By
Lorraine Glowczak
Instructing
others can be one of the best learning tools for everyday life, if you let it. As
part of a writing class I teach, I will periodically suggest a few writing
prompts. One of my favorite prompts is to have students write an opinion about
a subject they feel strongly about. Once that is completed, I then ask them to
write about the same subject as if they were another person with an opposing
viewpoint.
There
is usually a bit of resistance at first, but then the writers amaze me with
their ability to compose, with detail, an opposite perspective, (although there
is usually a lot of sarcasm involved in their “opposing viewpoint”).
Practicing
this writing exercise helps to expand the author’s experiences with the
intention of broadening and increasing awareness and observing life from a more
multidimensional perspective. It moves the writer from egocentricity
(individual as the center of all things) to a more of an us/other person
approach to writing, making the poem, novel or essay more interesting to the
reader.
I
must admit, however, there is a bit of an ulterior motive on my part. I
secretly hope that in the practice of considering another point of view, the
writer may find that in the differences, a new and better perspective may arise
and/or the realization that one’s perspective is not the only valid one.
To
keep up the practice, I join the other writers during this writing exercise. In
last week’s class, I discovered something about myself as an editor that made
me take a closer look at The Windham Eagle’s purpose and mission. That is, “to
provide positive and solution-based news.”
In
a few past Insights, I have reiterated the paper’s mission, but I have done so without
completely encompassing others’ perceptions. In response to recent and local
issues facing our community, we’ve received three valid comments/questions that
may challenge our mission.
These
comments included: “Why didn’t you write about what happened at the Town
Council meeting? People need to know what is happening.” “You are not adhering
to the rules of journalism,” and “The purpose of a newspaper is to shed light
on issues, so people can make informed decisions.”
Since
my writing prompt last week, I have reflected upon these well-founded inquiries
and how I can still adhere to the newspaper’s mission while touching on
subjects that some people have strong opinions about. I have been racking my
brain on how to accomplish make a positive out of what may be viewed as a negative.
I’m
sorry to announce that I have not quite figured out how to bring two polar opposites
together. But I’m determined to find a way.
How?
Well, if it is true that you learn through teaching, then maybe I will figure
it all out with the help in next week’s writing prompt. Wish me luck!
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