The Importance of Research, Personal Accounts

As with any art form, we have the liberty to explore different dynamics. No matter the medium, the artist engages on a journey designed to entice, educate, emphasize, and heal. It is a world they have created because there is an underlying message that serenades their intended audience in profound ways.

Yet, if the artist did not endure the ramifications of the intended message, this is where the audience might come to an impasse.

For example, I frown upon the cancers of Hollywood who routinely endorse products, organizations, and political messages for the purpose of staying relevant in their industry. The cancer that is Hollywood: actors, publicists, and agents who ultimately have no shame to elevate to the next level based on the disadvantages of others.

Another example: take note of the following conversation:

Friend 1: Bad news from the doctor, I was diagnosed with cancer.

Friend 2: Oh, so sorry! I know what you’re going through! My aunt…….

Friend 1: I’m gonna stop you right there. Put me in touch with your aunt.

With regard to writing, I want the author to relay their stories in a profound way. There is something to be said about writers who write from experience, as it adds a layer of comfort that includes compassion and courtesy. As a reader, I tend to navigate to stories that are relatable, but I also want to sense that the writer has experienced those same obstacles as I, otherwise I am made to feel the author is making a mockery of those experiences, or that they’re writing for the sake of following the monetary evils of a corrupted paradise.

I love to read about other cultures, but I would prefer to stories that populated from personal accounts and experiences. Anyone is free to write about any subject, but I would prefer they engage in some comprehensive research before doing so. A tremendous example of this is Jodi Piccoult’s Small Great Things, who writes from the perspective of two back females with very different backgrounds. Overall, a fantastic read, but I couldn’t help but feel some animosity while reading it. The author is Caucasian. I thought it was really shoddy until I encountered the “Acknowlegments” page that’s filled with prominent black women that assisted the author in shaping the novel in an accurate and tasteful way.

Another example is an excerpt from Toni Morrison in Black Ink, who struggled with writing about slavery, having never been a victim of the oppressed. How can she accurately describe the true horror of the injustice without personal accounts? She had relatives, but she also talked to people. She opened the door to conversation. We cannot learn by our thoughts alone. Conversation is key to opening the dialogue of diversity, and strength.

In conclusion, from a reading perspective, I would prefer the author had those same experiences, or they did massive research, or both. Otherwise, I am made to be uncertain of the author’s original intent, and that makes me very uncomfortable.

____________________________________________________

Please note: the books mentioned are meant to be a supplement (examples) to my narrative, NOT an endorsement for the books in ANY capacity.