A manifesto, according to Wikipedia, is…
a published verbal declaration of the intentions, motives, or views of the issuer, be it an individual, group, political party or government.
Thinkers and artists have used the manifesto form for centuries to crystallize their thoughts into a succinct, clearly-defined program or call for action. The American Declaration of Independence is a manifesto; so are Martin Luther’s 95 theses. Artists love manifestos, too, whether they be futurists, surrealists, or austere Danish filmmakers.
For this week’s challenge, we invite you to write your own manifesto. It can be on any topic — the evils of sheep cloning, selfie technique, raising a child — you care about. Wear your heart on your sleeve and mince no words. Unless you’re writing a manifesto calling for heart-free sleeves and minced words.
You can structure your manifesto as a numbered list, a series of bullet points, a narrative, or any other format that works for you. From the serious and heartfelt to the satirical and tongue-in-cheek, you can choose any tone you wish.
Ready to go? Manifest away! Need a few more ideas for inspiration? How about…
- Enumerating your pet peeves and how (and why) they need to be banned, immediately.
- Structuring your plan for becoming a better X (baker, dog walker, existential philosopher…) as a manifesto.
- Drafting the declaration of independence of your own imaginary utopia.
- Writing a short story in which a character composes a manifesto.
- Coming up with your own official guide to blogging etiquette (or dating etiquette. Or driving etiquette. Any etiquette, really).
I look forward to being swayed by your ironclad logic and sharp rhetoric.
