"Thank you Jill for your welcome. I think your children's book on sexual abuse is much needed. I applaud you for writing it. When my son was in Iraq I wrote a children's book to explain war and separation for my…"
Thoughts and questions.
What makes a story more authentic? A story by a white writer or one by an Asian writer? Is the white writer privileged to write a story about Asian people? (cue Racefail09)? Likewise, can an Asian writer write about white people? I was told once (in a review) that my steampunk felt like a parody of Victorian England and my white characters came across as ‘fake’. Similarly, comments were made about my name. Asian last name/surname = automatic assumption that writer is Asian = bad English or English being second/third/fourth language). With attitudes like this still prevalent in the SF/F ‘community’ (I hesitate to use the term, simply because I do not see a community, only groups and factions), world SF is a misnomer.
Comment
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Comment by Joyce Chng on April 17, 2010 at 6:42am -
Hi Irma,
It is an important question! I tell myself that it is possible to write about other cultures, with empathy and sensitivity. Not sure if those commentators were jealous - but I do agree that there are folks who enjoy being negative/cynical. I totally agree about research. :)
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Comment by Irma Gonzalez on April 16, 2010 at 3:41am -
Dear Joyce\Chng
This is such an important question. I know that it is possible to write about someone's culture other than your own. I think that the commentators of your writing were jealous. Some people enjoy a negative chat. Emphatically, one should as a writer, be able to put one's self inside the shoes of someone else across the world. The old people's tale of don't judge until walking a mile in their mocassins, is still something to think about. Research is essential. Imagination is next. Then blend in.
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