the answer is there is no answer

[threeplusfire]

I don't have the energy to summarize the numerous things I've read over the weekend, but this is my conclusion - you're damned if you do and damned if you don't. People will be offended at your historical inaccuracies, people will be offended if you represent the history and it's ugly details accurately, people will be offended and assume your share the prejudices you write about, people will be offended if you write about characters that are like you, people will be offended if you write about characters that are not like you, people will be offended even when you try to be sensitive, people will be offended even when you write about your own experience and they won't care about your explanations or the thought process or what you were trying to do. Even your apologies will offend!

I think it probably helps to talk about these things and to talk about why you choose to write what your write and all those things. But there's always something, isn't there?

An old story idea has stuck in my head and I think I might try to write it.

Comments

[violetisblue.livejournal.com]

The "answer"--so far as I can tell, having read I think exactly what you've been reading--is to shrug, say nothing and keep writing exactly what you wanted to write anyway. That's what I've been doing and will keep on doing, anyway.

[brienze.livejournal.com]

Nah, the answer is porn. Anyone who would be inclined to complain about it doesn't know where to find it in the first place, and everyone else is happy to read it.

[violetisblue.livejournal.com]

That works a treat as well.

[tsarina.livejournal.com]

Unless is is tentacle based porn that PETA might object to... hahahah.

Sex bots for the win!

[delchi.livejournal.com]

Yes.

Welcome to my world.

Finally, at least one other person understands.

[splix.livejournal.com]

Exactly. God, exactly.

[tsarina.livejournal.com]

Duplicate icons ftw!