Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Kathy Custren on April 7, 2016 at 12:16pm

Hi, Maryjane - thank you for adding these person-related, style questions. I am sure there are other writers who may find it a little different/difficult to alter the way writing is presented. 

First, it is not an exact science, but in presenting material in article form at OMTimes (as opposed to blog forms with which many are most familiar) we seek to join the audience in the "inclusive we." The commonality is that we all do share some level of compassionate identification with others, whether or not 'self esteem' is a prominent aspect of our current existence. We are writing from a point of appreciation; maybe even from a previous experience or history of the topic. Writing from the 'inclusive we' standpoint affords our audience a shared level of understanding, if that helps. (And if our presentation does not give enough information or reference to provide understanding, perhaps it is an opening to do just that.)

In this era of increased gender questioning and fluidity, as writers we do need to be more open to various forms of identity among our audience. Again, this may not be an exact science or active aspect of everyone's existence, but in the areas of openness and inclusion, however best we can reflect multiple identities without it becoming to cumbersome, it is honorable and courteous to our readers to do that, and I hope writers approach their work with that 'common courtesy' in mind and heart. The same would hold true for persons living with a disability, or any other type of 'label' that serve to not only identify but separate us. 

So..when it comes to the gendered pronouns, it is more empowering to the writer to determine how best to present them, based on the tone of the piece one is writing. It need not feel stuffy or too formal, as we are not writing a cold, academic, fact-based tome. As part of our 'inclusion,' we can write from a welcoming sense of warmth that will hopefully steer us all into a greater sense of comfort, bottom line.

Hope this helps you and others in feeling more comfortable with this ~ Blessings! 

Permalink Reply by Shannon Crane on April 7, 2016 at 12:21pm

I'm glad you asked this - I love first person narratives that share a story AND connect readers so am always struggling with changing my writing to 3rd person. I have had feedback when using "we" indicating that the reader did NOT relate to what I was saying in that particular part of an article and so I agree that it is a tricky thing sometime. Hopefully someone will be addressing this with some suggestions!

Permalink Reply by Kathy Custren on April 7, 2016 at 12:57pm

I hope writers understand that first-person narratives have their place; however, when we select articles for the magazine we seek "inclusion." If it serves to write in that first-person narrative style, as such, for a personal blog or website, that is fine. However, for purposes of what is provided here in the community for the magazine, these are the writing styles being evaluated. 

Not everyone may resonate with a topic or piece. We all do not walk the same path. However, in writing for our readership around the world, we would like to help them see where we are coming from. This is true no matter what 'person' is used to convey the message. It speaks more from the reader's impression, however, if the individual does not relate. For purposes of presentation, it is "out there" for anyone to approach, without "exclusion." ~ Blessings! 

Permalink Reply by Maryjane Osa on April 7, 2016 at 1:32pm

Thanks, Kathy and Shane for this great discussion!

I don't have any problem with striving for openness and inclusion -- I guess I was just looking for clues on how to embrace inclusiveness without sacrificing clarity. Does anyone have effective strategies to manage this tension?

Permalink Reply by Kathy Custren on April 7, 2016 at 1:39pm

I humbly ask us all to Focus on the message. It is the message, more than the messenger. ~ Blessings!