At the start of February, we also chose to read Things Fall Apart at our book club for Black History Month. I bookmarked your piece with a view to returning with a comment, after we've had our book reading/discussion, which happened today.
A profound insight that stuck with me from the conversations we had on Things Fall Apart, was how someone related Okonkwo's approach of over-compensating - so he doesn't end up like his father, took it too far to the point of tragedy. This person drew parallels with DEI/Affirmative Action/Black Lives Matter, and quipped that: could it be possible Black folks were swinging the pendulum a bit too far and too quickly, without paying attention to the winds of change, in the same manner that Okonkwo - while trying to erase the weak legacy of his father (Unoka) didn't realize that he had to also be nimble, less rigid and adaptable to societal shifts. I was a bit muzzled by the person's submission!
This is very excellent advice and I couldn't have put it better. I always say I was lucky because I started writing publicly in 2005 on Facebook when the internet was still very 'small'. So I got away with a lot of bad writing until I got better at it. There is no alternative to continue writing over and over and over until you get good at it. So find a space where you can write comfortably and safely without too much harsh criticism and practice there.
Thanks for sharing this...
At the start of February, we also chose to read Things Fall Apart at our book club for Black History Month. I bookmarked your piece with a view to returning with a comment, after we've had our book reading/discussion, which happened today.
A profound insight that stuck with me from the conversations we had on Things Fall Apart, was how someone related Okonkwo's approach of over-compensating - so he doesn't end up like his father, took it too far to the point of tragedy. This person drew parallels with DEI/Affirmative Action/Black Lives Matter, and quipped that: could it be possible Black folks were swinging the pendulum a bit too far and too quickly, without paying attention to the winds of change, in the same manner that Okonkwo - while trying to erase the weak legacy of his father (Unoka) didn't realize that he had to also be nimble, less rigid and adaptable to societal shifts. I was a bit muzzled by the person's submission!
I have to say that is a very interesting insight!
This is a Great write up. I read alot. But I find it difficult to write. How do I get to start writing my thoughts?
Start with writing your impression of what you've read. Maybe a short summary, trying to explain what you have read.
Journal your own thoughts
Also, it helps if you can try copywork. Try imitating the writers you admire and enjoy
This is very excellent advice and I couldn't have put it better. I always say I was lucky because I started writing publicly in 2005 on Facebook when the internet was still very 'small'. So I got away with a lot of bad writing until I got better at it. There is no alternative to continue writing over and over and over until you get good at it. So find a space where you can write comfortably and safely without too much harsh criticism and practice there.