Showing posts with label Travel Writing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Travel Writing. Show all posts

Tuesday, January 10, 2017

Write Beyond Sensitivity Police Jurisdiction

North Americans often assert they want to learn from other cultures, but travel writing is still expected to fit into the politically correct box of ideas that don’t shock sensibilities. This is contradiction. Authentic travel writing must journey outside that box, both to accurately report culture and to protect the free speech rights authors and readers depend on.

A recent study suggests that North American children are developing more allergies to certain foods because of protection from exposure during the years when immunities develop. Likewise, political correctness has shielded North Americans from encountering a rich diversity of global perspectives that conventional media deem offensive to their sensitivities.

Friday, April 11, 2014

What Happened Last Night: The Transcript

Let me send a big hug (and a small harmless grope) to the many authors and readers who came out last night to hear my presentation: Travel Writing That Matters. We kind of rocked the house, didn't we? Those of you who snatched up all the copies of my books within minutes not only showed your support for fine literature but enabled me to get home last night without having to offer sexual favors to a passing trucker. My gratitude goes beyond words. 

After the presentation, a comely lass named Anne (who is of Irish/German extraction like myself but appears to have combined this recipe much more deliciously) asked if I could post a transcript of my remarks. So, can I get a post up rapidly for Anne? Damn straight! Brace yourself lassie, cuz I don't know how big this post of mine may get. Here's what I said last night, along with references to the excerpts I read for those playing along at home: