Does our writing have an impact?

[erestor]

Edited to add: this entry was neither about the quote nor about the entry I linked to. When I wrote this entry here, all I knew was the quote, I didn't know where it came from. I only linked back later because once the origin was known, I thought it would be the proper thing to do. What the entry really was about: the fact that because of a well-

Comments

[hms_dauntless]

everybody who thinks their writing makes people do something has an overblown ego
That statement, taken as it face value, is just crap, and not even worthy of a psychoanalysis, because it is in the same line of "it's only a popcorn film ! it's only for fun ! etc etc ". Laziness of thought, just that.
But to deny that written words do affect people's minds and actions is, IMHO, to miss the whole meaning of writing. Human civilization and its history is based on written words

On the other hand, the statement might have more solid content if meant as "if I write about a murder, I'm not responsible for people murdering someone in the way I portrayed in my story.". Which is right.
Provided the story was not an apology of murder in itself.
As an author I am not responsible for the actions of my characters. That's true. But I am responsible for the *message* attached to those actions. And I can (must) be judged for it.
Not advocating for censorship of intentions, of course ! Just saying that the "it's only fiction, it can do no harm" argument is flawed. Everything can do good/harm, depending the way it's handled.

[erestor]

Pulsarkat found the link, I've edited my entry so you can read the statement in context.

But I am responsible for the *message* attached to those actions. And I can (must) be judged for it.

Exactly, that's my point. Nothing we do comes without responsibilities, because we don't live in a social limbo, unless we're hermits sitting on some mountain.

There are those cutesy comic books for kids which are printed by neo-nazis. Very sweet! Lovely white icebears and black monkey who come to a cutsey sweet agreement that they, unfortunately, can't live in the same country. It's only fiction. But uh, the message...

[hms_dauntless]

Nothing we do comes without responsibilities
Word. "Pure entertainment without ethic involvment" does not exist (unless the supporter of this notion does not accompany it with a statement that his/her choice of entertainments does not involve his/her brain, either. Pitiful, but it happens. Often *g*)

Lovely white icebears and black monkey who come to a cutsey sweet agreement that they, unfortunately, can't live in the same country. It's only fiction. But uh, the message...
*shudders* Nothing more heinous and more criminal than trasforming a crime into something to have a laugh about.