Does your voice matter? Do you see yourself saying how you feel? Do you feel seen here on substack? Does your work matter?
Every writer wants to feel seen, heard, and valued but most importantly we want to be respected for our thoughts and everything that comes with it. I am a philosophical writer, screenwriter, and TV/film critic who shares my thoughts and views on a daily. I tend to focus on expression and professional development. However, the pressure of releasing work that people will like and value is beyond insane to me. I wish that I could resonate with everyone but I don’t have the desire to. My work is for those who value the craft of self-expression and representation in all industries.
When you study the craft of philosophy while being a writer you have to process things differently and in the moment it feels like you’re running away from yourself. The inner child trying to release themselves from your torture is a crazy feeling but one that is worth feeling. I’ve spoken on the challenges of being a black philosopher and not receiving the proper representation to develop an impactful argument but seeing the evolution of our voices keeps me going. We are often overlooked in the study spaces because certain logic was only created to keep a certain demographic at the top. With this in mind, I often struggle to release my work on apps like this because I don’t feel seen in the professional spaces.
Therefore, when creating stories as a screenwriter it is easier because I write what is missing in everyday life while showcasing the representation in my life. In Hollywood, that is seen poorly especially when stories like mine are overlooked. I come from an abusive household that traumatized me into thinking I wasn’t worthy of the creative lifestyle I have now. I rarely see a black woman’s abuse story on screen without being taken for a joke. For example, Tyler Perry is one of the few who uses the concept of abuse to tell stories of many black women in the world. Yet, the lack of perfection causes the audience to overlook what is being told. When in fact, the lack of perfection is what makes the stories feel authentic. I want to see not-so-perfectly laid wigs. I want to see a black girl patting her head because the sew-in is itchy. I want to see my imperfections displayed so I would know that those things matter.
But do they matter? The distance between the perfect black girl and the black girl who wants to exist is very telling when it comes to telling our stories. We live in a society where your makeup has to be “beat for the gods” and our hair has to be straighter than a yardstick. While some are fighting to be seen authentically themselves with or without the perfections we are told to have. Some of us can’t beat depression by being a bad b*tch. Some of us have to do the hard and gritty work to see ourselves fully and best believe that is one ugly stage.
I am currently learning to release this pressure of being perfect to impress individuals who will never understand or value my work. The reason why I write is for me and if it so happens to resonate with someone I am happy. However, having a view with only a few likes makes me feel violated. Why are you watching me? Do you need something? Did you hate what I had to say that bad? Or are you just opening the post and going about your day? Either way, it’s creepy and leaves a bad taste in my mouth. I am not looking for critiques or an editor but love is always appreciated.
For those, who have been supporting my work and are reading this newsletter just know that your love doesn’t go unnoticed. It is the very thing that keeps me posting on this app. Thank you for seeing me and valuing my voice. Just because I am a writer doesn’t mean that I do not struggle to write or express myself through stories. With that being said, having your support helps me emotionally and physically. You are the sunshine to my day and I will always cherish you.
this post feels like a much needed hug. thank you for sharing🤍🤍
I love this! I definitely don’t feel seen most times, and when I do it’s to evaluate my skills in comparison to others in the same field. I love that I’m not the only one and here for you as well!