Houston Mayor's choice of City Poet Laureate (appointed, home)

[migee]

Honestly - do the voters in Houston really think that they are demonstrating their place in trendiness?,,,Or, is Houston possibly a little screwed up on occasion?

The new Poet Laureate is at best an amateur poet, though she did author a couple of books.

She and the mayor feel that she will contribute towards focusing on the diversity of the city.

As a European American male - I wonder how inclusive this will be, in light of the fact that her first novel is titled "To the Last Man I Slept With & All the Jerks Just Like Him"?

I really wonder just how she and the mayor view men?

I wonder if the voters in Houston really know who and what they are voting for? (Yes I know she was appointed - by someone Houston voted into office)

They may be 2 wonderful women...But honestly - A Poet Laureate is usually called upon to write a poem (on behalf of the city they represent) - Are we in for a surprise if an occasion arises to honor someone that the new Poet Laureate views as possibly a "....Jerk Just Like Him"


***I read a bit of her book - It is from a women's perspective (on dating/relationships with men). And from what I read - she may associate bad behavior (in men) too broadly. And that is why her choice for the title of the book causes me to question her choice in this position.

[houstonfan]

Does this city even need a poet laureate? Pfft...
I'm all for supporting the arts, but what is poetry going to bring to the city? And why her? Why couldn't the mayor just hold a poetry contest and may the best poem(s) win?

[tstone]

Originally Posted by migee

I really wonder just how she and the mayor view men?

Come on, we already know the answer to that question!
Sounds like two peas in a pod here...

[migee]

Originally Posted by houstonfan

Does this city even need a poet laureate? Pfft...
I'm all for supporting the arts, but what is poetry going to bring to the city? And why her? Why couldn't the mayor just hold a poetry contest and may the best poem(s) win?

I am not sure if she is getting paid...If it's a decent sum of money - Yeah' I'd like a try also...It sound's like one of those "Hey I can sit home today and work in my pajamas" type of jobs.

[migee]

Originally Posted by tstone

Come on, we already know the answer to that question!
Sounds like two peas in a pod here...

The mayor is open and honest about herself. I can't say that onto itself makes her view men badly.

As for the new Poet Laureate - She's apparently had bad experiences with men. But that itself does not indicate she is of any sexual persuasion.

Perhaps she should take a look at what it is that first attracts her to a guy.

But that's her personal business...The concern of the people in Houston is that she is fair to all. And classifying certain people as "jerks" is something to make a priority to review.

[houstonfan]

The job pays an honorarium of $5k per year. I read more on it and she does have to do things to promote poetry in the city and 'bridge communities' through poetry, not just write poems, so the stipend is justified. But still, not sure we need to promote poetry or how it bridges communities....sounds really fluffy imho.

[crbcrbrgv]

I'll take the job. Here's a sample:

There once was a city named Houston,
Texas, it did not need
Now not much quite rhymes with Houston,
but it'd be nice if we could secede

[EasilyAmused]

Hmmm..oh yes funds well spent...a poet !!!

People, please actually vote next time.

[Schumacher713]

Who cares? I did not even know their was a city poet.