Were Trump’s Opponents Too Online? Plus, R. F. Kuang on Her Twitter Era Novel
Jan 21, 2024
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Bestselling author R. F. Kuang discusses cultural appropriation, the impact of social media on writing, and the challenges of navigating feedback and reviews as an author. The conversation also delves into the importance of meaningful communication outside of social media, emphasizing the value of letter writing and in-person interactions.
Overwhelming online feedback can dilute an author's writing and hinder authenticity and creativity.
The focus on cultural appropriation can pigeonhole authors and hinder creativity.
Finding balance in exposure to online feedback and practicing digital minimalism is crucial for preserving creativity and focus.
Deep dives
The dangers of social media and online feedback
In the podcast episode, R.F. Quang discusses the overwhelming nature of online feedback and how it can negatively impact an author's work. She emphasizes that it is impossible for anyone's brain to handle the thousands of reviews and opinions that the internet age affords. This abundance of feedback can lead to a dilution of one's writing and a fear of offending readers. Quang highlights the importance of finding a balance between being aware of how works are received and not allowing the opinions of others to stifle creativity and authenticity.
Debates on cultural appropriation and representation
Quang and the podcast hosts delve into the complex debates surrounding cultural appropriation and representation in literature. They question the usefulness of the term 'cultural appropriation' and express concerns about how it can stifle creativity and pigeonhole authors from marginalized backgrounds. They stress the significance of focusing on the craft and quality of the work rather than solely considering the author's racial or cultural identity. In addition, they discuss the importance of literature in allowing readers to step into other people's experiences, fostering empathy and understanding.
Navigating personal identity and social media
Quang shares her personal experience of grappling with the impact of social media and online feedback on her work. She describes the initial shock and disintegration of her subjectivity when exposed to the immense amount of feedback, but also emphasizes the need to strike a balance. Quang suggests that gradual exposure to feedback and a gradual increase in popularity helped her find equilibrium. She also discusses the importance of digital minimalism and limiting exposure to the internet in order to maintain focus and preserve personal creativity.
Platforms' Moral Compromise: The Struggle for Ethical Publishing
The podcast episode explores the ethical dilemmas faced by small publishers and businesses in finding platforms to publish and promote themselves. With platforms like TikTok and Meta deprioritizing news and the rise of right-wing ideologies in Silicon Valley, many platforms are seen as morally compromised. The speaker highlights the challenges of leaving one platform for another, as creators rely on the existing audience and referral systems. However, the lack of alternatives and the fragmentation of the media landscape pose concerns for democracy and the ability to have a shared public square.
The Impact of Social Media Culture on Nuance and Connection
The podcast delves into the impact of social media culture on nuanced discussions and human connection. Social media platforms often encourage binary thinking and make it difficult to have complex conversations. The speaker reflects on the importance of classroom environments, where doubt, uncertainty, and multiple truths are welcomed. They emphasize the need for deeper, meaningful connections through activities like letter writing and personal interactions, which have improved their own writing and provided a sense of community amidst isolation.
R. F. Kuang, bestselling author of Yellowface, joins Offline to discuss cultural appropriation, the flatness of social media friendships and feedback, and the tortured relationship between literature and technology. Kuang recounts how pandemic doomscrolling destroyed her attention span, the book she wrote as a result, and how she’s reclaimed her focus and social life since. But first! Jon is FINALLY back from his two weeks of paternity leave — he and Max break down how Ron DeSantis and Vivek Ramaswamy ran their campaigns like a 2016 meme war. Then, they compare the unsettling voice of AI Dean Phillips to the unsettling voice of human Dean Phillips, and unpack why no one is happy with Substack these days.
For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast.
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