Writing an op-ed: Writing the “to be sure” and dealing with possible backlash
An audio version is available at SoundCloud.
Holly: You have decided to write an op-ed, you have your argument and evidence and newshook, but you are worried about the potential backlash. You think, “What if I get hate mail? What if people disagree with me?” And so on. You are not alone if you feel this way and it’s perfectly reasonable to have those concerns.
However, consider this saying the OpEd Project often uses: “If you say things of consequence, there may be consequences, but the alternative is to be inconsequential.” In other words, if you stay silent, you won’t be heard or be able to advocate for your issue, but if you do speak out, and write, you may face backlash. That is something you will have to weigh with pro’s and con’s. What could positive outcomes of writing be, and what could negative outcomes be, and see which one is stronger. No one can decide that for you — it’s up to you.
Welcome to the Aspen Institute New Voices Fellowship Tips! My name is Holly Kearl and I manage the alumni of our fellowship program. Today, I am talking with our Alumni Council members about their tips and experiences with dealing with possible backlash and writing the “to be sure.”
First, as a refresher on the “to be sure,” this is when you think about the most common counter-argument to what you will say and then you address that in your piece, but then you follow it up by saying why your view is right. Sometimes you may need to have more than one “to be sure.” And while often the to be sure comes later in the piece, if it’s a very controversial topic, you may need to mention it early into the piece. Gulrez Shah Azhar, how do you handle this?
Gulrez: I find it’s often it is about framing. I write on heat waves and climate change is one extremely sensitive subject. I sometimes call them extreme weather events to make sure that people are not turned off by the terms and listen to the argument. Rising Carbon Dioxide levels can also be referred to as pollution. But be careful about how much space you are ceding. Often there are some terms that catch our imagination like rain bombs for severe cyclones!
Holly: That’s good advice. It can be a fine line to walk between using language that invites a wider audience to listen but not using language that minimizes or erases what you are really trying to say. Sathya Raghu Mokkapati, you’ve had some successful experiences with the to be sure, what are two examples?
Sathya: When I wrote a piece on why organic farming madness does little good to smallholder farmers, I was very apprehensive that there would be a massive backlash from many organic farming activists. To my surprise, I heard from them that my para on to be sure helped them understand that there is a need for mid path and that I am not being ignorant of health benefits. Similarly, when I wrote a piece about Nabard, an apex agriculture refinance bank in India, I ensured that the good word done by them was explained before I took on them. I built my case around why what they are doing is ‘not enough’. This went very well with many in their organisation, instead of it going against me.
Holly: Very smart. I’m glad those pieces worked out so well. Esther Ngumbi, what is your take on this process?
Esther: As a scientist, we always leave room for error — -because there will always be another side to the story or another perspective. And like science, when you write your opinion, it is important to acknowledge about that other potential side to your opinion and argument you have put on a piece. Acknowledging that is not a sign of weakness. As for backlash — I am never worried about it. We live in a free world, and readers are entitled to their opinions about what I write. I respect their opinion and move on.
Holly: Very true. ElsaMarie D’Silva, how has the to be sure been part of your writing?
Elsa: I find it’s useful to always think about the other perspectives and alternates view to yours. Then, the to-be-sure is important to bring a holistic view to the piece and makes the reader feel like you have given deep thought to your argument. It also is a push back to a counter argument. Mostly, I write about gender equality, so my to-be-sures are usually addressing the potential arguments men might have or trying to appeal to the men who are not perpetrators and drawing them in through this section.
Holly: I also write a lot about gender-based violence and am always shocked by how angry some men get about I think should be a non-controversial topic: don’t rape and abuse other people! I often write more specifically about street harassment, which includes wolf whistles and comments like “Hey baby.” I know that some people will say things like, “There are bigger problems in the world than this,” or “Get over yourself,” or “It’s women’s fault because of how they dress” so I often have a few “to be sures” that address these beliefs and counteract them with research showing things like the long-term harm of such comments and how what women wear is irrelevant to how they are treated.
When I first began writing piece eight years ago, I read all the comments, but they were so upsetting I stopped for my own sanity. And that is okay. You are not obligated to read the comments section or respond to people who email you out of the blue. Only do it if you want to. If it would be too overwhelming or deter you from writing, then perhaps don’t plan to do it.
Esther: I do read comments. And I do say thank you — most of the times to the person who wrote the comment. And yes, we cannot fail to say that what needs to be said, because we fear the backlash. It’s part of the game.
Holly: Thank you, Esther. Jacqueline Muna Shea, what has been your experience?
Jacqueline: I still struggle with the potential for backlash. Few of my pieces have caused a negative reaction. Perhaps it’s the way I position my arguments or maybe I am not taking enough risks. That said, I sometimes get surprised by comments people make. For instance, I wrote a piece for NPR on energy access in Africa. Some comments were downright insulting. I didn’t respond. I will respond to people who send direct messages, but not on the page the piece is published on.
Holly: And that is perfectly fine! As the author, you have the choice to decide what to say and with whom you want to interact.
