These days I feel like any subject that is even the slightest bit contentious will get someone's back up, but it hasn't stopped me from bringing up some pretty controversial topics in my books. Why is that? Is it necessary to occasionally shake the controversy tree to see what falls out?
Well, I certainly think so.
The beauty of books (both fiction and nonfiction) is that they present unique ideas that challenge readers. It allows us to view the world from a different perspective. It may not be one we agree with, but agreeing with the characters or the writer isn't the point. The point is to open your mind and understand one another while hopefully being challenged and entertained.
I started to write as a teenager. I specifically remember that my goal was to make people understand and have compassion for one another. It was a more innocent time, so that was pretty reasonable. I now feel like people are becoming less open, less empathetic, and less interested in views that don't align with their own. It's a sad state when you consider the many issues in the world today. If no one bends and no one listens, then we are essentially battling each other all the time.
I continue to bring up contentious subjects in my writing because I think that's one of the reasons why I do what I do. I think my readers are intelligent and want something to think about long after they've finished the last chapter because a good book lingers.
