The chapter delves into the challenges faced by the speaker while writing about Obama, the impact of social media on thought-provoking discussions, and their decision to leave social media for a focus on long-form writing. The speaker shares insights on choosing writing over TV appearances, their deep relationship with writing as a revelatory experience, and a pivotal moment in their career when their work gained significant recognition.
Ta-Nehisi Coates is an author and journalist. His next book is The Message.
“I don’t think we have the luxury as journalists of avoiding things because people might say bad things about us. I don’t even think we have the luxury of avoiding things because we might get fired. I don’t think we have the luxury of avoiding them because somebody might cancel some sort of public speech that we have. I then have to ask you, what are you in it for? Like, why did you come here? Did you come here just to make a living? Because there are many other things where you could make more money.”
Show notes:
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