NPR's Book of the Day 'No Sense in Wishing' and 'Hit Girls' consider the way culture shapes identity
Jul 25, 2025
Lawrence Burney, a Baltimore writer and culture critic, dives into his essay collection, *No Sense in Wishing*, exploring how the arts, particularly figures like Gil Scott Heron, shaped his identity. He shares personal stories from Baltimore's vibrant music scene. Meanwhile, Nora Princiotti, author of *Hit Girls*, reflects on the influence of 2000s female pop stars and their role in shaping cultural narratives. Together, they discuss how pop culture both defines and complicates personal identity, particularly for women in the music industry.
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Gil Scott Heron's Impact on Burney
- Lawrence Burney recalls his mother and grandfather as musicians with modest jobs, except when they opened for Gil Scott Heron.
- Watching Heron perform gave Burney a sense of pride and connection to his family's artistic path.
Gil Scott Heron's Social Commentary
- Gil Scott Heron's music reveals the complex emotional realities within Black communities post-1970s.
- He sheds light on systemic issues like poverty and addiction that many overlook.
Championing Baltimore's Culture
- Lawrence Burney created True Laurels to spotlight Baltimore's Black art scene overlooked by mainstream media.
- He encourages embracing local culture rather than feeling compelled to leave for success.
