
Let’s Talk Bookish is a weekly bookish meme created by Rukky @ Eternity Books and is hosted by Aria @BookNookBits. Each Friday, there is a discussion topic for bloggers to write about, this week we will be discussing…
TOPICS THAT CAN’T/SHOULDN’T BE REPRESENTED IN FICTION by MIKAELA @ MIKAELA READS
Prompts: Are there certain topics that can’t or shouldn’t be represented in fiction? If so, why shouldn’t they be? Do you think problematic/controversial issues in society should remain strictly part of the real world, or should they be explored in fiction? Should the ability to write about problematic or controversial topics be limited to certain people?
Censorship of any kind is a slippery slope that I would hate to see any country or society embark on. To that end, I don’t believe any topic can’t or shouldn’t be represented in fiction. What I will talk about, and what can be problematic, is how those topics are presented to the audience.
Whilst I might not be comfortable reading about certain topics/events in a book, that doesn’t mean it should never be included. I have the ability to choose what I read, to close the pages if it is heading in a direction that I am uncomfortable with. Do we ban all thrillers because they contain death? Do we ban all horror books because they contain murder and violence?
I don’t particularly enjoy books that try to moralise, that have underlying “messages” about and for society. Others do look for those things in their reading material, so if it’s there it’s OK and if it isn’t that is also fine. I read for fun and entertainment and am also able to understand the difference between fact and fiction. Books will contain subject matter that in real life would be illegal, unacceptable or just plain wrong. As long as the book isn’t encouraging those actions, painting them as desirable, making excuses for them, who am I to judge?
Should the ability to write about problematic or controversial topics be limited to certain people? Oh my word the idea of that question actually concerns me much more than any book content ever could. Who gets to choose those people and what criteria would they use? I’m shuddering at the very thought!
