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L. Burney's newest work, No Sense in Wishing, blends the personal with the societal in a autobiography that acts as a tribute to his hometown. This volume examines the creative and social forces that formed his journey, weaving together subjects of family, parenthood, and institutional issues.

A Political Lens on the City

Burney notes that Baltimore has long been viewed through a political lens and seen in racial terms. He reflects on his early essays on police brutality, prompted by the Freddie Gray case and his own household experiences. Over time, his method evolved to a increasingly historical viewpoint, examining Baltimore's legacy of segregation and redlining.

Baltimore boasts arguably the most damaging public relations of every urban center in America.

Burney contends that regardless of social ills, the city's image is frequently misrepresented by media coverage. Exceptional creative work and musical talent arise from the community, yet they frequently go unnoticed by wider viewers.

Elevating Local Creatives

Through his zine True Laurels, the writer aimed to highlight Baltimore artists often ignored by larger media. One notable piece centered on a musician named the artist, who encountered alleged law enforcement targeting. While Burney's investigation, the officers implicated were charged with serious offenses, revealing systemic corruption.

• This case illustrated anti-Black and anti-poor policing.
• Burney stressed that different Black neighborhoods face the identical degree of policing.

Affective Range and Intimate Insight

The memoir balances heartbreaking moments with lighthearted ones, mirroring the multifaceted nature of life. Burney focused on evoking affective reactions in readers, arguing that emotion transcends technical proficiency in cultural production.

He discussed how musicians like Lupe Fiasco profoundly impacted his life, questioning notions of masculinity and identity.

Openness and Personal Growth

Reflecting about personal subjects—such as going to religious services, childcare, and fatherhood—required considerable vulnerability. Burney noted that discussing his experience as a parent and the decision to pursue a career opportunity in another location was especially challenging.

Writing about those feelings was not easy. That essay likely took me a quarter of a year to even produce a initial version.

Global Connections

This memoir additionally includes his journeys to the South African city and Lagos, establishing parallels between his hometown and other worldwide urban centers. He proposes that Baltimore serves as a microcosm of broader societal dynamics, such as class tension and ethnic segregation.

In the end, the writer presents the city as a primer to grasping complicated societal structures not only in the U.S., but across the global stage.