DR. MARISSA L. BLOEDOORN: As an author yourself, do you see yourself as an advocate for literacy. How can literature serve as a bridge between cultures, fostering empathy and understanding in an increasingly polarized world?
DR. BARRY S. RICOMA: Initially, I didn’t give much thought to the idea of being an advocate for literacy. However, I believe that once you are recognized as an author, you naturally become an advocate for literacy. It’s like the initial introduction to understanding another person—the first handshake greeting, if you will. Literature has the incredible ability to serve as a bridge between cultures, fostering empathy and understanding in our increasingly polarized world. Through stories, readers can explore diverse perspectives and cultures, gaining insights into experiences different from their own. This promotes a greater sense of empathy, enabling us to relate to and appreciate the shared human experiences that connect us all. By encouraging literacy, we nurture the curiosity and open-mindedness critical for breaking down barriers and building connections. In this way, literature plays a vital role in bringing people together and promoting a more harmonious and understanding global community.
DR. MARISSA L. BLOEDOORN: Can you share a pivotal moment when you fully embraced ownership of your path, unleashing your potential and breaking free in full liberation from constraints both internal (self) and external (society)?
DR. BARRY S. RICOMA: Certainly! A truly pivotal moment in my journey came between December 2022 and January 2023. During this time, I launched my first book project, JOY365, followed by the semi-simultaneous release of King Conversations
DR. BARRY S. RICOMA: An Anthology of Men in the first week of January. Both books remarkably became Amazon #1 Best Sellers, and I instantly became a multi–best-selling author. I remember thinking how surreal this experience was. It felt like a whirlwind transformation—I went from knowing absolutely nothing about writing and feeling uncertain about what to write, to being a recognized author. It was a powerful moment of realization, the point at which I fully embraced ownership of my path. Breaking free from both internal doubts and external societal constraints, I unlocked my potential, experiencing a full sense of liberation. This journey taught me the incredible power of stepping out of my comfort zone and embracing new challenges. It reinforced the notion that taking risks and believing in oneself can lead to extraordinary accomplishments.
DR. MARISSA L. BLOEDOORN: How can promoting literary awareness combat misinformation and fake news? In what ways can we encourage critical analysis and discernment among readers?
DR. BARRY S. RICOMA: Promoting literary awareness plays a crucial role in combating misinformation and fake news. It empowers individuals to conduct their own research rather than relying on sources that may take advantage of their lack of literacy to influence their opinions. By enhancing literacy skills, people become better equipped to identify credible sources and question the information presented to them. To encourage critical analysis and discernment among readers, we can take several important steps. Firstly, fostering a culture of reading from a young age can inspire curiosity and a lifelong pursuit of knowledge. Providing access to diverse literary resources allows readers to explore different viewpoints and contexts, broadening their understanding. Additionally, promoting media literacy education is key to developing the skills needed to evaluate the accuracy and reliability of information. Encouraging discussions, debates, and analyses of current events can further develop these critical thinking skills. By prioritizing literary awareness and promoting these practices, we enable individuals to navigate information more effectively, fostering a more informed and discerning society capable of distinguishing between fact and fiction.
DR. MARISSA L. BLOEDOORN: How does a deep understanding of literature help individuals navigate the complexities of human relationships and societal dynamics?
DR. BARRY S. RICOMA: A deep understanding of literature can greatly enhance an individual’s ability to navigate the complexities of human relationships and societal dynamics. Literature provides rich insights into human emotions, motivations, and interactions, offering a window into the diverse experiences and perspectives that shape the human condition. The feelings invoked by literature transcend language and cultural boundaries. For example, the works of Shakespeare, whether read in English or Japanese, evoke similar emotions in readers who enjoy his writing. This universal impact stems from the timeless exploration of themes like love, conflict, ambition, and morality, which are inherently part of the human experience. By immersing oneself in literature, individuals develop empathy and a deeper understanding of others. They learn to appreciate complexity, recognize subtle nuances, and approach situations with a more open mind. Literature also exposes readers to various societal dynamics, fostering awareness and critical thinking about issues such as power, justice, and identity. Ultimately, a profound engagement with literature equips individuals with the emotional intelligence and cultural sensitivity needed to navigate and enrich their relationships and contribute positively to society.
DR. MARISSA L. BLOEDOORN: What role does literary awareness play in preserving cultural heritage and ensuring that important narratives are not lost to time? What are some of your recommended readings?
DR. BARRY S. RICOMA: Literary awareness plays a vital role in preserving cultural heritage and ensuring that important narratives are not lost to time. Before the first words were ever recorded, history and cultural knowledge were passed down through spoken language, often through storytelling, folklore, and oral traditions. As writing developed, these narratives were documented, allowing them to endure across generations. Through literature, we can access the wisdom, traditions, and values of different cultures, gaining a deeper understanding of our shared history. Literary works capture the essence of societies, recording the voices of past and present. This preservation is crucial for maintaining cultural identity and continuity, providing future generations with a rich tapestry of human experience from which to learn and grow. One recommended reading that exemplifies the preservation of cultural heritage is the Bible. As a historical and religious text, the Bible offers profound insights into the beliefs, customs, and moral teachings of its time, influencing countless cultures and communities over the centuries. Engaging with such texts encourages us to appreciate the depth of human knowledge and creativity, ensuring that these critical narratives remain alive and influential in our modern world.
DR. MARISSA L. BLOEDOORN: How does literary awareness empower individuals to become more effective communicators, both in written and verbal forms?
DR. BARRY S. RICOMA: Literary awareness significantly empowers individuals to become more effective communicators in both written and verbal forms. By engaging with a diverse range of literature, individuals naturally expand their vocabulary exponentially. This enhanced vocabulary provides a broader palette of words to express ideas more precisely and creatively, enhancing clarity and persuasion in communication. Moreover, literature fosters better listening and comprehension skills. When individuals read, they delve into different characters’ perspectives, learn to interpret complex narratives, and decipher underlying meanings. This ability translates into improved listening skills in verbal communication, as individuals become more attuned to the nuances of conversation, allowing them to engage more thoughtfully and empathetically. Furthermore, exposure to different writing styles and storytelling techniques equips individuals with various tools to structure their communication effectively, whether drafting a sharp report or narrating an engaging story. Ultimately, literary awareness cultivates a deeper understanding of language’s potential, enabling individuals to connect with others more meaningfully and effectively.
DR. MARISSA L. BLOEDOORN: Why is it crucial for individuals to recognize the historical and cultural context embedded within literary works, and how does this awareness enrich their reading experience?
DR. BARRY S. RICOMA: Recognizing the historical and cultural context embedded within literary works is crucial because it provides readers with a window into the time when the work was created. This awareness captures the thoughts, political views, philosophies, and fundamental beliefs, values, and morals of the culture at that time. Understanding the context enhances the richness of the reading experience by allowing readers to see beyond the surface narrative and appreciate the deeper layers of meaning. It helps them grasp why characters behave the way they do, how societal norms influence the plot, and why certain themes are emphasized. Additionally, this context fosters a greater appreciation for the work’s significance and its impact on the world. It invites readers to compare and contrast these historical and cultural settings with their own, enriching their understanding of continuity and change in human society. In this way, readers gain not only a better understanding of the literature itself but also a more profound insight into the collective human experience, making their engagement with the work more meaningful and insightful.
DR. MARISSA L. BLOEDOORN: How does fostering literary awareness contribute to developing critical thinking skills and promoting intellectual growth in individuals?
DR. BARRY S. RICOMA: Fostering literary awareness significantly contributes to developing critical thinking skills and promoting intellectual growth. By encouraging individuals to engage with a wide range of literature, it offers them the opportunity to expand their knowledge. While some say that ignorance is bliss, I would counter that ignorance leads to stagnation in development and growth. Engaging with literature provides individuals with the tools to question, analyze, and interpret information rather than passively accepting it. This process of critical analysis is essential for developing a well-rounded, informed perspective. Furthermore, through exposure to diverse ideas and narratives, individuals can explore different cultures, experiences, and viewpoints. This not only enriches their understanding of the world but also enhances their ability to think critically about complex issues. Ultimately, literary awareness empowers individuals to become more informed, thoughtful, and open-minded, fostering both personal and intellectual growth.
DR. MARISSA L. BLOEDOORN: You are an author—share with our readers the purpose and intent of your literary works. For those who wish to connect with you directly, follow you online, attend your events, or purchase your books to work with you in any capacity, how can they stay connected?
DR. BARRY S. RICOMA: As an author, my literary works initially started as a means to express my feelings from past trauma and pain. This is my way of journaling through my healing process. Additionally, I wanted to share my love for travel and the outdoors and hopefully inspire others through examples of both my failures and achievements in my writing. For those who wish to connect with me directly, follow me online, attend my events, or purchase my books, there are several ways to stay connected:
Email: twowheeledfreedomofficial@gmail.com
Website: twowheeledfreedom.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheWritersBlock.TWF
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/two_wheeled_freedom/
YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@twowheeledfreedom_official
I look forward to connecting with you and sharing more of my journey.
