Reading problematic books and authors is challenging, but an opportunity for growth and learning.
In a world where marginalised voices have historically been silenced, it’s important to engage with works that may contain problematic elements in order to develop a better understanding of the biases and assumptions that shape the society surrounding me.
Before reading books or authors that are known to be problematic, I educate myself on the problematic elements present in the work.
This can involve looking up critical analyses and discussions about the book or author, as well as seeking out diverse perspectives and voices.
It’s important for me to approach the work with an open mind, and to be willing to confront uncomfortable truths and ideas, even when they contradict my own.
Contextualising the work is another important step in being able to read problematic books and authors.
Understanding the historical and social context in which the work was written can help me understand the author’s perspective, and the cultural biases that may be present in the work.
This can involve researching the time period in which the work was written, as well as the author’s personal background and experiences.
An example of me doing this was reading Rumi.
Rumi quotes are wonderful when taken as hot takes and sound bites and used for the purposes of aesthetics on social media.
But when actually reading through the entire work, I was jarred by how poorly the rest of it has aged.
But having a good understanding of the time he lived in and what his world-view was, I could contextualise the things he wrote about.
I want to note that there’s also a conversation to be had about “removing the artist from the art” and whether that can ever be successfully done since every element added into a created piece of art or media is a (conscious) choice, but that’s for another time.
When reading problematic works, my goal is to read critically and actively engage with the text.
This involves questioning the author’s assumptions and biases, identifying problematic elements, and considering alternative perspectives.
As a reader, I should be willing to challenge my own assumptions and biases, and reflect on how the work might be received by different audiences.
Actively seeking out diverse perspectives is part of reading problematic books and authors constructively.
This can involve reading works by authors from marginalised communities, as well as engaging with critical analyses and discussions about problematic works from diverse voices.
By seeking out diverse perspectives, I gain a better understanding of how different communities interpret the work, and develop a more nuanced understanding of the issues at hand.
I also aim to acknowledge and address questionable elements when reading problematic works.
This can involve annotating as I read, discussing the issues I find with others, and using the work as an opportunity to reflect on and challenge my own biases and assumptions. Journaling is a great tool for that.
I recognise that no work is perfect, and that even works with problematic elements can still have value and worth.
And some things that should not have been forgotten were lost. History became legend. Legend became myth. And for two and a half thousand years, the ring passed out of all knowledge.
― Galadriel in The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring
How can you talk about the problematic books you’ve read in a constructive manner?
Talking about problematic books in a constructive manner requires sensitivity and thoughtfulness.
Here are some tips to help you discuss problematic books in a way that promotes constructive dialogue and learning.
1) Acknowledge the problematic elements
It’s important to acknowledge the problematic elements of the book, and to be honest about your own discomfort or concerns with the text. This helps to set the tone for a constructive conversation.
2) Focus on the issues
Rather than attacking the author personally, focus on discussing the specific problematic elements of the book.
This can help to keep the conversation productive and focused on the issues at hand.
In cases where the author’s personal agenda shines through, we should still focus on the issue itself, how the views of the author are visible in the text/narrative elements, and still refrain from personally attacking the author, preferring instead point out harmful and unacceptable comments or behaviour.
3) Be open to different perspectives
Remember that everyone brings their own unique perspective and experiences to a conversation.
Be open to listening to different viewpoints and be willing to learn from others.
There’s no shame in admitting that you’ve held an unexamined belief or bias that can be harmful to others, as long as you’re willing to learn and develop your own point of view.
It’s okay to make mistakes, it’s how we learn.
Rather than getting defensive or dismissive, use the conversation as an opportunity to learn and grow.
Ask questions and be curious, try to understand why something is the way it is, and resist the urge to make a snap judgement.
If you manage to do this, you’re already well on your way to forming a well-rounded opinion on a matter.
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