The powerful and destructive nature of the written word...

In an earlier post, I had noted how Blog Sensei was ruing damage inadvertently and innocently caused by comments she posted on her blog. It brought to mind, various discussions I have had over the previous two plus years with certain individuals regarding the risk associated with blogging in particular. These discussions centered basically around two things:

First, the hazard of writing an entry considered offensive and subsequently alienating a person or persons by it (of course strangers aren’t the issue here as much as friends and family).

Second, inadvertently disclosing something which would cause me embarrassment and shame.

In my conversations regarding these topics, I confessed each issue being something of a non starter for me. Mainly, I work from the presumptive view at any given time I easily manage to annoy, provoke or alienate a majority of people within my sphere because of the sheer outrageousness of my opinions or the totally ill mannered way that I voice same. I started the blog just to get into the regular habit of writing and thereby build up those muscles (so to speak). It’s the first small step on a journey to find my own unique voice by way of the written word. I feel any creative endeavor embodies a level of intimacy on the part of the creator - whether it be writing, art or some other media. Maybe it is a bit vainglorious on my part to consider myself somehow creative by publishing my inanities but, there is no question that for me the blog is an outlet.

Also, while unnerving at the level of intimacy required (for there is always the occasion to questions oneself), I have discovered as I make my way down the path of life, there is a trait I must fight to overcome. Simply put it’s the tendency to ‘play it safe.’ Compromise is an inevitable consequence of being successful in a politically correct society but, it is stifling.

How much time during the course of the day am I afraid?

Afraid of saying the wrong thing, doing the wrong thing or not even by necessity doing anything ‘wrong’ per say but having my motivations or intentions misconstrued and leading to conflict. Offending someone who I would never dream of offending and in doing so lose the great treasure of their respect and friendship. It’s not a good thing to go through life afraid and truthfully I don’t think anybody who played it safe ever made a difference in this world. They just maintained the status quo.

So, words are pretty dangerous things I guess.

The reason this little diatribe issues forth is that fortunately, Blog Sensei seems to have gotten in the habit of posting regularly again and it is through one of her posts I came to read this tidbit about someone whose employer not only read her blog but choose to write an article about it in the New York Times. Both provide interesting reading.

Maybe it’s a bit of a cautionary tale on the power of the written word. I don’t know but, I do figure if I’m going to get any better at the whole writing thing, I’ll have to keep pushing myself forward even though blogging may be akin to walking a tightrope. Seems all good things in life involve some kind of risk, no?