*SUBSCRIBE, PEEPS! Michael Mohr's Sincere American Writing is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. I was sitting at my writing desk on Tuesday, October 25th, trying to come up with something to write for my next Substack post, when I had a stark realization. The realization was twofold: 1. That so much of my writing is selfishly all about myself; and 2. That I constantly worry about how I’ll be perceived, and therefore am always to some degree trying to “sound good.”
Agree 100%. As humans I think it’s very difficult--especially now--to say what we truly think. There’s so much fear of tribal retribution and judgment from the group. The whole ‘virtue-signaling’ thing. But yes: SS seems like a wonderful antidote so far!
I taught in one of those MFA programs, for 14 years. And left because they--most of my colleagues--made it very clear that I was NOT a part of their community as we went through a destructive scenario of our program Chair being accused and tried on social media. I did teach at home through the covid months, and the thought of returning to the face-to-face classroom, and the avoidance of anything eye-to-eye in the program hallway, made me feel ill. After years of being passionate about teaching and facilitating workshops, it was time to go, to walk away.
It's been such a relief to start a newsletter about writing, and a few small online workshops as part of that. (I can't resist! I do love that part of the work.) To awaken each morning, knowing my day will be spent working on a novel-in-progress, and then a chunk of time on my newsletter, and communicating with the subscribers who--like you--have chosen their own path to mastering this thing of setting out words in some way to say something. Always discovering, uncovering.
It's a tough path financially. But freedom always has some price; at least this one looks me in the face.
Beautifully put, Alison! Funny (and sad), my high school senior English Teacher who is still a good friend of mine has finally, after 40 years of teaching, become fed up with the Wokeism and ideology affecting the classroom. (Shakespeare gets shouted down.) He is, at last, going to retire. I think the truth is that a vast majority of people in academia don't buy into the tribal radicalism; rather, I think people are just scared to lose their job and reputation. And, hey, I get that, I really do. But. On the flip side: I'd like to see more people have some guts and take a stand. As black writer John McWhorter (who teaches linguistics ar Columbia) exhorts in the last line of his wonderful book Woke Racism: "Stand up."
I have to admit to lots of guilt about not standing up. But just prior to The Incident, I did a year of intense caregiving (ALS), then my spouse passed. The program took the opportunity (as they saw it) to post a tenure track position in my on-leave absence. It's a long ugly story... I did return to my contract teaching for some years, but suffice to say I was exhausted in all possible ways.
A colleague of mine who did choose to stay, to be that "stand," has in the past year passed from a heart attack; I think, from the stress. A heavy price indeed. I miss him very much; he was one of few friends in that place.
I do hear you, and yes, I AM in agreement! But oh it takes Strength. If anyone reading this knows of someone in this position, do what you can to support. Please.
Your point is very well taken. I know it’s not easy! I don’t blame you for your pov here at all! I’m sorry for your loss as well. That of course changes everything. You ARE brave.
I joined Substack because I like the author control it offers as well as the simplicity of its format. The podcast hosting is another huge upside as being fully integrated in one place has a number of benefits. I still need to do a lot more work to be an active part of the community.
I really enjoyed reading this. So much self-awareness coupled with a lot of grace. Thank you for sharing. It is very relatable.
Thanks Meese!
Whew I’d love to see you really let loose and not try to sound good, though is that possible for anyone?
Actually now that I think about it I suppose I’m always trying my best when I write and I’m not ashamed of that!
I joined Substack bc there really is no other option if you truly want to do your own thing AND find a decent audience for it.
Agree 100%. As humans I think it’s very difficult--especially now--to say what we truly think. There’s so much fear of tribal retribution and judgment from the group. The whole ‘virtue-signaling’ thing. But yes: SS seems like a wonderful antidote so far!
Edit: my best to sound good when I write
Anne: Question: Would you ever consider a guest post by mua?
I'll email you about this!
michaelmohreditor@gmail.com
Great!!
I taught in one of those MFA programs, for 14 years. And left because they--most of my colleagues--made it very clear that I was NOT a part of their community as we went through a destructive scenario of our program Chair being accused and tried on social media. I did teach at home through the covid months, and the thought of returning to the face-to-face classroom, and the avoidance of anything eye-to-eye in the program hallway, made me feel ill. After years of being passionate about teaching and facilitating workshops, it was time to go, to walk away.
It's been such a relief to start a newsletter about writing, and a few small online workshops as part of that. (I can't resist! I do love that part of the work.) To awaken each morning, knowing my day will be spent working on a novel-in-progress, and then a chunk of time on my newsletter, and communicating with the subscribers who--like you--have chosen their own path to mastering this thing of setting out words in some way to say something. Always discovering, uncovering.
It's a tough path financially. But freedom always has some price; at least this one looks me in the face.
Thanks for the question, Michael!
Beautifully put, Alison! Funny (and sad), my high school senior English Teacher who is still a good friend of mine has finally, after 40 years of teaching, become fed up with the Wokeism and ideology affecting the classroom. (Shakespeare gets shouted down.) He is, at last, going to retire. I think the truth is that a vast majority of people in academia don't buy into the tribal radicalism; rather, I think people are just scared to lose their job and reputation. And, hey, I get that, I really do. But. On the flip side: I'd like to see more people have some guts and take a stand. As black writer John McWhorter (who teaches linguistics ar Columbia) exhorts in the last line of his wonderful book Woke Racism: "Stand up."
Michael
I have to admit to lots of guilt about not standing up. But just prior to The Incident, I did a year of intense caregiving (ALS), then my spouse passed. The program took the opportunity (as they saw it) to post a tenure track position in my on-leave absence. It's a long ugly story... I did return to my contract teaching for some years, but suffice to say I was exhausted in all possible ways.
A colleague of mine who did choose to stay, to be that "stand," has in the past year passed from a heart attack; I think, from the stress. A heavy price indeed. I miss him very much; he was one of few friends in that place.
I do hear you, and yes, I AM in agreement! But oh it takes Strength. If anyone reading this knows of someone in this position, do what you can to support. Please.
Your point is very well taken. I know it’s not easy! I don’t blame you for your pov here at all! I’m sorry for your loss as well. That of course changes everything. You ARE brave.
Thank you for your kind words, Michael. And I will continue to work on it... I need to.
I joined Substack because I like the author control it offers as well as the simplicity of its format. The podcast hosting is another huge upside as being fully integrated in one place has a number of benefits. I still need to do a lot more work to be an active part of the community.
Agreed! It's a very exciting new platform. I'm loving it.