40 Comments
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Lanie Brice's avatar

I read that other essay and was like am I supposed to feel bad that I 100% would jump at the chance to tell someone about my lipgloss if they thought enough people liked my writing to care to read that article…

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Haili Blassingame's avatar

SAME, this interview is a PRIVILEGE

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Grace Kwan's avatar

as an asian author, her being asian absolutely has to do with her being targeted for this shit lmao

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jmannar's avatar

“But who does it serve not to serve?” *nods head furiously*

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Haili Blassingame's avatar

I know I’ve made it when Jorge leaves a comment 🥹

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Resh Susan's avatar

honestly, poc writers are looked upon with a different lens. almost like *gasp*, they can afford a $24 gloss and they actually bought it? it is ridiculous

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Olivia Giovetti's avatar

As if we don’t get that enough from our parents. (Source: Arab mom who could not believe I would spend $8 on lunch in lieu of bringing my own.)

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Arabelle Sicardi's avatar

Jan is giving joyless hater and I cannot help but laugh

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M. Liz's avatar

THANK YOU. i was so mad about this. i chose a writing program based on the fact that Katie Kitamura taught there and she had moved on to a better school by the time my classes started and you know what? that made me like her even more. 100% certified bad bitch lol. publishing is crumbling, let writers have some goddman CLINIQUE (!) lip gloss if they can afford it. also you know if Donna Tartt had done this and raved about Dior lip oil that same substack author wouldn't have a said a peep. it's also so funny bc it's like "this person has to be relatable to me" but the whole reason she's being profiled is because she's an incredibly hardworking and talented published author with a finely honed, specific authorial voice—none of which is "relatable" to most people. but i'm guessing that's what stings the most to the person who wrote that essay :/

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Jeanna Kadlec's avatar

Yes to all of this. I read the other essay and walked away from it (and most of the pretentious comments) like, do people WANT to be miserable? Are “serious” writers not allowed little joys?

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Natalie McGlocklin's avatar

I read the original article first and was like damn do I need to hide my Fenty lipgloss if I ever get famous…

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Haili Blassingame's avatar

NEVER HIDE YOUR FENTY LIPGLOSS! NOT FOR ANYONE!

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Natalie McGlocklin's avatar

Bless 😂👄

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Whitney's avatar

The misogyny of it all is getting so tired and boring. They know as well as anyone else women of color have to be both talented and hot to achieve anything anyway. Hot women have tools that make them hotter. What's the problem?

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Anneliz Erese's avatar

it’s like when people were obsessed when they found out Sontag had a Sephora subscription. women can’t win.

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Alexander Chee's avatar

Just… thank you. Thank you.

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Haylee's avatar

I left the other article so confused and am leaving this one much hotter than I was before I read it 💅🏻

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Jean Ortiz-Luis's avatar

I read that Strategist article and I wasn't bothered, but in fact, impressed! When I see non-celebrities share their expensive taste, it tells me that they're being paid well! Isn't it good to know that good writers can afford fancy lip gloss?!

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Sarah's avatar

instant follow, I didn’t read the original essay but loved your thoughtful, comprehensive takedown

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Haili Blassingame's avatar

Thank you!!!

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Cheryl Wischhover's avatar

I saw the source essay a few days ago and had a real “ick” feeling after I read it. This is a perfect rebuttal

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Haili Blassingame's avatar

Thank you!!

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Saran's avatar

YES to everything here!

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Haili Blassingame's avatar

<3 <3 <3!!!

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