Zadie smith new yorker

You're referring to Zadie Smith's essay "The New Yorker"!

Zadie Smith is a British author, essayist, and professor, known for her insightful and thought-provoking writings on literature, culture, and identity. In her essay "The New Yorker" (published in 2019), Smith reflects on her experiences as a writer, her relationship with the magazine, and the changing landscape of literary culture.

Here are some key takeaways from the essay:

  1. The New Yorker's influence: Smith argues that The New Yorker has been a significant force in shaping literary culture, particularly in the United States. She notes that the magazine's influence extends beyond its pages, influencing the way writers think about their craft and the kind of writing that gets published.
  2. The pressure to conform: Smith discusses the pressure she felt as a young writer to conform to the magazine's expectations of what constitutes "good" writing. She argues that this pressure can stifle creativity and lead to a homogenization of literary voices.
  3. The importance of diversity: Smith emphasizes the need for greater diversity in literary culture, both in terms of the writers being published and the topics being explored. She argues that this diversity is essential for creating a more nuanced and representative literary landscape.
  4. The role of the writer: Smith reflects on the role of the writer in today's society, noting that writers are often expected to be "experts" on a wide range of topics. She argues that this expectation can be overwhelming and that writers should focus on their own unique perspectives and experiences.
  5. The power of language: Throughout the essay, Smith highlights the power of language to shape our understanding of the world. She argues that language has the ability to both unite and divide us, and that writers have a responsibility to use their words carefully and thoughtfully.

Overall, Smith's essay is a thought-provoking exploration of the literary world and the role of writers within it. Her insights are both personal and universal, offering a nuanced perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing writers today.