DC Threads Interviews Jedediah Bila

Posted by Camille F. on August 19, 2011

Hello again!

We took a summer break from the DCT interview series, but now we’re back!  

Let me know in the comments below if there is a Conservative figure you would like to hear from and I’ll do my best begging to snag an interview.

In the meantime, I am happy to feature an interview with the one and only Jedediah Bila! She’s one of those brave Conservative souls who lives in the belly of the liberal beast (NYC) and, yet, seems to thrive in the atmosphere. 

Enjoy the interview and feel free to leave a comment and let us know what you think!

PS: We are also having a special Labor Day Sale! Save 20% when you enter code LABOR20 at checkout. Sale ends Monday night, so shop now!

- Camille

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Jedediah Bila is a conservative writer and commentator who lives in Manhattan.  (Yes, really). Her recently released book, titled Outnumbered, sheds light on her experiences living as a Conservative in New York City.

You can also see Jedediah regularly on Fox News where she offers her insights on shows like Hannity and Red Eye.  In addition, she often provides a witty play-by-play of many of the most important happenings in Washington, D.C. via her Twitter account. Be sure to add her to your list of follows!



Let’s start at the beginning:  At what point did you first develop – and embrace – your conservative beliefs?

My parents and I joke that I popped out of the womb as a Reagan conservative. I found myself aligned with conservative principles as far back as I can remember, even before I really understood what that meant. I've always loved my independence and been drawn to the ideas of liberty, opportunity, and personal responsibility.

I think that I fully embraced my conservative beliefs in high school. I had an amazing teacher who certainly leaned left, but really encouraged us to think for ourselves. Reagan always made sense to me. Carter never did.

 

In your recent book, Outnumbered, you tell of your experiences living as a Conservative in Manhattan. Share with us some of what you have encountered in discussing politics among friends and acquaintances in the city.

Oh, it's been so entertaining! I've been stereotyped as everything from a "gun collector" to a "racist" to a "homophobe" to a "religious freak." It's truly hilarious how those prone to a collectivist mindset are hungry to fit you into some pre-determined package featuring all of their favorite labels.

I've also witnessed an astounding amount of misinformation with respect to Republicans, Democrats, and current events. I always say that if you're going to make it your business to hate someone, shouldn't you at least figure out why you hate them first?

Outnumbered started out as a series of journal entries that chronicled my encounters with New York City liberals during the time surrounding the 2008 presidential election. I quickly noticed themes weaving through my experiences--an intolerance, a hypocrisy, a pretty disturbing instinct on the part of Manhattan liberals to not practice what they preach. I wanted to share a very real personal journal, one that reminded me that if you're going to claim to stand for something, you better darn well have your actions reflect that.

 

Along those lines, yours is one of the fresh Conservative voices providing commentary about the issues of the day. What have you found to be the most effective tools in sharing your message with the public?

Speaking from the heart is the only way to go. My writing has been labeled unconventional by many, and I think it's mostly because I don't sugarcoat and don't stand apart from my words. I want readers to walk with me for the duration of my columns - or my book, for that matter - and to share in an experience, be it an interview, a review of a speech, or otherwise. I think it's important for writing to touch you in one form or another, to make you think about something in a way you hadn't before. So, whether I'm writing about politics, family, culture, or media, I try my best to invite readers to walk with me and see something new.

From a practical perspective, I love using social media. I use Facebook and Twitter quite a bit to share my columns, thoughts, and commentary.

 

How would you define your role in the media and, more specifically, in political media?

I like to think of myself as a girl from New York City with an opinion. I'm just a person calling it like I see it and doing what I can to get a message out there that I truly believe in. I don't come with any preset talking points, don't owe anyone any political favors, and don't seek to please this or that politician or political machine. I see my role as speaking truth as I see it, of being honest with viewers and readers, and of staying true to who I am and what I value throughout my work.

 

Moving forward, what would you most like to accomplish with your work? Any new projects on the horizon?

I'd like to continue to reach out to our youth, as they are this country's future. I never think too far ahead, to be honest with you. I take one day at a time and let God handle the big picture. If I can go to bed every night knowing that I spoke from the heart, stayed true to who I am, and stood up for something and/or someone I believe in, then I consider it a good day's work.

There are several potential projects on the horizon. I haven't made any final decisions just yet, but stay tuned for some interesting things to come.

 

DC Threads was founded as a fashion-related way for people to live and share their political views.  What is your advice about sharing Conservative ideas with friends and neighbors who may not hold the same views?

Always speak your mind. Never back away because you're in a room full of liberals or a town full of liberals or a city full of liberals! I approach conversations with people of differing political opinions as I do most things in life - just be myself and call it like I see it. Invite them to see things from your perspective, even for a minute or two. Many will refuse, but a handful just might take you up on it. Don't let intolerance or incivility make you intolerant or uncivil in return. If you're confident in what you're saying, let that be your greatest strength. It will shine through.

Also, I am - of course - a big fan of conservative gear. If you read Outnumbered, you know what I mean. So don't be afraid to wear your conservative principles on your sleeve--literally!

 

Now, for money questions: Who is the most fashionably stylish politician in the United States today?

Marco Rubio always looks pretty sharp, as does Mike Pence. In a less conventional sense, I'd say Sarah Palin. Her style can be quirky for sure, but she owns it. I've always said that good fashion is about one-quarter what you're wearing and three-quarters how you're wearing it. If you own it, it shows.

 

And...which politician is most in need of a makeover?

Hillary Clinton. See, that's an example of someone who I don't think “owns” her clothes. I feel as though someone else picks out a wardrobe for her--which never quite suits her or fits right--and then she just throws it on. That never works.

 

Finally, if these were the only 3 stores on the planet, which do you choose - GAP, Old Navy, or Banana Republic?

GAP because it has GAP Body. Workout clothes always have me at hello.

 

Any parting words for the people reading this right now?

Love you guys!

Seriously, though, I can't thank my readers and viewers enough for everything you do. Your emails, tweets, Facebook comments, calls in to radio shows, and letters truly mean so much to me. Your support, kindness, and passion inspire me to continue doing what I do. And to those of you who share my love of pizza and cupcakes - you get extra credit.

 

Bonus Question (if you’re feeling lucky):  What would it take for the GOP candidate to win Manhattan in 2012?

New York State is hard enough, but Manhattan would be particularly tricky! I'm never one to say never, though. 
The challenge is tackling the stereotypes that people have come to believe about conservatives. The challenge is battling the media. And only someone who is really authentic, who will put that party label aside and simply talk to people, and who isn't afraid of some hefty pushback, can meet those challenges.

It's all about the message. It's about tossing your party label aside and making people forget what they think they're "supposed to" feel about you. Get them to put their pre-determined, media-fed stereotypes about you aside and you have a chance. It's not easy, and you will be faced with plenty of intolerance from self-proclaimed beacons of open-mindedness, but you have to try to cut through that. At their core, I believe that most people value authenticity. They want what's best for their children and grandchildren. They crave real leadership. They don't want government - or anyone, for that matter - telling them what to do or how to live. 

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Comments (1 Comment)

Camille Questions and Jedediah Answers ~ a most enjoyable, enlightening, and entertaining Q&A session.

Posted by RuBegonia on September 01, 2011

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