Marc Riddell wrote:
Whereas, I agree somewhat with Ray's belief in a
need for caution when
writing; I would like to offer another perspective on the use of such
caution in communication: Too much of it, or a preoccupation with it, can
lead to no communication at all except dishonest, deceptive,
politically-correct mush.
I agree. You have an advantage if you know your audience, and another
one if you know when to stop. One reason why the proxy debate became so
problematical was that a single user chose to dig in his heels over it.
If you are going to walk along the edge of a cliff, you damn well better
be sure of where that edge is.
Satire is tricky to write, just ask the "Saturday
Night Live" or "The Daily
Show" writers; its purpose is to poke fun at something or someone, as well
as to call attention to a social and/or political issue; to preach to the
choir (that's how you get them to sing) as well as to those not yet
converted. But one thing for sure - you're going to piss someone off in the
process. And, if that happens, to write honestly, that needs to be OK with
you.
When you turn the cited programs on you already have an idea about what
is going on. You are forwarned to suspend your beliefs.
Ec