Stay safe. I love to think of you and Hunter as friends -- I've followed you both for many years and just love your writing. Also, I'm a middle and high school English teacher and have had several high school students of late who are INTO reading. I'm 62 years old, so it's pretty refreshing, and I'm trying not to "jinx it."
Thanks Elizabeth! And yes, I wanted to appreciate those readers because I see too many people scolding about how young people need to read and I do see the reading.
I’ve been thinking a lot about these anecdotal essays too — especially written by teachers (as a teacher, I feel comfortable being skeptical about them). When in the midst of teaching, it’s easy to catastrophize about the state of our student body because teaching is such an intense emotional experience. I suspect, though, that any doomsaying about our students is both wrong and right. Especially without any objective data.
>>My tip about arrest is, if you need medication daily for what you are dealing with to stay healthy and alive, do not get arrested. The police won’t give you your medications, in my experience. Maybe find another kind of activist role and be as safe as you can.<<
I read this because your note about younger readers picking up print has resonated. I’m an aging millennial writer and reader, and I’ve found myself craving print. I enjoy scribbling in the margins, trying to ascertain meaning while physically engaging with the text. For accessibility purposes (typeface, kerning, marginal room, etc) I find e-readers to be convenient but whew.
That being said: I think those think pieces tend to be written by those of a different generation. 🤷🏻♀️ But also, what do I know, I’m a literary outsider and fledgling writer lol.
I will say: as someone who is not quite Gen Alpha or Z, but not x or boomer—and who grew up with the internet’s advent—I am romanticising the analog way more. I ask my friends to write me e-mails if they don’t want to write letters. I just find it to be a return to slowness and… not urgency.
Also, your last bit of advice is crucial and necessary. As a disabled person who relies on many meds, I’ve been afraid of organizing and partaking in in-person protests and events because I am afraid of not being to access my meds in case something happens. It just warms my heart to have someone else say it and give me permission to be OK with the ways I’ve chosen to mobilise.
👏🏻IT IS IMPORTANT TO JUST LET A WOMAN READ IN PUBLIC UNBOTHERED! Thank you for saying this truth that bears repeating! (In all caps)
So important!
Stay safe. I love to think of you and Hunter as friends -- I've followed you both for many years and just love your writing. Also, I'm a middle and high school English teacher and have had several high school students of late who are INTO reading. I'm 62 years old, so it's pretty refreshing, and I'm trying not to "jinx it."
Thanks Elizabeth! And yes, I wanted to appreciate those readers because I see too many people scolding about how young people need to read and I do see the reading.
I’ve been thinking a lot about these anecdotal essays too — especially written by teachers (as a teacher, I feel comfortable being skeptical about them). When in the midst of teaching, it’s easy to catastrophize about the state of our student body because teaching is such an intense emotional experience. I suspect, though, that any doomsaying about our students is both wrong and right. Especially without any objective data.
Hi Alexander where can I find the zoom link for tomorrow's class?! 🙃 I did sign up eons ago. But don't know how to connect tomorrow.
You haven’t gotten the emails? Write to kate@theshipmanagency.com and let her know you still need the link and materials.
Ok
Just DM’d you also. If that’s your correct email I’ll forward the info as well. As a precaution.
Just found everything, gansamnidaaah 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻 including the writing exercises🤸🏼🤸🏻♀️🤸🏻♂️
Thanks!!
Will diligently perform my writing exercises prof.
A very good tip. Thank you.
>>My tip about arrest is, if you need medication daily for what you are dealing with to stay healthy and alive, do not get arrested. The police won’t give you your medications, in my experience. Maybe find another kind of activist role and be as safe as you can.<<
I read this because your note about younger readers picking up print has resonated. I’m an aging millennial writer and reader, and I’ve found myself craving print. I enjoy scribbling in the margins, trying to ascertain meaning while physically engaging with the text. For accessibility purposes (typeface, kerning, marginal room, etc) I find e-readers to be convenient but whew.
That being said: I think those think pieces tend to be written by those of a different generation. 🤷🏻♀️ But also, what do I know, I’m a literary outsider and fledgling writer lol.
I will say: as someone who is not quite Gen Alpha or Z, but not x or boomer—and who grew up with the internet’s advent—I am romanticising the analog way more. I ask my friends to write me e-mails if they don’t want to write letters. I just find it to be a return to slowness and… not urgency.
Also, your last bit of advice is crucial and necessary. As a disabled person who relies on many meds, I’ve been afraid of organizing and partaking in in-person protests and events because I am afraid of not being to access my meds in case something happens. It just warms my heart to have someone else say it and give me permission to be OK with the ways I’ve chosen to mobilise.
Thanks for this x