This week: Making Other People Uncomfortable Edited by: Dawn Embers  
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Fantasy Newsletter by Dawn
A look at some aspects of books, literature and life that aren't always the easiest for different people to face or agree upon. |
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I was at an event over the weekend with a friend and she made an interesting comment as we talked before the show started. We were watching a drag show down in Long Beach, California and she mentioned the aspect of discomfort. Drag and identity issues can make people feel uncomfortable. This gave me something to think about because we were supporting the performers but I know plenty who do not understand the concept and while the bans don't make sense legal wise, I do also understand her point. And it's not just the entertainment side or gender identity, there are many things that make people uncomfortable. Not that one person's discomfort should try to go against the existence of another (that is a whole different ball game and topic) but there is a real fact in that we face aspects of discomfort in the world and in fiction.
Writing and books hold some of the key elements to discomfort. Banned books are a response to people being uncomfortable. In fact, that is probably a strong influence behind the reasons people ban certain books. When it goes against personal religious beliefs, that is something people may find very uncomfortable. An example would be banning fantasy stories like Harry Potter because it has magic in it, which is something that may not match with certain religious beliefs (even though the books are obviously fiction and not tutorials on how to become a wizard). The concepts and questions the fantasy worlds create can put challenges to real world beliefs and that makes some people uncomfortable.
While we like to be comfortable and stay in comfort zones (that was a previous newsletter even) there are some things we have to. consider in writing and the world when it comes the concept of discomfort. Speculative fiction can make people uncomfortable and it's not just Dystopians that do the trick. But a dystopian is a good example because it suggests a deteriorating world, lack of personal control and often restrictions brought done by government or other authority figures. Some people don’t want to imagine the what if scenario and at times the bleak outlooks can feel too real or hit too close to home for comfort.
Certain characters make people uncomfortable. If I do get published, I can imagine that some of the books will be on banned lists for a few reasons. Some include magic. Most have gay boy main characters and a couple ideas have other minority identities. Not to go into too much ranting over banned books. I know it can be hard when things that are uncomfortable are involved. Then again, I also was reading John Grisham novels and books by VC Andrews, which may have been questionable at the time. I'm sure VC Andrews has a few bans with the elements of incest that are found in some of the stories. Which, I can say can be uncomfortable. Even one of the movies I like has a cousin kiss and each time, it's uncomfortable. But for me, discomfort doesn't have to equate to bad.
What we really have to remember and consider when looking at something that makes us uncomfortable is how much that matters. If a book makes you uncomfortable, you don't need to read it. That doesn't mean others shouldn't read the book. If you don't understand someone who is asexual or transgender, it is something that isn't part of your identity or self, so there are psychological/understood aspects to that reality. However, that doesn't equal a reason to project against the existence of a different identity. Not to go too into politics either but it's part of life and part of writing.
Books make people feel uncomfortable and the truth is... that is okay. Be uncomfortable and keep writing things that not everyone will appreciate. It's okay.
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Can you accept a little discomfort in your life? Are there people and things that make you uncomfortable?
Last month, I discussed taxes and other government/financial elements in speculative fiction. Here are some comments sent in based on that topic:
Comment by Santeven Quokklaus 
In my fantasy world, taxes are just accepted, collected at certain times of the year, and done by a trust system. I only realised that when I read your newsletter. That is something I am going to have to be more careful of in the future.
I do also have compulsory church taxes - tithes - as in my world most people have a major deity they worship. Their "home temple" is where the money goes. It is not a %age, like Roman Catholics, but, in most cases, a set amount depending on occupation. I have worked this out much better, as one of my stories involved a man who changed his major deity, and the original church still wanted his tithe.
But, government taxes, I just sort of accepted it. I need to do more work on that aspect of my world-building... *sigh!*
Comment by Ugly Christmas Sox 
Thank you for covering taxes and finances. I am worldbuilding and needed the in put.
Comment by Nobody’s Home 
Gee, now that you bring up taxes and the government's role, I think I'll keep my characters traveling through the country under the radar so I don't have to think about those financial questions! LOL. Honestly, though, thinking that I have to work out and include financial issues in my stories makes me want to quit writing, so I may stick with thieves and outlaws for the time being! 
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Fantasy: May 17, 2023 Issue [#11971]
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