Let’s be frank. A discussion of religion and/or politics between strangers, and even friends, can be a minefield. Unless of course everyone agrees on all the same issues–then feelings of validation abound. Everyone should have the right to publicly state their political and religious beliefs without any fear of reprisal. I believe this absolutely and support everyone’s right to do so.
Yet I find myself torn about this issue when it comes to fiction writers. There are those writers who flat out will not explicitly discuss politics or religion. They’ve made a conscious decision not to do so. Some writers take this stance because they fear the affect their personal opinions may have on the sales of their books. Others simply believe that it’s best to separate their personal opinions from their professional life. On the other side are the authors who let it all hang out. They are outspoken about their beliefs—-not belligerent or arrogant—-just vocal.
I’ve watched both types of authors in action. Do I think a writer’s personal politics should affect whether or not you read their books–absolutely not. If an author writes your favorite thrillers or romances what differences does it make who they vote for, right?
Well, here’s the truth for me—-it actually does. I don’t want it to but it does. There’s an author I like a lot but his/her politics are very different than mine. Every time this author comments on their blog or Facebook about politics I cringe. I literally cringe and think, “Oh, I don’t want to know this about you. Please stop.” This may not be an enlightened response but it’s truly my honest response.
Will it affect whether or not I buy his/her books–probably not but I’m not sure. Unfortunately, then I get into the whole do I want to support someone who holds those political beliefs argument with myself. Believe me, I don’t want to go there when it comes to reading fiction. Publishing is a hard business and I want to support the writers I like to read.
I think it’s important as writers to decide which approach you want to take and stick with it. A reader may never tell you that they cringed over what you said on Facebook about politics. Still, I think authors have to acknowledge that all their written words have an affect on others.
I’m not saying either pathway is better than the other. Ultimately each writer must choose the right path for themselves when it comes to handling religion and politics. I respect whichever choice a writer makes. I suspect that the authors who are outspoken about their beliefs know they run the risk of alienating some readers and have accepted that fact.
What do you think? Are you affected by an author’s politics even if they write fiction? I’d like to hear about your take on this subject.
Photo Credit: ktylerconk
{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
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.
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.
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 =-.
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!
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!
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.
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.
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