POLITICAL CORRECTNESS
AND THE INDEPENDENT AUTHOR
Do independent authors need to be
concerned about being politically correct in their writing? Or does anything go
if they’re writing fiction?
The short answer
is that you can’t be too careful. In fiction, it may be realistic to have a
character who spouts politically incorrect statements. But do it too much and
you could be offending some of your readers. In description, stay away from
anything the least bit offensive.
I do understand
that sometimes it’s hard to keep up with the latest terminology. Be aware that
is easy to inadvertently say the wrong thing. In researching my second book, I
discovered that it’s no longer correct to say a person is an albino: That
person has albinism. Do your homework when in doubt.
It’s safest to
avoid getting involved in anything political or possibly offensive to minority
groups while you’re on social networks. Fiction authors work hard to build an
audience. It’s a daunting task, sometimes taking years; you can’t afford to put
anyone off.
Tips to stay out of trouble with
your readers.
1.
Limit any politically incorrect commentary to
character dialogue, and only if it’s necessary to the story. Limit it to one
character, one who is unsympathetic.
2.
In any descriptive passages, remain neutral.
3.
When uncertain, do your research.
4.
Keep your social networking social—avoid anything
political.
5.
When in doubt, leave it out.
Dear Readers,
None of us wants to offend a
reader, even with a well-intended comment. I’ve had the advantage of being in a
critique group with a person who was very politically correct. I was called to
the carpet on things I thought were just factual, but could have been
interpreted the wrong way. I learned to rewrite it or leave it out without any
problem in the storyline.
I hope all of you are finding time
to enjoy the beautiful weather we’ve been having here in the Midwest.
Marla
"There must be no restraints to pure fiction when it comes to our characters. It's vitally important to ensure characters are real (transparent) in what they do, think and say. However, it is extremely unwise to entertain adverse comments, views, opinions or prejudices in narrative when the author is seen to 'act/speak/preach' -- that's nothing to do with the idiotic PC Brigade but book sales. A clever or astute writer can say whatever he thinks through a character, the secret is not to overdo it and keep it relative to plot. The last thing an author needs is to lose readers because he or she has a personal agenda to force onto others. Ironic, as that is what the PC Brigade is all about. :) "
ReplyDeleteB.J.Kibble 'Thriller Writer'
Hi,
DeleteGood to hear from you! Very well said and I agree with every word. The whole PC thing in our country has become ridiculous, but won't go into that here. You're right, the writer has to keep it relative to the plot and never have anything derogatory in narrative. Personally, I think political agendas belong on sites that are created just for that type of thought and not on social media sites. (not a popular opinion, however!)
Have a great week!
Marla
I completely agree with your approach. I let my characters say whatever a real person in the same circumstances would say, but I avoid scrupulously offense in narrative. For me, it's a matter of good manners. We must always recall that we are in the entertainment business, and we want to attract and hold as many fans (hence buyers) as possible. My overall views on "Political Correctness" may be read in my blog post, "Do We REally Want Thought Police?" on my website at wbellauthor.com. Warren Bell
ReplyDeleteHi,
DeleteI liked your post! And yes, we can't be too careful. I think what is hardest, is the ever-changing opinion on what IS correct. Hard to keep up with it and not unintentionally say the wrong thing.
Thanks for your note,
Marla
There is a writer (who will remain unnamed) who flamed me when I suggested that I "liked" her on Facebook because I enjoyed her work (which is not at all political) --- and NOT because I wanted a continuing litany of her political beliefs (in a snarky manner, no less). She suggested that I stick to her author page, and not her personal page. At the time, I was unaware that she even had a dedicated author page. And I'm evidently no friend of hers, so I de-friended her. In short, if you are an author, make certain to be careful who you accept as a friend on your personal Facebook page. Incidentally, I avoid politics even on my so-called personal FB page.
ReplyDeleteHi,
DeleteTotally sympathize, Denise. I had to unfriend a friend who had political commentary daily on FB. I got a lot of flack when I said on FB that I didn't think FB was the place for that kind of thing. I'm with you--I avoid anything to do with politics on the social networks I use as an author. My beliefs may influence an occasional follow on Twitter. Don't tell anybody, though!
:)
Thanks for stopping by. Have a great weekend,
Marla
I agree we must be careful but being too PC will mean we end up saying very little. Someone is always going to be offended by something. I agree fiction is not the place for rants - a clever author can say a lot without any of those! As I get old and cranky I discover an awful lot of ageism in all sorts of fiction - but why should I get offended? I'll just try to write fiction that puts the record a bit straighter.
ReplyDeleteThe daft thing about PCism is that the people flying its flag get a lot more offended than the people who they claim to be supporting. 'Why shouldn't they call 'em 'Christmas Lights' ' said my Muslim taxi driver as we passed under a lovely street display my local council had decreed were Festive Lights so as not to offend Muslims. 'After all, it's Christmas innit. It don't offend me, mate.'
Hi Lindsay,
DeleteYou bring up a good point. "The people flying its flag" are often the ones to cause the problems and it is getting ridiculous here as the cabbie pointed out.
I usually err on the side of being careful though. Once had a fierce troll attack from something I said on my blog (had nothing to do with PC) that I thought was an innocent comment on reviewing. Since then I'm very leery of saying anything the least bit controversial at the risk of being boring!
Have a great week and thanks for stopping by,
Marla