, join Houthis (pronounced with theta), and a few other things, like using your extensive arsenal and exceptional marksmanship on BearCats when they decide to show up.
You've promised all that quite a while ago. Don't tell us it was all hot air.
Bethany, just remembered one other thing - you wanted to go volunteer in Palestine and then your brother had had a bad dream and told you he wouldn't be able to sleep if you did go.
Guess what our Beth DBA gypsy33 decided - that's right, her brother needs a healthy sleep.
Bethany "Family Always Comes First so Screw Palestine"™
Beth, if you look carefully at what I'm actually saying in my posts, you will observe that I want a functional response to the Gaza tragedy to occur, and I am mainly focused on identifying things that get in the way of that. I'll leave it there.
"I remembered how before Gaza I used to get excited about writing stuff. I haven’t felt that feeling since 2023."
I feel the same way. I haven't felt like writing fiction for a long time now. I feel the need to reveal the war crimes happening in Gaza instead. And life will never be the same, like you say, until we make those responsible face justice and reparations are made. #FreePalestine
This may be remembered as The Era of No One Held Accountable.
I pray to the Universe you are wrong my friend. However I fear you are right : (
Fiction may be a more effective way to reach people. It’s also harder for the propaganda machine to attack or censor. I’m going to try this clever way to change minds
You have a good point there Michael - fiction somehow seems to get people to understand in ways that non-fiction has never been able to. Fiction, in a way, seems to lower a person's guard when reading it - maybe even allowing them to imagine and make connections more freely.
Fiction can be used as a powerful tool for good. Conversely, we see it used as a tool for evil (Hollywood generated propaganda movies). I doubt most people notice
Michael, I've been reading through the comments to get an overall sense of what this forum is all about, not intending to leave a comment on this particular post. But your comment sticks out in my mind as one which addresses the concern I've raised here many times: Are we in a position to make a difference? And what can we do to improve traction in that area? And more on the controversial side: Is this column and its commenters doing more good than harm? Similarly: Does this column serve its author in occult ways, while appearing to serve a disadvantaged community?
These are difficult, and often emotionally triggering, questions. But they are legitimate to ask of a community which posits itself on the moral high ground.
The thing about your comment is that you are thinking about outcomes, and factoring in some of the nuanced dynamics that strengthen or weaken the effort. Fiction, for example, is an interesting one: It leverages "obliquity" (there's a book by that name) as a way around the resistance that too often arises in response to direct confrontation. In that sense, it is novel in comparison to most of Caitlin's work. Of course, the "other edge of that sword" is that you probably won't reach your audience in time to land the desired "punch." Nevertheless, I applaud the creative thinking.
A forum like this is an obvious platform of opportunity for people to brainstorm solutions, but I just don't see that happening. That leads me to believe that relief to Gazans is not the dominant goal here. Caitlin exhorts us to "work on ourselves," and "become more aware of who we are inside." Caitlin fans who come here for "emotional release," please take note.
Thanks again, Michael.
NO ONE is forcing you to read Caitlin’s columns, you self-important asshole. (We’re all aware that you’re tired of reading about genocide, poor little you.)
Caitlin keeps her readers outraged and outrage is a vital thing. So just move along to YouTube and watch some cute videos of puppies, ya soulless bastard.
Well expressed Gypsy - thank you!
Thank YOU, Chang my friend.
Quit flapping your gums, Beth, and instead inform us on your progress to adopt Palestinian children, join Houthis (pronounced with theta), and a few other things, like using your extensive arsenal and exceptional marksmanship on BearCats when they decide to show up.
You've promised all that quite a while ago. Don't tell us it was all hot air.
Well well well. I see Walden has a GROUPIE!…or is it a BITCH? I’m thinking the latter.
When Palestinian orphans are actually available for adoption or simply in need of a home, I’ll make my move, useless motherfucker.
What the fuck YOU gonna do?
I guess there’s not much you CAN do, being jobless and living in mom’s basement.
Bethany, just remembered one other thing - you wanted to go volunteer in Palestine and then your brother had had a bad dream and told you he wouldn't be able to sleep if you did go.
Guess what our Beth DBA gypsy33 decided - that's right, her brother needs a healthy sleep.
Bethany "Family Always Comes First so Screw Palestine"™
Beth, if you look carefully at what I'm actually saying in my posts, you will observe that I want a functional response to the Gaza tragedy to occur, and I am mainly focused on identifying things that get in the way of that. I'll leave it there.