Losing a Legend

Yesterday we lost one of the greatest and most original American writers of the 20th Century, Norman Mailer. Although it may be contrary to my deepest feminist convictions (it looks like Gloria Steinem would agree with me), Mailer was and is one of my greatest literary inspirations. He lived across the street from my best friend in Provincetown and I used to look at his house and day dream about following in his footsteps (but of course with an opposing female sensibility and style). I believe that Mailer was widely misunderstood throughout his career as a writer and an activist, and that was in large part due to his inability to censor his most original, real, and raw ideas about the world. I would often read some of his wildest quotes and be able to completely relate to what he was saying, in spite of his abrasiveness and his loud critics.

Mailer has left a legacy that will only gain more power and influence now that he's gone. Rest in peace, Mr. Mailer, and thank you for all that you left behind. Maybe now everyone will begin to understand what it is you were saying all along.