I came upon a celebrity's acceptance speech for an award she has
earned as an artist, musician, actress, and entertainer. In her speech,
she discussed how she was beaten down emotionally because she was a
woman. She had witnessed how women are treated differently than their
male counterparts.
This trend is true in the world of
writing as well. Women often change their names to male nom de plumes for a
better receivership of their creative works. Men are given more latitude
and praise.
As writers, should we change society for
the better by writing about situations that would not garner public
outcry and allow our characters to discuss taboos? Is it our moral
obligation to touch upon subjects that would otherwise be swept under
the rug?
I had hoped in the aforementioned celebrity's speech that she would have led by example. I would like have to heard her say: since I have endured sexism and ageism, I am doing x, y, and z to combat what I see as unfavorable treatment toward women artists.
I was left with a sharp criticism but no real solution to the epidemic.
Women need to support other artists in their field. If someone makes it big, then that woman needs to promote from within the female ranks of qualified and talented women in the pool.
Women must understand that you can complain all the live long day and nothing will change. If you want to change, you must first be willing to stand up for the change you would like to see. Hate sexism? Hate ageism? Well there are plenty of women in those categories who would fit the bill to change the dynamics of what, or should I say who, is acceptable to be positive role models in our society.
Society does not change overnight. Society has to be guided onto a path of accepting the unseen voices of the world. In writing, literary works often touch upon these themes. In fiction, writers are given more leeway to investigate and expand especially in science and speculative fiction.
So as a writer, how can you change the world for the better?
Have a great and wonderful day!
