Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Controversy

I don’t look like a controversial blogger.

I have pretty flowers adorning my mast head.

I have nice quotes trying to inspire my visitors.

I have pretty book covers on my side bar.

I talk about mother/daughter book group and libraries and recipes and my favorite things.

Even though I love politics, I will NEVER talk about my political opinion here. Not the venue, not the forum.

This is a place about nice, happy, thoughts. (Unless you are a Texas football fan, then I will take you down!)

But, my blogging career didn’t start out so hot.

My 1st post, which I thought was a tongue-in-cheek, mocking, even funny, portrayal of Gwyneth Paltrow’s blog, GOOP, crashed and burned into a name calling, she said-she said, fiesta! I was stunned and embarrassed and totally unprepared for the debate I created.

My next post on the group blog was about something very safe – laundry.

So, when I critiqued The Help, even though I was negative, I was rather vague on my reasons why I didn’t like it, because I don’t like confrontation. I had issues with it, but didn’t want to get into a debate about the book. Nor did I want to fault the author. I’m sure she is a lovely woman.

As a result of my mini-rant, the last thing I expected was to get an email from a New York Times reporter asking me if I would be “willing to talk” to her about my dissenting review.

Yes, The New York “Freakin” Times!

Holy Book Bloggers Batman!

What the heck am I going to say to a NYT reporter? Without sounding like a bumbling, idiot, SAHM, who hasn’t worked outside the home in 9 years (until recently), and has a brain that has shriveled up to the size of a pea?

But, I agreed.

And she called.

And we talked. About 15-20 min.

I’m not sure what I said. I was a nervous wreck. I tried to be NICE about why I didn’t like it – that I felt white folks, like myself, would have a hard time portraying what it would be like to be a black maid in the pre-civil rights 1960s; that I am glad the author gave a “voice” to these women – but what do African-American women think of this portrayal? Is it accurate? I wanted to plead, “Please don’t make me sound like a raving lunatic! I’m a really nice person! I don’t need my pretty, low on the totem pole, only gets 20 hits a day, blog to be destroyed by one quote!”

Anyway…I’m sure I said something “controversial” and whenever this piece is published (and, no, I don’t know when it goes to print) I think I will seek safety in the witness protection program!

11 comments:

Jen said...

Really cool girl!

Amy said...

DUDE are you serious???? I cannot believe that!! How did they find you? Did they say??? Holy cow. Tell us when it posts.

p.s. I think I would have loved your fake GOOP post!

Julie P. said...

That's so awesome. I'm sure you did great!

debilyn said...

Oh my! I can only imagine what must have gone through your head when you received that email. I think it's so interesting how obscure blog posts can open up such interesting doors!

Now I'm off to read your GOOP post, as I have a feeling I'll find it quite entertaining :)

Amused said...

No way? Nice work! Can't wait to see the article!

Also, anyone that mocks GOOP is ok in my book!

Kim said...

That is so amazing. I'm sure you did great. I can't wait to read the article when it prints. Let us know.

Lucy said...

Awesome! I hope they don't take anything out of context. Of course, that'd be something to worry about if, say, Star Magazine called. You should be good with the Times;)

Booklogged said...

How totally awesome! I can't imagine how nervous you must have been. WOW!

Anonymous said...

As I was picking this book up at the library, the librarian mentioned a co-worker had been interviewed by the ny times. I googled it today, and the article has been published:

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/03/books/03help.html

TJ said...

I read your comments and I think they were great.

Anonymous said...

I totally agree with your comments and actually couldn't wait to finish the book as well.