Essayists: The Chicken or the Egg?

Writing an essay about writing an essay is something most essayists may say they’ve never done. The very idea of it seems to be a little bit vain. Theoretically, every essayist writes an essay the same as every other essayist. This is not a cheap shot at essays or essayists; in fact it is the exact opposite. An essayist writes as though he/she is the guide on a midnight journey. The reader on this journey does not know where they will end up, or how to get wherever they are going. Only able to see that which is directly in front of them, blind to everything else. The guide leads them on a path that is unique to his/her own self and in most cases, a path that he/she believes is best. Some readers may disagree with the path taken or even the final destination. However, by looking close enough at the path travelled, the true identity of the guide may be revealed. Presumably, the essay can say a lot more about the essayist, than the essayist can say about the essay.

The deadline is quickly approaching and little, if any work has been done. There were going to be a lot of great ideas included but getting rid of some of them, maybe most of them will save a lot of time. Procrastination is a bug that bites all, from the best to the worst. Sometimes great works will be achieved in the dying days of a deadline; sometimes not.

Absolutely every angle has been covered. All the loose ends have been tied, undoubtedly. The information is probable, persuasive and smooth. Thorough is not just the word that best describes this style but it is actually the middle name of the essayist who practices it.

Hard-hitting opinions disguised as intelligence, insisting a thesis instead of proving it, perhaps restricting any conflicting or contradicting evidence. The bullish writer has many admirers in the house of mirrors. This headstrong pencil pusher is his/her own biggest fan. The definition of fan naturally being: blower of air.

The preceding examples are merely minor in comparison to the majority of possibilities. Though, they illustrate that a style of essay can reveal much about he/she who writes it. Any style may be entertaining in its own way, providing it has one key ingredient: creativity. Writing is a creative process. In fact, it seems hard to imagine a single piece of writing that did not have at least some creativity. Writing needs creativity, no matter the style, no matter the category. Categorizing writing can be tough and possibly a mistake for the essayist. It is similar to categorizing music. If a musician tries to write a song but is too concerned about staying within a contrived category, confinement will consume creativity.

Creativity produces anticipation and excitement. The guide who chooses the path with unforgettable scenery leaves an impression on those he/she guides, at the same time the essayist whose creativity walks the edge of ingenuity awards the reader with an eagerness to know more.

Every essayist has strengths and weaknesses. Strangely enough, refusing to acknowledge weaknesses may be an essayist’s biggest strength. Do not fear the pen; do not fear the keyboard. Writing with no other purpose in mind but to find a purpose is a good way to exhilarate strengths. This could be compared to jamming on a guitar or even walking through Wal-Mart. Entering that big, blue and white store, not really knowing where to go or what to buy can be intimidating but a casual step by step process that includes ignoring unnecessary distractions may result in leaving with a really nice, low-priced sweater. That is a true strength; finding the really nice sweater that is hiding somewhere beneath a plethora of thoughts, words, interruptions and opinions.

Every essay is a creation. Every essayist is a creator. No creation can be created incorrectly, only created as a snapshot of the creator’s state of mind. The essay parallels the essayist . . . Or is it the other way around? Now if you’ll please excuse me. I have some reading to do. I, myself look forward to finding out what type of person this essayist truly is.

The Obama Effect: Fill in the Blank

This morning on my way to my first class I made sure to randomly greet strangers with the phrase: Happy Barack Obama Day! I noticed different reactions every time I said it. Some laughed, others gave me the same greeting back, another seemed to ignore me all together. The part that urked me to say the least is the very last greeting I gave.

I was walking through a narrow hallway as middle aged woman was walking towards my direction. As we crossed paths I said: Happy Barack Obama Day! Her response was unlike any I had heard that day.

She said: Pfft . . . How long will he last?

I said: Eight years of course.

Her next response: Yah Right.

This urked me to say the least and I went to class a little disturbed. If Obama has taught us anything it should be that the race of somebody is not important, so I will not mention the race of this woman. However, both her responses left a sour taste in my mouth.

I do not know if Obama will bring true change to a free world that seems to be on the edge of peril but I hope he does. The woman in the hallway did not believe in Obama. She may have hoped that Obama will make a difference in some portion of her soul but she did not believe it enough to get excited about it.

That right there is the problem. People are lazy and scared. They don't want to believe in change because they are afraid of what this chnage may bring. Change is always happening, even as I add words to the screen and even as you read them. However, when I asked many people during the election: What will Obama change? I was never really given a straight answer. What do we need to change?

I will tell you . . .

We, as a continent (North America) need to change our lives. We need to change our priorities. We need to change what's cool and what's not cool. Barack Obama has made politics very cool for a lot of people who never would have paid attention before. This trend must continue, not just in politics but in all aspects of life.

Don't be that pessimistic woman in the hallway. Claim the world in the name of change and begin as soon as possible. The best way to change is to learn new things.

I encourage all people to learn. Read. Write. Claim victory on knowledge.

Learning to love learning is a love I learned to love.