Have you ever felt like the killjoy or buzzkill of a conversation? There have been many instances where I have found myself being referred to as a Debbie Downer for simply putting to use my life experiences and knowledge. Not only have I felt awful for talking about the realities of many oppressed groups, but I have apparently made others feel “uncomfortable.”
The issue with being aware is making those around aware themselves of the atrocities happening around the world. I was first introduced to the idea of a Debbie Downer when I watched the infamous SNL skit starring Rachel Dratch. The character’s humor came from her comments about certain issues around the world. Of course, when at Disney World, the last thing you’d want to hear about is “female cat AIDS.” Yet, the problem lies in the way women are perceived to be the killjoys of a setting, simply for voicing their opinions and experiences.
TheDebbieDowner.com
Through my experiences, I found that the best way to remain accountable is by writing the stories of myself and others. As a result, I wanted to set up a platform with the goal of letting others speak up about the issues that matter to them. Without the limitations of grammar, I want those who are interested in writing to write in whatever manner they feel the most comfortable.
The platform consists of two main components: a podcast and a blog. The podcast will launch fall 2021 and will focus on women’s empowerment, life experiences and the intersection of oppression individuals have faced. Additionally, the main goal is to branch out and include human rights stories from other parts of the world, for instance, gender rights in areas of Latin America constantly being threatened and taken away. The latter, which is the blog component, will include different interpretations and ideas. Weekly articles will be published by our team of writers.
How can I join?
We are currently looking for writers of all ages and backgrounds to cover pieces. In order to join, we would love to have you submit your portfolio through our website. No need to fret if you don’t have any pieces written up—we will accept you and have your first articles be test runs.
We ask for a commitment of one article per week but are willing to compromise and extend deadlines.
As for our podcast, we are opening up slots for guests in our upcoming fall semester at the university. We will not be affiliated with the university but understand that for many students, this possible sense of community can help significantly.
What should I look out for in the upcoming weeks?
We will be publishing our weekly articles at the official launch of our website in late March. As of now, our website is open to prospective writers who are interested in joining the platform.
If you have any questions, reach out to us through the messaging box on our sign-up page. We are here to help you on your journey of validating your knowledge and experiences. Most importantly, visit us at The Debbie Downer.