Ever since the recent election, things have been difficult to say the least. I'm not a very political person so don't ask me for my views. I'm someone that's aware of the situation and wants to change it for the better in my own way. Lately though, from the reader/writer's community such as book-tube or blogs; many of them are deeply sadden the results and declare their ideals for the opportunity for voices to be heard. While I do agree with them to a certain degree, I can't help but wonder about the negative side to it all. This could mostly be because I am not a political person. I understand the corrupted system and I understand the views and huge worries others do express. But, do I want to shove down my views down a person's throat or edge them to follow one side? No. Its not a humanly kind thing to do. It's honestly disregarding the first amendment of 'freedom of speech' we all stress about in this country. I'm sorry, my train of thought is nuts and I don't want that. I simply want to discuss how much I noticed the change in writing and reading for everyone, including myself.
From I gathered in the last few days, I begun to notices posts such as "writing is political' or vise versa with reading. As an reader, I identify as someone who snatches a book based on a detailed synopsis or the seer beauty of the cover. I don't really try to look up the book before I read it from sites such as good reads or you tube; but I do soon after I start it or finish it. Half of the time, I don't realize that a book is written by a writer of different color or religious views, I just frankly want to embrace their stories. Back in the day, I never seen that option, but I do see it. But, do I care? Yes and No. Yes, because the story could be a fantasy with its own set of rules, or it could be a realistic fiction with their opinions on the government as the define undertone in their plot. And with No, I rather enjoy the person's story regardless of the color of skin, male or female, etc. Readers like myself shouldn't have to feel uncomfortable with a book and feel judged because we took out a certain book from the store or library. A story is a tale for all and not a forced platform of political view that was just dawned upon in someone's head.
Now for my point of view as a writer, I completely understand how we have the grand freedom to write whatever the hell we want. I am a writer of fiction yet I completely get that we can add our personal values and opinions into a story we want everyone to see and enjoy. However, seeing writing as only an political act is something I don't feel right about. I mean, I can write about the importance of minorities, the suppression of women and their lack of equality and everything else. But, why solely focus on it now? Couldn't we do that before Trump became pre-elected? Yes we could and still can to this day. I love all authors and if their stories appeal to me, then I would read their stories and their thoughts. But, I miss the fun in writing. When I work on my stories, I feel like I will fail in expressing my love and creation to you all if I don't bring enough of what you want in a book. The fun in writing is gone, and while I love to be a rebel, I miss the old times and I'm sure other writers do too.
But, perhaps its a way to grow up as writer and reader. Maybe we do have to be a mature rebel and write to get the higher ups to listen. None of us are going to stop writing, but can still have fun like we use too? I hope. So end this, well, rant; my personal opinion is yes writing has always been whatever we want. Political, entertainment, so forth, and why fight now when we should've start fighting for all equality a while ago? Why make pledges now instead of before? Just because Trump was selected as president? That shouldn't be a reason. Fighting for your friends, family, and strangers should be the only true reason. If the world goes in the crapper, then we'll fight smart and not burn our flags down from a pole like a idiot. Maybe I am asking too much as someone that is still trying to learn about the world, but can we as writers enjoy what we do without pressure?
