Why writers write
Posted September 7th, 2004 by Sean WilliamsYou’ve got to go read my friend Mac’s blog . It is simply incredible, and it deals with not just the specific problem it addresses outright, but also with the problem of art in our world right now.
When Arthur Miller wrote The Cruible, it was us who saw it as a dressing down of McCarthyism. When I went and saw the movie “Hero”, I thought it was a condemnation of Bush’s critics and Jordana thought it was pro-communist propaganda. Politics is like air, even when you aren’t thinking about what you’re breathing, you’re still breathing.
So much to say about Mac’s brilliant essay. He’s said it all, so I won’t repeat it here. Except to say that I agree with him about “it’s inexcusable in my view for a major playwright – or hell, any playwright – to put words in the mouth of a semi-public figure saying nasty things about her marriage.” It made me think aboout the rather outrageous and over the top Al Franken (whose research and integrity are, in my never humble opinion, almost flawless). His show in Air America is incredibly informative, but can sometimes lapse into sillyness or marginal taste. BUT, he will not allow anyone on his show to take on the families of the candidates. Not even those pathetic-ninny Bush daughters. He just won’t allow it, and shuts down anyone who tries it. I’ve heard him do it several times, and my respect for him goes up another notch each time. So, Mac is right on.
But read the whole thing, as Sean suggests. Brilliant.