Community Chat

[Oznell]

Right now on C-SPAN 2,  they are doing a lengthy interview with Colson Whitehead, the Pulitzer-winning author of the recent "The Underground Railroad".

Should be interesting-- he's discussing his methods of writing, etc. 

I love the C-SPAN guy conducting the interview, Peter Slen.  Contrary to what many think, C-SPAN has over time had some disappointingly partisan staff, but Peter Slen always plays it straight down the middle, asks incisive questions, and is gracious to everyone.

[Oznell]

Oh-- I'm sorry moderators, I thought I was putting this in TV section.  Please feel free to move it there if necessary.

[deepwaterdotter]

I can't recall discerning partisanship from interviewers on CSPAN.  I am usually so interested in the educational information being offered that I don't pick up on any political bias.  

[Ms tyrion2]

This thread would have been just fine leaving out the not-so-subtle comment about political bias. As it stands now, it's just more baiting.

[Oznell]

I like his self-deprecating humor.

Also, I'm always interested in how writers keep going when the going is rough.  For instance, he says when he's blocked, he tries not to be overwhelmed by that, esp. on those days when he can only crank out a paragraph a day.

He says he's worked it out like this--  if he produces 8 pages a week, then that's good.  Eight pages a week, is 400 a year, and that's a novel!   What a sensible and workmanlike way of approaching your art!

"The Underground Raliroad" has attracted much interest in the film industry and is going to be a mini-series too.  Even though this is a work of fiction, that's great.

I've always thought the whole story of the real Underground Railroad is one of THE great American stories, and has been under-documented, so even a fictional approach is welcome...  

[Oznell]

I'm sorry you feel that way, @Ms tyrion2.  It is my honest "feel" for the network now, just as @deepwaterdotter has her perspective, which is different.  I respect hers, and those of others who disagree with me, too.

Hope you and anyone who turns on this wonderful exploration of an author's mind enjoys the program.

[QVCkitty1]

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wrote:

This thread would have been just fine leaving out the not-so-subtle comment about political bias. As it stands now, it's just more baiting.

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I didn't care for that either, it was totally unnecessary.

[Oznell]

I came here to add something about Colson Whitehead, but noticed another negative comment.

Not to dwell on this, but I have observed that plenty of posters bring in all kinds of perspectives when discussing various topics--  likes and dislikes, hunches, and any number of things they pick up about subjects.

Much of it is subjective, much of it I strongly disagree with.  But it is not "baiting"-- it is other people's opinions.  And I could spend all my time trying to disparage or refute them, or try to denigrate motives.  If necessary, why not just say, I disagree, and move on?   Let's not bring contentiousness.  That's my philosophy, anyway. 

I disagree with much of Mr. Whitehead's world view, but that's ok.  

Speaking of which, what I started to say is, how neat that he mentions Isabel Wilkerson's "The Warmth of Other Suns" as being influential.  Especially in view of his family history.  His family history reminds me of so many others in the Great Migration from south to north, like that of Lena Horne's storied family, who also ended up in the New York area...

A riveting couple of hours for a Sunday afternoon!  

[QueenDanceALot]

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wrote:

This thread would have been just fine leaving out the not-so-subtle comment about political bias. As it stands now, it's just more baiting.

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@Ms tyrion2

I've seen OP do this before and then act Oh So Surprised when called on it.

[Mz iMac]

@Oznell

Lena Horne's family was NOT part of the "Migration from south to north" movement.  They were originally from the north.  Mostly in the NY area & a few in Pa.