While reading through the articles for this week, trying to parse through the negative emotions and shocking headlines, I was struck by the juxtaposition of stories. We, as humans, tell stories to make sense of our world and often do so through creating other worlds. We tell stories to pass the time and to bring people together through creating stories of conflict. We tell stories to escape reality but in doing so we often see the horrors of reality reflected back at us.
I see the discourse surrounding stories and books as overall a positive, because the issues that are coming to the forefront (racism, sexism, bigotry) were already existing in society, and framing them through affairs in the publishing world gives the issues an additional outlet. The last few generations have grown up on more stories about strong, respected, female characters and about groups banding together to stand up to bullies (whether they be cruel cousins or corrupt governments). It’s no wonder that there is controversy surrounding the world of books. These readers know what’s at stake when society stays quiet about wrongdoings.
The reading community is also unique because reading can be a bridge to cross expanses of time, race, culture, and sexuality. And readers, upon encountering something they are unfamiliar with, have a way of letting their curiosity get the better of them. They don’t condemn or condone on sight, but let ideas and opinions simmer and morph. They research and get others involved and while reading may be an individual sport, in my experience, books touch many more people than just those who read them.
Art imitates life and when a community of people can be moved by art enough to have words from stories inked on their skin, and they see an injustice in life, I think we as a society have a better chance of pushing back against the injustice.
Hi Victoria,
ReplyDeleteI agree that books can be a jumping off point for bigger conversations around social inequities. Sometimes, it takes seeing a different idea, unique character, or troubling plot point for us to realize something about our own opinions. Several books have remarkably changed my worldview, and I am so thankful I read them. (Thinking of Sea of Rust by C. Robert Cargill, Iron Widow by Xiran Jay Zhao, and Life of Pi by Yann Martel).
"Readers know what’s at stake when society stays quiet about wrongdoings." That is a powerful statement. Book discussions might be an ideal place to talk about where we are going and where we are coming from. I wish we as a society were doing more to teach people empathy and reading to expand one's mind even into retirement.
ReplyDeleteHi! I absolutely loved your take on this: "We tell stories to escape reality but in doing so we often see the horrors of reality reflected back at us." You then went on to state how this horror is actually a positive as it brings injustices to light. This is a fantastic take and really gave me some food for thought. I agree that the shift in calling out the wrongdoings, while painful, is important and we are already seeing so many shifts in the way that stories are told. I feel like the big stepping stone here is advocating for YA. Many of the books are really telling wonderful stories in the author's own voice - and representing diversity and inclusivity. These aspects should continue to be pushed to the forefront.
ReplyDeleteI loved what you had to say here. We have always used stories as reflections of what is going on in society. In our modern society we are more than ever focused on making sure that stories and representation is authentic. This bleeds over into books as well.
ReplyDeleteFantastic insight and beautifully stated!
ReplyDeleteHi! I could not have said it better myself. The stories that we create are a reflection of our own society. Books are great for contemplation and for conversation starters.
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