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

[bachlava]

You are way too nice to me, as always. ;) And I don't think we have any reason at all to perceive you (or necessarily anyone) as narrow-minded just because you don't write slash. I would say that the kind of writing that seems to attract your muse is writing that is focused on primary issues other than the initiation and development of Relationships of That Nature, whether they're gay, straight, or man-on-hatch. And if same-sex relationships aren't prominent in canon, the only way to do them in fic is to devote significant space to developing Relationships of That Nature. Even if you wrote, say, a lot of NC-17 het, I wouldn't think there was anything narrow-minded about it. I would just think that slash wasn't the kind of pr0n that you were, erm, into writing.

To extend that a bit, in re. your point about RL politics and involvements, I think it's well and good to keep that fairly separate from fic. That is, Jack and Sayid Co-Sign an Amicus Brief Contesting Prop. 8 would make for a really crappy fic, and it wouldn't persuade anyone. (Even the choir probably wouldn't show up for that sermon.) Fandom is a hobby, and while you can always find a few people (mercifully few in Lost fandom) claiming that writing kinky fanfic is a form of radical activism or whatever, that's kind of absurd. Fanfic is a lot of fun, but if that's someone's idea of activism, s/he's wasting a lot of political time and energy. Although, honestly, considering how some of HP fandom (for example) tends to be, maybe it's best that that crowd doesn't show up for rallies and whatnot...

Anyway, rambling here. Point is, you're awesome. ;)

[elliotsmelliot]

Man-on-Hatch! Now I have an image of someone, probably Locke, humping the entrance of the hatch. I'll blame you forever!

I think RL trickles into our hobbies, at least for me. For example, I do think the great attention you pay to culture is a choice that reflects a respect for diversity and good research skills. And when I mean political, I don't mean the characters should be active activists or that fic will change the world. (I also don't buy the academic argument that slash is a feminist act of subverting traditional gender roles.) But I do like how you have Jack come to terms with having a relationship with a man. It shows that these characters do not live in a bubble, even when they were on the island. Whatever type of writer you feel you are, I appreciate the realism you put into your stories.

[bachlava]

Whatever type of writer you feel you are

Kittenfic! Kittenfic! Kittenfic!

RL definitely does trickle into our hobbies, you're right. Down to enjoying researching things, just in their own right... You are very kind. ;)