Writing for the Masses

an Opinion Article on Writing About Controversial Subjects

By Michelle L Devon (Michy), published Dec 15, 2006
Published Content: 336  Total Views: 939,013  Favorited By: 517 CPs
Embed:  
Rating: 4.1 of 5
I am a student of human behavior, an observationalist, a people-watcher. I watch human behavior with much interest, and perhaps that's why I majored in psychology and minored in sociology in college. Psychology is essentially the study of human behavior and chemistry of the individual while sociology looks at the affect of human behavior on society as a whole - to me, both equally fascinating subjects.

I have worked in social services, advocacy, criminal justice, and the corporate world, but alas, my love, my passion and my dream is to write. I write fiction, poetry, articles, what have you. Why do I write? Because I love it. Because I have a passion for it. But more than that, I read, I study, I research - just because I love knowledge and I love observing human behavior - reading and writing can bring those two things together.

However, I mostly write because when I read, I am intrigued by certain topics, read many various opinions and facts on the subject, and then put them all together to form my own opinion, which I then usually have a burning desire to share and discuss it with others. That's why I write many of the articles I have written.

I do my best to back my opinions up with facts and research, but we all know that statistics can be skewed to match just about any opinion on any subject if you want to make them match badly enough. Still, I love the debate. I love the discussion of an issue, when two or more people passionately relay their views to each other, seldom coming to a consensus, but knowing the topic was thoroughly explored and each side of the issue argued well.

It's exhilarating, exciting, and for me, dare I say, fun!

What is not fun is when people cannot keep the focus on the topic at hand and revert to attacking the individual for their opinions. I know many wonderful writers whose opinions on certain subjects I do not agree with, but I respect quality writing and conclusions, even if I disagree with the topics. I also try my best to respect the writer as a person, knowing there is not a single person on this planet with whom I will always agree about every issue.

Comments
Comments 1 - 11 of 11
 
 
Great article. I really enjoyed this.

Posted on 02/13/2007 at 9:02:00 PM

 
I've always believed that my job as a journalist is to present information. Like you, I prefer to give both sides. Even with editorials, you should present both sides through facts. The idea is that you give the facts, and let the reader decide. In my mind, to do less is to have contempt for your reader. You are basically saying that your reader isn't smart enough to figure it out on his own, so you'll have to explain it to him. If you start out with a very strong premise, and say it's your opinion, then you can go through and give all the reasons why you came to that opinion. That will be pretty one sided, but at least it is noted up front that it's meant to be one sided.

Posted on 01/06/2007 at 11:01:00 PM

 
People often attack when they have no idea how to debate something with class and intelligence. Its easier to attack than to hear another's viewpoint and accept that we all do not share in the same opinion on each subject. Anyway, great article!

Posted on 12/23/2006 at 10:12:00 PM

 
This is a very good piece Michelle... Many here on AC could take a couple lessons from it. Thanks. Sorry I haven't commented in a while or talked with you really- I have been extremely busy, hopefully after Christmas things will calm down a bit. Thanks for the good read. :)

Posted on 12/21/2006 at 8:12:00 PM

 
Boy did Candace hit the nail on the head. I know way too many people who, if you disagree with them, they really get angry. Some have even threatened me. People can be very strange!

Posted on 12/18/2006 at 3:12:00 PM

 
Great article! Michelle you should be appointed ambassador for peace on AC!! Please write more on this subject...

Posted on 12/17/2006 at 9:12:00 PM

 
Ooohh....I love this article and it is exactly the way I am. I get interested in something and read, research, often get a higher level of education on the subject, and enjoy a good debate becuase I am able to support my thoughts, opinions and writing with RESEARCH and not only annecdotal evidences. Wonderful! :-)

Posted on 12/17/2006 at 4:12:00 PM

 
Good article, Michelle!

Posted on 12/16/2006 at 7:12:00 PM

 
Okay, my reign at the top lasted a mere matter of hours. I am now relegated to second place :(

Posted on 12/15/2006 at 3:12:00 PM

 
I believe you can create a controversial piece without offending someone, however I also believe that many people take offense to anyone else who has an opinion which differs from theirs - hence, the rude commentators. To me this is just a lack of confidence. You've brought up some good points, Michelle, and I love controversy, too! I think that's the only way I finally made it to the top of Editor's Picks today!

Posted on 12/15/2006 at 3:12:00 PM

 
I like this, Michy. Great job, and I agree with your assessment. I love a good debate as much as the next guy, but attacking personally is not going to make any stand. Good controversial writing is fun to read.

Posted on 12/15/2006 at 9:12:00 AM

Type in Your Comments Below - (1000 characters left)
Your name:

Submit your own content on this or any topic. Get started »
Comments 1 - 11 of 11
 
Advertisment