Crossroads: Where Writer and Activist Intersect
by Elizabeth Solar
Those who stand for nothing fall for anything.
A quote attributed to Alexander Hamilton, impassioned champion of a strong federal government, and defender of the U.S. Constitution.
I bring this quote up this weekend we commemorate our Declaration of Independence. Whose independence are we celebrating? And as many of the freedoms we have held dear are whittled away to kindling, barely capable of igniting a fire. We are worn down. Depressed. Nearly defeated by the barrage of news, wanton policy change, and a lack of accountability let alone communication we should expect from elected leaders.
While the first draft of history is documented on our preferred cable outlets or social media platforms, do we roll up fetal-like on our sofas, much like the mute and grunting characters of Pixar’s Wall-E? As a writer, I struggle with how to craft an objective, cogent, proactive narrative that could make any possible difference. Between the overturn of Roe v. Wade, the Supreme Court’s ruling on gun laws, moves against the EPA and a binge-watch of Dopesick, Hulu’s limited series based on Beth Lacy’s book about how big pharma set off a national opioid addiction, crisis, and this writer is grumpy. And wondering just what can we do?
So, what ultimately, is the role of the scribe?
A writer must reflect and interpret his society, his world; he must also provide inspiration and guidance and challenge. Much writing today strikes me as deprecating, destructive, and angry. There are good reasons for anger, and I have nothing against anger. But I think some writers have lost their sense of proportion, their sense of humor, and their sense of appreciation. I am often mad, but I would hate to be nothing but mad: and I think I would lose what little value I may have as a writer if I were to refuse, as a matter of principle, to accept the warming rays of the sun, and to report them, whenever, and if ever, they happen to strike me. One role of the writer today is to sound the alarm. The environment is disintegrating, the hour is late, and not much is being done. – E.B. White
As I contemplate how I might best work to employ the torch of inspiration to illuminate rather than scorch, I reflect on E.B. White’s story of how one indefatigable spider and kind and quiet young girl rescue and raise a runty pig, and in the process help the more cynical adults become better humans.
Charlotte’s Web celebrates animal and human rights, innocence, and those humans who would exploit our innocence or ignorance with cruelty and lies as well as the greatness of our humanity. It’s also a pretty solid way to build vocabulary, thanks to a kind and brilliant arthropod.
Our work is cut out for us. Let’s get to it.
