This is just one of those questions that pops in your head and you just want to know what others think and feel. So here we go. Is there any subject matter that you as a writer feel is Taboo or should not really be tackled.
This is just one of those questions that pops in your head and you just want to know what others think and feel. So here we go. Is there any subject matter that you as a writer feel is Taboo or should not really be tackled.
Is it too obvious to state that there can be legal issues?
Anything that can be interpreted as racist, homophobic (but not apparently heterophobic), ageist, anti-disability, religiously discriminating, promoting hatred or terrorism - and more - can run anyone fould of the police and the legal system.
There are, I believe, specific laws about anti-semitism and holocaust denial in some countries.
Similarly anything which can be read as anti-Islamic is going to be headed for issues - and not just within countries.
On the other hand it would appear that anyone can slag off Christianity as much as they like with impunity - which might just be a positive thing and a lesson about "turning the other cheek" for some of the other religions.
There is a significant question regarding why anyone (including me) would want to write about a taboo subject.
This can be followed by questions about why such a person would want to create issues for themselves - and, particularly, issues about getting published - and - beyond that actually selling - and beyond that - possible repercussions...
Salman Rushdee achieved ridiculously large sales - but at what cost - and not just to himself.
"Taboo" is a really weird concept though. In my main work I have casually killed off 99.9% of the human population. That doesn't cause a moment's concern to anyone. One of my survivirs kills a single cat... That causes outrage and immediate challenges. I have even developed this response into an element within the later story - someone demanding to know why anyone would kill a cat...
It seems though that no-one is much bothered about the fact that (in the story) all the canines have died, horses, pigs, cows, poultry and any other animals that are kept in buildings or fenced in and cannot get themselves out - have all died horrible deaths - which would be a product of the humans not being around to look after (or should we say "exploit" them.
So - apart from legal (and possibly religious) definitions - what is "taboo"?
David
I thought the answer was no. It feels like the answer should be no and if you are writing literary fiction the answer probably is no.
Consider your genre very carefully, though. If you are writing cosy mysteries, the reader probably isn't looking for kinky sex. If you are writing women's romance, will unexpected blood and gore go down well? I think certain genres have taboo areas and although established writers occasionally break the rules, new writers might find getting published harder if they are outside the unwritten rules of their genre.
I agree with the other posters: No.
However: Be aware. Very, very aware. Think about what, and why you, are writing. Of the ramifications and reality of the subject. Dont treat it as a cheap gimmick, or under research.
A while back I wrote a story that was very dark and touched upon several subjects that may be considered taboo. I considered writing a collection of stories based on the characters that appeared within it. I wrote out notes for a story...but never finished it. The character was a pedophile who was trying to abstain from his urges. It does have the potencial to be a good story, in keeping with the collection. But it's not one I feel I can write without due consideration and research.