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From the mind of a twenty-something
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Posted by editor Mon Jan 7, 2008 13:24:54 PST
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0 responses 0 comments Amateur writers, casual bloggers, and mainstream blogs — are all gathering speed and giving people new ways to absorb information. The fact that you can write absolutely ANYTHING…and someone, somewhere can Google it, then “BAM!” (Batman punch) It pops up and has an impact on that person. This is both remarkable —  and a responsibility.

It doesn't matter if it's ill-advised or just misinformed, or even extremely good, perfectly executed, brilliantly delivered writings chalk full of useful information. The trick is to find what's good, useful and of value, versus what is absolutely worthless, in every sense of the word.

Given the massive influx of available information, I'm acutely interested and doubly concerned about what's happening to my generation's caliber of writing and communication. It seems that the attention span of people is slowly starting to disappear. Without a quick, simple reply, people immediately stop caring about what you have to say.

Alas, it is the writer's calling to traverse a “bumpy and tremulous” road, in order to find new ways to hook people. So what is an aspiring journalist to do in a situation such as this; a situation Ms. Rowling alleviated for a period of roughly five or so years?

My quest ended when I was practically handed my answer in the form of a comedian.

I realized that satirical writing, ridden with information, has a new calling. If you don't believe me, as evidence, might I present to you Stephen Colbert's I Am America (And so can You!). It's called alternative press, and right now it's the new wave of news reporting and oddly enough, it is extremely well received. With a pun-filled presentation, deliriously witty dialogue and a no punches-pulled delivery, people latch on and hold on for dear life.

Why though, is sarcasm and humorous cynicism so useful and informative, yet at the exact same time so funny? Well, people are getting the information they need to stay informed and up to date with the world, yet simultaneously, they are allowed to enjoy and laugh about it instead of having to hear it in a way that causes the doldrums of life to settle deep within their hearts.

Is it a cure-all? No, nothing remains the same. This is my generation's time and calling. In forty years, we might be back to, “…the facts and the facts only, sir.”

The beauty is that when push comes to shove, writers and artists have three choices: (a) To allow time to pass them by, (b) To evolve the medium on which they thrive, or (c) To pioneer a new wave of art, thereby, altering the path humanity takes.

Peace and Mercy

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