Writer's Guide 101 (Wattpad Edition)

LXXX. My Thoughts On Writing Problematic Fics

I know this is going to be a very divisive topic but a friendly reminder that this is going to be based on my personal thoughts and opinions so kindly take them with a grain of salt.
    This is not meant to insult or discourage anyone who happens to enjoy pieces of fiction with problematic themes. Let this be an open conversation and keep the comments section civil, ok?
    Also, there will be mentions of p**n, p3d0philia, racism, sexism/misogyny, abuse, violence, mental issues, trauma and substance so if you're sensitive to those things, feel free to click away. I do apologize if I have to censor myself in case Wattpad suddenly starts flagging this book.

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I remember having this conversation with someone about how all kinds of stories, regardless if they contain any taboo topics such as sm*t, inc3st, racism, sexism and probably including mental illness, violence and substance abuse, deserve to exist.
    I somewhat agreed but suggested that anyone who writes stuff that might glorify actual crimes, just be mere fetish fuel and also involving real people could face legal troubles. Let's not forget that no matter how much you insist it's fiction, it can still have an effect on others especially young readers.
    As a writer, you tend to have a huge influence on your audience.
    While I don't agree with outright banning stuff because some conservative parents are worried about their kids learning about death, trauma, cultural differences and sexuality, it is also important we view them through critical lenses and understand how we can do better.
   It is kind of similar to Greek mythology. If it was written today, God knows how much backlash it's going to receive given how it includes inc3st, child marriages, abuse/violence and gender inequality.
    They are a product of a different time. It is stuff like these that they tend to come with a sensitivity warning and modified to fit into today's modern standards. At least Greek mythology somehow acknowledges just how cruel and lawless the world can be while offering various life lessons that resonate with people.
    Then, there's also stuff that definitely deserves to be banned especially those that are outright vile and immoral.
    For example, I'm not sure if it also had a manga but there was this particular anime that's totally banned for basically being p3d0philia and horrific child torture p**n (NOTE: I am trying to be vague as possible I don't want anyone finding out what it is and end up supporting this shlop in any way).
    There is a reason why many books get banned due to them containing harmful stereotypes towards racial groups, women, the disabled or the LGBTQ+ community which should be left in the past.
    My point is unless the author has clearly stated their story is meant to call out anyone who engages with those things and bring awareness, it is just irresponsible for them and their readers to tell people "Oh, it's just fiction! If you don't like it, don't read it!" when they fail to explore certain themes with tact.
    There is a reason why we have guidelines so writers don't cause any harm unto others and to make sure we don't end up supporting the wrong people.
    While it may not seem much to you, at least consider that not everyone is going to look at it the same way as you do and it could be taken the wrong way by others (especially children and those with a history of mental illness).
    Many of us come from different cultures and environments where certain topics may not be acceptable and understood elsewhere. This is why stuff like blackface are widely frowned upon in the U.S.
   To others who might have bad experiences with stuff that you're incorporating in your stories, it could be seen as rather insensitive and triggering to them.
    People also have the right to express discomfort and concern especially if you're a very young writer under twelve who might not have any idea about the harmful stereotypes and messages you're trying to convey.
    In my perspective, it is important to be mindful of what you put out there. There should be a good reason why you decide to explore those taboo topics in the first place and not just because you feel like it. There should at least be a level of care and understanding of those mature topics.
    Just because everyone is doing it, it doesn't mean you should. You need to ask yourself what will your potential employers, family, friends or teachers would think if they found out that you wrote a very problematic story.
    Do you want to forever be known as that author who used to write problematic stories? What lessons do you want people learn from this particular story of yours?
   
"B-B-But Haru! What about the Slenderman stabbings? Do you think they should ban the original content because it caused two kids to commit a crime?"

That's why it's important for parents to have open conversations about what their kids see nowadays and check on them from time to time. Besides, they shouldn't be blaming horror stories on the Internet for why kids are so effed up!
    Last time I've checked, Slenderman doesn't encourage you to commit crimes at all. If you are unable to actually tell what is real and fake, then you shouldn't be on the Internet unsupervised and consider seeking help.

"But we should also ban books that may contain mature themes from children's libraries, right?"

No! I'd rather have a closed-off section of the library aimed at older readers between ages 18 and above where they can read supposed banned books (as long as they're not straight-up glorifying any bad stuff).
    Sure, you wouldn't place the "Assassination Classroom" manga next to Captain Underpants, would you? This is why you have trusted librarians who would make sure that every book meets certain guidelines.
    If you don't want your kids to be reading the manga, then at least explain to them why and also do your research to see what it's actually about. There are adults who make the dumbest decision to ban something because they just look at the cover and already assume it could encourage little Timmy to shoot up a school when it's not!

I hope this topic has been quite helpful with y'all. If you have different thoughts, kindly drop them in the comments. Please keep things civil and be respectful.