The Authors voice out in the real world

[therosesword]

Over the past couple of days myself and a couple other writers have been going at it with another author we know (published mystery writer) about authors speaking up about issues of the day.

This author's feeling is that an author should just keep their mouth shut and concentrate on writing. Said author's stance on LGBT+ has been outed a bit by their responses to gay marriage and they have had other people pull away from them.

They feel authors voicing their views are pushing their ideals onto people and they should stop it. Being a bit of a trifecta myself (Atheist, POC, straight but on the LBGT+ spectrum and female) I beg... no, I demand to differ.

As a human being it is my duty to speak up. And as an author it is demanded of me to state my stances clearly, loudly and proudly. I do not fear the loss of a reader nor do I fear getting nasty emails.

This author feels that fellow writers standing for their ideals are shoving them on other people. I, obviously, disagree. The author feels they "have bigger fish to fry" and you should only concentrate on your writing.

I believe, and I have always believed this and i will take this belief with me to the grave, but I believe that if someone in the arts has a voice that is heard by others, an writer, an artist, an actor, no matter how small or large their audience, they should use that voice.

I may not agree with what they say (I think we can all bring up a few names for that) but just because they are what they are doesn't mean they should keep their mouths shut.

If we are going to enlighten (boldly or subtly) by way of our chosen art, (and I see so many of you wanting to be diverse, inclusive etc.) then we should, I believe, do that in our daily lives.

Discuss???

[carreonaiwille]

This brings to mind a certain local author who is very vocal with her opinions. I may not really voice out my opinions(I've been brought up conservative so I think I might have traditional views), but before I had this kind of mindset that the only valuable writing was the one that could change the world. We were brought up with the history of a man who is portrayed as a hero using his writing to catalyze massive change.

If a topic or a book makes me uncomfortable, I guess just, don't read it?

[therosesword]

If a topic or a book makes me uncomfortable, I guess just, don't read it?

That's the way it should be. People can make their choices of what they want to hear and who they want to hear it from. But here's the funny part, and I've seen this. I misquote but I do have this somewhere from someone who agreed with the author: "People who write books should just keep to that. What do they know about politics or people's rights or stuff like that. Just write your stories." That, to me, convinced me to not back down from stating how I feel about something. Really? If someone is writing a book there is a fairly high level of intelligence going on there, why wouldn't they have an opinion or feeling on politics, human rights, conservation, etc.

Boggles one's mind sometimes.

[carreonaiwille]

That's just kind of ... I mean, many influential writers in History have an opinion on certain topics that are seen through their writing. And I believe, some part of your views will trickle down on your work in some way. How intentional you want to make these views visible is the difference...

[LittleBlueberryCake]

I think (please hear me out before you saying I'm wrong) But I think that in some way the statement about writers should stay with their writing isn't totally wrong.
There are a lot of instances in History where political fights broke out over an author taking on a political text and influencing their reader's ideals by what they said. I don't think that not stating opinions is always the right way but I do think that with the power you have as a writer and the influence a profession like that can bring you have to be really careful of what you say and what statements you make. A writers job essentially is convincing people of something with their writing my that be a fantasy world or a secret society. And as long as the reader is aware that this is just a novel and not reality everything is good but now take those skills and used them on a real topic that matters wouldn't that mean that you can influence and convince people of your world view better than others?
At the same time as a writer you hold power no matter what you do and even within the fantasy of your novel (if it is fantasy) you have the power to criticise what you find disturbing or unjust and people will still understand (at least those that pay attention) so even without going out and telling your position you still can criticise society or whatever topic you have trouble with.

[LittleBlueberryCake]

That's why especially because we have this power to build imaginative worlds in peoples minds and hold up a mirror on what the world is doing within that world. Writers need to be careful of what they say and how they use their words. So I think that just stating your opinion without thinking about the consequences is something a writer should never do. If they feel like they have to no matter what say something they should think of what they say like a novel and clearly build up what they want to say as to not miss use the power given to them. That's why I do believe that writing shouldn't just speak up about any topic they can find and need to be careful of what they say. But I also don't think saying completely quiet is the right way. Since after all we do hold a power to induce chance and we should use it but with thought and with care.

[arxianfall]

As a human being it is my duty to speak up. And as an author it is demanded of me to state my stances clearly, loudly and proudly.

Whole OP's post is something I heavily disagree with.

"Can I enjoy having a drink with this person?" Is a question I ask every time I meet someone new. If that someone always has an opinion, even on things we agree with, that's not a well rounded person in my eyes.

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Moving on, anther opinion, the more you engage and people validate your values, the more polarized you become and it's going to reflect in your work. You flanderize yourself. In the end I'm reading propaganda instead of a story with politics in it.

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Freely given opinions, advice, morals, will always rub people the wrong way. A tweet or forum post is not the same as going out and standing for the thing you believe in. I'd rather see that. "I'm going to!" or "I am at" is always more impactful. At least to me, because I see you taking real action for your values.

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I have a bit of recognition locally as an athlete. Over the years I've been stopped on the street by others to thank me that I made an impact in their lives. All I did was do my thing. didn't gatekeep, didn't try to direct attention to activism through my sport. If strangers stop you to mention this, then shit, I'm doing at least something right.

This is why, I find it sickening when people use the little fame they gained to push an agenda. If you really want that, push it through your work. Samizdat was that.

I'm not a nice guy. I prefer to keep quiet for another reason as well. If I ever end up in the scenario where I have to stir something, I much prefer not draw any unwanted attention on me.

Look at it through this example and again it's a hypothetical example I don't want anyone to latch on it it like internet always does: Let's say we fight for the same cause. You are more willing to go out there and shout for it. I might pick up a gun.

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Finally, I don't really care. You do you. If it affects me personally then I'll approach you about it.
Before typing this I sent a link of this to my friend. He agrees with you, I don't. At the end of the day me and my friend still have each other backs and still have fun together no matter how much we disagree on things.

[nathanKmcwilliams]

Yeah I have to disagree as well. It's not my duty to do anything. My comic doesn't need to reflect my beliefs. And no one needs to know my personal business, and I don't need to know theirs.

[therosesword]

So I think that just stating your opinion without thinking about the consequences is something a writer should never do. If they feel like they have to no matter what say something they should think of what they say like a novel and clearly build up what they want to say as to not miss use the power given to them.

Ah, but are you assuming that a writer's opinions are uninformed or not based on personal experience? My apologies if that's the intent you thought that I had. Say a writer has been abused in some way (physically, racially, mentally, no matter what gender) and they speak out about abuse. Are they not qualified? Should allies of marginalized people just send money to fundraisers and disappear into the background and not lend support by a physical or verbal presence? (my dealings with the author in question were her telling me to shut up about personal experiences.)

I agree that you should know your subject but if someone asks me what I think or if I am with a group talking about a subject I will impart my thoughts, whether they are popular or not. And, if it's a subject I know nothing about, I'll keep my mouth shut or ask for more information.

[therosesword]

Soooo.... in other words, when the local animal shelter I've been an advocate for for many years calls me for my tiny little voice to write or say a few words in their support, I shouldn't?

Or the horse rescue (again many years support) asks me to work on both a vocal and written program supporting their work with PTSD people I should turn them down?

I should refuse to advocate for a friend who was brutally sexually assaulted by a family member for years when she asks me to lend my voice at the parole hearing?

When the homeless shelter I've been contributing to for years asks me for advocacy I should say no, my place as a writer is to shut up and stay in my room?

Or the local reading program for children, I should refuse to lend my voice to them as a local (albeit tiny) author advocating for literacy.

Everyone should do what works best for them and I will not tell someone what they should do when it comes to using their author's voice, I didn't do that in my first post, but I will tell you how I feel about it and how strongly I feel about it (which is what I did do.) Whether someone wants to do what I do is up to them, I won't tell them they're wrong because they're not, they're doing what is right for them. But it would be wrong for me not to express (when asked) my thoughts, feelings and opinions. And if that makes me a less than well rounded person... well, so be it. but then, you are also expressing your opinion.

[arxianfall]

Your examples and your opening post are two different things. Completely.
Feels like twisting to me right now.

They feel authors voicing their views are pushing their ideals onto people and they should stop it. Being a bit of a trifecta myself (Atheist, POC, straight but on the LBGT+ spectrum and female) I beg... no, I demand to differ.

As a human being it is my duty to speak up.

Not my fault if I understood something else.

If we are going to enlighten (boldly or subtly) by way of our chosen art, (and I see so many of you wanting to be diverse, inclusive etc.) then we should, I believe, do that in our daily lives.

Who the fuck am I to think so high and mighty of myself that I'm going to enlighten people. I make silly things and ride my board.

You do you.

[aqua03]

I agree, you're not obligated to use your voice or your work to speak for causes if you don't want to, but if you do feel that it's the right thing for you to do so,then more power to you. But everyone's different on that front and has different comfort levels regarding that, so it's not a one size fits all issue and you should be aware and respectful of that regardless of where you fall. At least. That's my thoughts on this subject anyways.

[bluejamtoast]

Methinks they’re not actually mad at you for ‘pushing your ideals unto people’ but mad at you ‘pushing ideals’ they disagree with lol

Either way you’re not the first nor last writer with a political message/commentary in your work; It’s common. The author isn't the first nor last to be upset about it; that's common. You voiced your thoughts in your work, they voiced their thoughts on you voicing your thoughts in your work, you’re now here voicing your thoughts on their voicing of their thoughts on you voicing your thoughts in your work and now I’m voicing my thoughts on thoughts you’ve voiced on their voicing of their thoughts on you voicing your thoughts in your work hahaha

In conclusion not that deep imo

However

As a human being it is my duty to speak up. And as an author it is demanded of me to state my stances clearly, loudly and proudly.

I personally disagree with this statement

Regarding as an author it is demanded of me I disagree with the notion that it should be/is a prerequisite. There are many authors who I do not know their age, sex, gender, sexuality, nationality, race, ethnicity, political alignment, history, lifestyle, activism, or even their real name. And that’s perfectly fine. I don’t think it makes their work better or worse.

Regarding ‘As a human being it is my duty to speak up’ I think that is vague; I don’t believe in a blanket statement that all humans for all ‘issues’ have a ‘duty’ to speak on them. I’ve seen people outside my community speak on issues concerning my community chatting absolute BS with misinformation and shallow knowledge cos they thought it was their ‘duty’ and mentally I’m like ???wtf?? who employed you? kindly relieve yourself of that duty smh

Nothing wrong/right about the act of speaking. It’s not an obligation. But if you chose to speak, be informed

Regarding state my stances clearly, loudly and proudly’ the quality of the execution of this is not always high. IRL (at least in my experience) politics is a nuanced discussion, one's thoughts on the really juicy topics put into words would be a thesis not a 280 character headline. Literally look at this whole ass reply to just 28 words in your simple og post lol; I empathise with people who do not think certain social medias are the right platform to discuss their thoughts on more controversial topics.

-People using the same buzzwords but with completely different meanings, in efforts to be concise end up losing clarity. If I say ‘I’m feminist’ to 100 different people that is 100 different interpretations of what I stand for. It can be challenging to be clear whilst avoiding tribalizing your thoughts.

-Being loud can be detrimental to those who do not want to make a thought their brand. Idk about you but my thoughts are constantly changing as I learn more and as the world & my environment changes. I personally find people that are the loudest are the most resistant to evolving, tend to double down and outright deny reality to save face since they have invested in an image and those that do change receive huge backlash, plus there is an element of cringe that your previous branding is forever immortalised on the internets.

-I agree we should all be proud to an extent but also its normal to have doubts, we’re not all big brain phd holders in economics, psychology, social science etc and I don’t think one should feel demonized for saying ‘I’m not sure’.

This is not to discourage people to speak btw, just outlining some reasons why others don’t

but I believe that if someone in the arts has a voice that is heard by others, an writer, an artist, an actor, no matter how small or large their audience, they should use that voice.

I’m all aboard the speak yourself, don’t die in silence train but don’t believe I should comment on how they decide to use their voice. I feel the set expectation is how we get mainstream performative activism.

So tldr Expressing your opinion on modern day issues in work is sooo normal and common idk why the author you’re beefing with is shook, however I don’t agree that there is an inherent moral obligation to express opinions in work. You’re not ‘right’ if you do, you’re not ‘wrong’ if you don’t

[therosesword]

Methinks they’re not actually mad at you for ‘pushing your ideals unto people’ but mad at you ‘pushing ideals’ they disagree with lol

Either way you’re not the first nor last writer with a political message/commentary in your work;

First of all, love your response.

I actually don't "push" my ideals. I simply state them and if they are firm (such as adopt don't shop with pets) I am not dissuaded. I explain that's how I feel and I let the other person make their own decision and I don't judge. Also, this isn't about putting ideals in work (title is "Authors voice out in the world") I tend not to do that, although my heroes are rather nice to animals.

I consider my writing story telling meant for entertaining so I don't go that route.

One thing I find interesting about some of the comments here is... and I'm not sure if it was directed specifically at me or the ubiquitous "you/them/they" but there seemed to be the feeling that I would speak out without knowing my subject and/or was advocating that.

Nope. If I'm going to speak about something unless I have my groundwork done and if I'm not familiar with a subject I will research it and ask questions if someone should ask me my opinion. Also I don't go around spewing opinions unless it's asked for or in the course of a conversation where a subject is brought up for discussion.

Just wanted to clear those misconceptions up.

thanks for your response.

[ble]

Well, take my opinion as an outsider, as right now i'm not a creator/author of anything. (droped my comic, don't have an audience, lost my supporters, lost motivation to do art, etc).

I could understand why some authors will choose to not voice their opinion, especially on controversial topics, because there are big risks involved. The biggest one is the whole cancel culture, when some people may and will get their career destroyed by speaking way too much on social media.

Will you risk your livehood, just because you couldn't stop yourself from saying something?

It's being right on the internet or pushing your ideals more important than your career?

Despite making comics in the past, i never considerer myself a writer, but i think that really clever writers in the past, managed to get their let's call it "messages", hidden in their works, let people figure out or not. Instead of writing it bluntly on social media.

[Kaydreamer]

I think it's important that people, authors included, are permitted to speak as much or as little as they like, on whatever topics they want to. It's not anybody else's place to police what another person should or should not be contributing to a discussion. (So long as it's not, like... violent or dehumanising rhetoric.) If you want to use your platform to contribute your voice to important discussions, you should absolutely do that! I applaud you for it.

I tend not to speak out on some topics, because my takes on said topics, while humanistic, are rather more nuanced than the likes of Twitter can handle - even though I lean progressive. (They do like their good vs evil thinking over there, and people will twist your words if you're not 100% on board with their rhetoric.) I do speak out on other topics, where there's less of a grey area.

I haven't yet had the experience of "You're not saying anything about X topic, so you must be X-phobic" thrown at me, but that's probably a matter of time.

Whether a creator is political or not, whether they like to speak out or not, we could all do with a little more acceptance of what people have to say. (Or what they choose not to say.)

[therosesword]

There are topics I won't go near even though I have some expertise in them. And, of course, the different charities/groups that I have availed myself to call on me whenever they want for spoken (although not so much now that I'm not in the audio business) or written word work. This author's take was to do none of that, not even advocate for a literacy (yeah, and she's an author) program. It's her choice, but you're quick to get a reprimand from her if you follow your heart. She disagreed with me when I told her I stood up to someone who called me, not someone else but me, a racial slur. You just "put up with it and shut up." is her stance.

I can't go there.

[Kaydreamer]

Yeah, sounds like she has a horrible stance.

Children's literacy is one of my soapboxes, especially as a comic creator. I'll stand and shout about that all day. Anyone telling me to shut up about that can go take a hike, I care about it, and I'm going to talk about it.

If she wants to stay quiet and meek, she's more than welcome to, but she shouldn't expect others to do the same. That's totally unreasonable.

[therosesword]

I will be more than happy to join you on that soapbox.