Fiction can deeply affect us. And so can author actions
Fiction can affect us deeply. I’ve always known that–as long as I could read, or was read to. So I love reading about other people positively affected by books.
That’s part of the experience in the post “How Orson Scott Card Made Me a Gay Father, Broke My Heart, and Tried to Overthrow My Country” over at Green Dads. But the post also deals with the affects of having a beloved author be overtly homophobic, or bigoted, or hate-filled. I struggled with this issue over Orson Scott Card myself, since I loved Ender, but as a lesbian, it’s hard to ignore his homophobic statements that, yes, when I read them, affect me.
I don’t know if it’s always possible to separate what we learn about an author from the book. I don’t even know that we should. But before the internet, I, at least, didn’t know as much about some of my favorite authors. Sometimes, I feel like I’ve benefited from learning more about my favorite authors (like Nancy Werlin, Tamora Pierce, Lois Duncan, and so many others)–by identifying with them, or just liking things they’ve said. Other times, I almost wished I hadn’t found out some information (as in the case of Orson Scott Card) though I’d rather know the truth than ignore it.
The books still stand on their own. But I know that next time I pick up Ender, I’m going to be looking for shadows of his hatred in the book–or at least will stay aware that he’s homophobic. And that will likely interfere a bit with my reading enjoyment.
Authors are becoming more public figures, with the internet. I don’t think any author has to be or should try to be perfect or worry too much about their public image. BUT I do think that as authors–as people, period–we have a responsibility not to spread hatred, not to be bigoted–and to be kind to others. That’s my own thinking on it. It doesn’t mean you agree.
What do you think?
Thanks to @BookDads at Twitter for the link.
May 14th, 2009 at 9:00 am
Looks like the link got munged.
The whole OSC thing makes me sad. I still have a few of his books on my shelf, but I don’t know if I’ll be able to read them again. The more vocal he gets, the less I can shut it out when I read.
Though I see his views as misguided and wrong (bordering on evil), my guess is OSC wouldn’t agree that he’s spreading hatred or bigotry. Just as I’m guessing he’d think *I’m* misguided and wrong about views I see as spreading love or acceptance.
I’d say the rule of thumb should be “Don’t be a fanatic.” But I’m pretty fanatics don’t think such rules apply to them! That’s why they’re fanatics.
May 14th, 2009 at 9:06 am
Lisa, thanks for pointing out the link wasn’t working! There was an extra space; I’ve fixed it now.
It makes me sad, too. I haven’t been able to pick up Ender to read it again yet, either.
If someone is being homophobic or racist or sexist, does it matter if they don’t think they are? They still have an impact on others…. Especially prominent/well-known people….
(laughing) that fanatics don’t think the rules apply to them! I agree.
Thank you, Lisa, for your thoughtful comments!
May 14th, 2009 at 10:11 am
I wasn’t a huge fan, but I can’t even look at an Orson Scott Card book anymore without thinking of the things he says about my friends and family members.
As for other authors, I remember meeting an author once (spending the day in the same room with her, in fact) The whole time, she had the most pinched, sour look on her face, and could never say anything that didn’t sound snarky or superior. I tried to read her book after that and couldn’t, even though friends had raved about it. Maybe it was a bad day for her? Who knows, but the effect remains.
May 14th, 2009 at 12:26 pm
Maureen, yes! I can’t either (look at an OSC book and not think of what he’s said).
And I can see how that experience with an unfriendly author would turn you off her work. I wonder if it shows in her writing (her attitude)? Or if it was an off day?
May 14th, 2009 at 7:23 pm
I agree that all public figures have an obligation to not spread hate. Of course, I also realize they don’t think that’s what they’re doing.
Maureen raised an interesting point about likability. I follow(ed) the blog of a local author and I’ve begun to greatly dislike him because of his condescending personality. I do, however, really think his fiction is good.
What to do? I find myself not wanting to read his stuff anymore because he annoys me so. Maybe the lesson is: best not to blog or voice public opinions if you’re aware that you are not a pleasant person – because it will impact your audience. I don’t know how great their work would have to be for me to continue to read them if I didn’t like the author.
May 14th, 2009 at 10:25 pm
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May 15th, 2009 at 1:34 am
Ms S–yes, sometimes people don’t know they’re spreading hate.
And that whole thing about likability–I think you’ve given fantastic advice–that if an author is, well, not pleasant, they might want to have a lower profile.
On the other side, when an author has a great personality, it makes me want to read their books more.
May 15th, 2009 at 4:49 am
My comment is kind of tangential. Your post has made me ponder my own naivety about authors, movie stars etc.
I’ve listened to a character’s voice in a book and loved that character, even though my brain knew it was only a book. And I’ve kind of assumed that any author who could make a character “be” in such a way, would automatically be someone I would love too. Similarly with actors – if they play such a wonderful part, inspire me with their words and share their humanity, surely that must be a huge part of their real life persona too.
Only of course it’s not the case. In my rational moments I know that.
But it still hurts to be disillusioned.
May 15th, 2009 at 4:52 am
Book Chook, I identify completely! I think the same way. I do think that authors put bits of themselves into their work, and it shows. I think that often when we really like a character, that there probably IS something we’d like in the author….