Dealing with politically sensitive issues in your Writing

[falafel_musings]

Two things. Firstly I wanted to say there is a Hurley character discussion posted and it's only had two responses so far. Don't forget to show the big guy some love!

Secondly, I wanted some thoughts from my fellow writers on dealing with so-called politically-charged issues in your writing. Things like portrayal of gender, race, sexuality, etc.

Comments

[falafel_musings]

Oh, you do such a great job characterising Penny. I think not only do you give her independance, but her mission to find Desmond often has the larger goal of foiling her father and investigating the 815ers. You do a great job with multi-cultural characters too. I love 'From where we Stand' particularly the Sayid strand. I wish I could write Sayid that well.

On one hand Locke’s story is an interesting exploration of challenge and survival, but the fantastical elements that led to and then cured his “don’t tell me what I can’t do” side, detract from the real pain disable men and women would feel in his shoes, so to speak.

I do feel Locke's disability story was quite moving in the FBs, but I also feel dubious about the island's magical cure for him, especially when the island "takes away" Locke's ability to walk as a punishment and then heals him again as a reward. The island does a similar thing with Charlie by tempting him with heroin to see if he can resist his addiction. It really makes the island seem like a scary old Testamemt God who gives out disabilities and afflictions to sinners who don't show enough faith (I always hated that implication in the Bible). You're right that the island is a religion/spritual power all by itself. I still say the island it's a Bad God who approves of human sacrifice and genocide though. I'm not convinced of the beauty that Locke sees in it.

[elliotsmelliot]

Regarding Locke, I do like his flashbacks too. They have always been among the most compelling ones for me. However, I think how his injury occurred is almost as problematic, in terms of realism, than his healing. The multiple betrayals by Cooper took a great toil on John’s mind and body, and it is this trauma that seems to overshadow the actual paralysis.

The island is fucked-up. It's curses far out weigh its good deeds. I feel Locke should have been more suspicious of its choices by now.

[falafel_musings]

The island is fucked-up. It's curses far out weigh its good deeds. I feel Locke should have been more suspicious of its choices by now.

I think Locke's blind faith in the island is a product of the mystery. The writers don't want anyone to know until the last minute what the island actually IS or why it matters. Characters don't get to really question its choices because they aren't allowed to know the answers.