I agree that it isn't the author's job to provide readers with trigger warnings, and it's a losing game. There is no way of knowing what things might potentially upset or offend different individuals. Genres are a fair guide, and beyond this, readers simply have to develop some coping skills. Books are make-believe, after all.
Beyond what it asks of authors, it's infantilizing to other readers and potentially spoils the experience for those who don't wish to be coddled. I definitely don't want to open a book with trigger warnings letting me know in advance what it contains. So much for surprises! Trigger warnings might as well just be called Spoilers.
Also, as in your example, if a reader knows he or she is susceptible to violent or frightening imagery, is horror really the genre for them? If adult themes are potentially upsetting, maybe it's best to stick to books for a younger audience. Or faith-based stuff. Etc.
I know my preferences and dislikes in terms of content, and I take the responsibility for that stuff on myself; I don't place it on the author. I also don't have an emotional meltdown if I do encounter something that makes me uncomfortable because discomfort is part of life, and the fictional world of books is the safest training ground for life's emotional ups and downs. Also, we have the power to stop reading any time. If readers don't like where the story is going, they can always put the book down.
I totally agree with your point that trigger warnings does a disservice to readers. If they are reading in a genre like horror or true crime, they likely already know to expect more adult-oriented content. If such content bothers a specific reader, like you say, they shouldn't be reading in that genre in the first place. I think trigger warnings are a symptom of a modern societal trend where people refuse to take personal responsibility for their own choices and want to blame someone else for it.
I've got a detrans character in one of my upcoming stories. She's written in such a way that a reader might interpret her as going through all sorts of changes, but to me she's detrans. She's written that way so the reader can build a picture of her over time, get what they want to find out of it.
I was told by a handful of friends who are more left-leaning not to tackle this subject in a story, as I hadn't personally experienced it. I then pitched it to some others, who loved the idea and helped me find sources and stories.
What's interesting is that two of the people who told me not to write it, had previously told me I should tackle white-on-black racism in my stories, which I definitely have not experienced. I've not experienced either thing, but I was asked to look at one and not the other. My point is that people will decide what you can and cannot write about based on what their favourite youtuber tells them. But I've never listened to youtubers.
And I will write what interests me, when it interests me.
To any passing readers who are interested, the story includes robot demons.
Science fiction is another genre that fits well with the theme of my article. Classic sci-fi is built around exploring uncomfortable themes/issues. I think you have the right attitude/approach for your stories, Phillip: writing what interests you when it interests you. Authors need to not be afraid to explore characters that push readers out of their comfort zone. It's liberating when they don't care what self-appointed gatekeepers within the writing community think.
Thank you! And precisely, I'm finally being noticed for being uncompromising. Just started standup comedy and a physicist really loves the tardigrade story (which a few people said needed to be made more 'relatable' as if a tardigrade should have a polaroid of his wife in his tiny pockets)
I agree that it isn't the author's job to provide readers with trigger warnings, and it's a losing game. There is no way of knowing what things might potentially upset or offend different individuals. Genres are a fair guide, and beyond this, readers simply have to develop some coping skills. Books are make-believe, after all.
Beyond what it asks of authors, it's infantilizing to other readers and potentially spoils the experience for those who don't wish to be coddled. I definitely don't want to open a book with trigger warnings letting me know in advance what it contains. So much for surprises! Trigger warnings might as well just be called Spoilers.
Also, as in your example, if a reader knows he or she is susceptible to violent or frightening imagery, is horror really the genre for them? If adult themes are potentially upsetting, maybe it's best to stick to books for a younger audience. Or faith-based stuff. Etc.
I know my preferences and dislikes in terms of content, and I take the responsibility for that stuff on myself; I don't place it on the author. I also don't have an emotional meltdown if I do encounter something that makes me uncomfortable because discomfort is part of life, and the fictional world of books is the safest training ground for life's emotional ups and downs. Also, we have the power to stop reading any time. If readers don't like where the story is going, they can always put the book down.
Perfectly stated.
I totally agree with your point that trigger warnings does a disservice to readers. If they are reading in a genre like horror or true crime, they likely already know to expect more adult-oriented content. If such content bothers a specific reader, like you say, they shouldn't be reading in that genre in the first place. I think trigger warnings are a symptom of a modern societal trend where people refuse to take personal responsibility for their own choices and want to blame someone else for it.
I've got a detrans character in one of my upcoming stories. She's written in such a way that a reader might interpret her as going through all sorts of changes, but to me she's detrans. She's written that way so the reader can build a picture of her over time, get what they want to find out of it.
I was told by a handful of friends who are more left-leaning not to tackle this subject in a story, as I hadn't personally experienced it. I then pitched it to some others, who loved the idea and helped me find sources and stories.
What's interesting is that two of the people who told me not to write it, had previously told me I should tackle white-on-black racism in my stories, which I definitely have not experienced. I've not experienced either thing, but I was asked to look at one and not the other. My point is that people will decide what you can and cannot write about based on what their favourite youtuber tells them. But I've never listened to youtubers.
And I will write what interests me, when it interests me.
To any passing readers who are interested, the story includes robot demons.
Science fiction is another genre that fits well with the theme of my article. Classic sci-fi is built around exploring uncomfortable themes/issues. I think you have the right attitude/approach for your stories, Phillip: writing what interests you when it interests you. Authors need to not be afraid to explore characters that push readers out of their comfort zone. It's liberating when they don't care what self-appointed gatekeepers within the writing community think.
Thank you! And precisely, I'm finally being noticed for being uncompromising. Just started standup comedy and a physicist really loves the tardigrade story (which a few people said needed to be made more 'relatable' as if a tardigrade should have a polaroid of his wife in his tiny pockets)
Let's smash those gates open.