“There is only one way to avoid criticism: do nothing, say nothing and be nothing.”
I am extremely disappointed by the “controversy” over American Blogger. I would say I am shocked, but as I get older this world ceases to shock me.
One person on the Internet said that Chris Wiegand’s documentary is “ridiculous.” Well, I think the fact that people are saying such terrible (and incorrect) things about this film is ridiculous.
Chris is a filmmaker. He is not a “first-time filmmaker” as another person on the Internet said. He has been making beautiful films for years. This is his first full-length documentary, but Chris has created more beautiful, meaningful films – both narrative and documentary – than 99.99% of people will ever create – regardless of their length.
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| some of my favorite photos from the short film Chris directed me in, Harper Abbott |
As an actress living in Los Angeles, I have seen my share of “haters.” This industry is full of them. But that’s all they are. Haters. They aren’t doers. They aren’t contributing in a positive manner to society. They aren’t creating things that will leave this world a better place long after they are gone.
They aren’t. But Chris is.
Any time someone is successful – in any industry, any time someone achieves something, any time someone stands out in any way, they will be ridiculed. By someone. Often without cause.
“They hated me without a cause.”
If a perfect man was hated, then we as imperfect human beings will certainly be hated. If we do anything, say anything, or be anything, that is.
It’s a shame that such a great project – such a wonderful and uplifting film, a film documenting the lives, the creativity, the huge hearts these bloggers have and the love they are willing to share with the world – is receiving any negative attention.
But that is to be expected, is it not?
Can I be honest with you? I want haters. I welcome them. I will feel fortunate if one day I have them. Because that means I did something, I said something, I was something.
I could go on, but I will keep this short and sweet. And I will leave you with some wise words by Taylor Swift, some of my favorite lyrics:
I just found your blog via twitter and felt like I should comment. One of the beautiful things about blogging is we are able to share our stories, thoughts and opinions. All of which are vastly different. I think it's great that Chris chose to follow his dream, having said that, I don't agree with how he chose to portray the "American Blogger". That doesn't make me a hater or jealous, it simply means I have a different opinion, and that's okay! How boring would it be if we all liked the same things? I hope my comment doesn't come across wrong, I promise it comes from a place a happiness :)
Thank you for your comment. I completely agree that the world would be so boring if we all liked the same things. The world would also be so boring is every single documentary or film attempted to include a broad scope of diversity just to make sure it pleased everyone in America. One will never be able to please everyone in America no matter what they do.
The entertainment industry is full of a vast array of genres of films that appeals to small niche markets. Chris didn't go out there attempting to portray the widest array of bloggers in America that he could find. He chose to portray the type of American blogger that he knows, the community of bloggers with which he is familiar. He merely chose to call it "American" Blogger because he did, in fact, travel all of America interviewing these women, and they are, in fact, all American.
This is a niche market film. Not everyone in the world will be interested in it. You may not be interested in it, or support it. And that's okay. This film was merely inspired by something Chris knew – a community of female bloggers he has come to know mainly through his wife's blog – something he thinks is special, and something he wants to share with the world. In his own way.
Chris is portraying that "American Blogger" that he knows. The fact of the matter is, of course, there are many other types of "American Bloggers." It's like watching Black Swan and saying you don't agree with how they portrayed ballerinas. Of course not all ballerinas are the way they are in Black Swan. The writers and director had a story, an idea, something they were familiar with/interested in/wanted to create. There are many different types of ballerinas.
There are many typed of bloggers in America. Chris chose to portray those which he knew. And I don't think there is one thing wrong with that.
I think your perspective is such a valuable one, and I applaud you for sharing it! I'm with you, girl. There will always be haters. So, let's not waste our energy hating the haters, but focus on doing what we're called to do. And for some of us, it's blogging. ;-)
Thanks, Lauren! Love your encouraging and uplifting words! Let's keep our focus on just that – that which is encouraging and uplifting :)