Comments on: Religion, Politics & Authors

By: RhondaL

RhondaL — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 17:40:43 +0000

I know what you mean. A very famous bestselling author has some strong political opinions that I really just wish I didn’t know – even when I agree with her. Besides, her opinions are so strong that I can pick them up from context from her books anyway.

That said, I think some genres lend themselves to either implied or overt political interpretation. Political thrillers, of course, can show an author’s political leanings. And the books that depict societal issues often portray one or many views of a subject that can dive into deep political waters.

This is a fascinating topic. And it reminds those of us working to build an audience to think about just how much we really want to reveal as part of the current trend of relationship marketing.
RhondaL´s last blog ..The Kids Barn: my Wednesday place

By: mfmakichen

mfmakichen — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 14:04:39 +0000

Hey Edie,
I think what’s hard about politics is that it’s a hot button issue for a lot of people. So a statement one person might consider innocuous, I might take as being really obnoxious.

I have lots of friends who’s beliefs differ from mine. Like you and your writer friend we choose to politely disagree with one another. There’s so much more to life than politics—like good books to read:D.

By: mfmakichen

mfmakichen — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 13:58:00 +0000

Hi Helen,
You’ve put it so well, “. . .when an artist makes a political statement in a public forum, it becomes part of their persona and tangential to their work whether or not that was their intention. ” As writers I think it’s good to be aware of this. Thanks!

By: Edie

Edie — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 13:16:16 +0000

During and immediately after the election, I mentioned my political reviews on my personal blog, but I kept it out of Magical Musings, except for one post where I used a Barack Obama quote. But I tied it to writing, not politics.

If someone whose political beliefs I disagreed with talked about their views often on their blog, I would stop going there. I’m not sure whether I would stop reading their books. It would depend on whether she was obnoxious. One of my best writer friends and I have different political beliefs, but we don’t argue or discuss it. And I buy all her books!

By: heidenkind

heidenkind — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 06:31:12 +0000

I think there are always some authors–or artists–that people either like or hate in part because their political views. I’ll admit to liking Picasso less because he was a jerk. And look at the Dixie Chicks and how strongly people reacted when they made that statement about Bush a few years ago.

I think when an artist makes a political statement in a public forum, it becomes part of their persona and tangential to their work whether or not that was their intention. People are going to judge you based on your opinions, especially about things like politics and religion; that’s a fact of life. I’ve never stopped reading a writer because of their political views, but then I tend to avoid that sort of talk.
heidenkind´s last blog ..Dial M for Murrrrrrder

By: mfmakichen

mfmakichen — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 05:15:12 +0000

Allie,
You’re so smart! I think you’re very right about this. I think it’s not necessarily what someone says but how they say it. Maybe even the intent behind what they are saying. It’s true that I wouldn’t be bothered if you talked about religion because I know you’d do it more to share your experience rather than to put anyone in the wrong.

By: Screwed Up Texan

Screwed Up Texan — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 03:56:52 +0000

I think it is about HOW one writes about their religious and/or political beliefs. For instance, I read one woman’s blog and frequently she posts about her religious and political beliefs in a manner that comes across as self-righteous and boastful in her positions. I am often annoyed by her, but refuse to say so publically or to call her out. Likewise with another blogger who is often catty and argumenative in her blog and on twitter whom I am easily turned off by who is very outspoken about her religion. Funny thing is that I share the same religion with both of these women and yet I am cautious of sharing that fact with them.

When I write I try to be my true self (authentic self) and part of that is my religion. I dont try to force my religion on others, and yet I dont also try to hide it either. I think people like that about me.