Ann Coulter and TIME, a Very Odd Couple

How interesting, that after noting on this blog several weeks ago, that women are disproportionately represented in the OP-ED world, that TIME magazine devotes its cover story to perhaps the highest profiled, opinionated woman being read and quoted today. Ann Coulter. Her conservative, even reactionary, rantings are the stuff of sound bytes, used to ignite fires at water coolers all around the US.

As an American, I defend her right to express her opinions, no matter how bizarre. As a woman, I am offended that somehow her appearance and gender is considered a contributing factor in how seriously she is taken. But as a writer, I am disappointed in the attention she garners, the opportunities she is provided, and the excuses made for her. In his TIME cover article, author John Cloud says "most of the time, people miss her humor and satire and take her way too literally."

If people miss your humor "most of the time," it is because you aren't funny. Plenty of serious insults are tucked behind the convenient "I was only joking." That excuse never worked before, and it doesn't work now. If people are taking you "way too literally," then the problem isn't with the people, it is with you, and your inability to properly express yourself. Any decent writer who wants a chance of survival learns quickly how to use humor and doesn't need someone to follow behind with a "just kidding" sign. And the writer, pundit or commentator who needs constant translation in order not to be taken "way too literally" has no business in the communications field.

Sure, this is a person who I would expect to see profiled in People Magazine - just another substance-less personality of the month. For TIME Magazine to profile her, especially is such a soft-pedal way, is to give undeserved credibility and further attention to a lightweight.

AOL users can read about it here: AOL News - Cover Story Controversy