Topic Tuesday #121 2014/11/11 "The Open Letter"

Topic Tuesday #121 2014/11/11 "The Open Letter"

The open letter is not a new phenomenon. Ever since Martin Luther nailed his dissent to the church door, publicly posted letters to a specific entity yet available to anyone, have been making their way throughout human culture. It's an odd thing, as a device. I see it as rather passive aggressive. Others will see it in it's purest form of protest and free speech. Perhaps we are both right. 

One thing about these "letters" is they are designed to shame, at least they try to. I think there is some political value in such a show. Sometimes it can bring the needed attention to the problem it is designed to address. Many times... They are ignored. "To Whom It May Concern" and "Dear John" sometimes all at once. 

I think open letters are remarkably self serving, even if the cause is great. The ability to stump on your soap box is one thing, but to call out an individual or a group... Well.. what else can a little guy do? 

This is one of those times that I find myself slapped in the face with irony. I'm writing about this in a blog that only reaches a small audience, which is completely analogous to a posted open letter or a letter to the editor... 

Touche internet. You have won this round.