Photo by Daiga Ellaby.
For my money, the best writers are not only good at the craft of writing, but are exceptionally curious, clearsighted, and empathetic people. Without those traits, an author will almost always fail to build a realistically complex and interesting world or write convincing, varied characters. Fortunately, most people possess at least some curiosity and empathy, but these attributes are easily and too often eclipsed by our contradictory same-seeking tendencies. This post is therefore about nurturing those searching, thoughtful aspects of ourselves even when our environment might encourage us to suppress them.
Photo by Johannes Plenio.
Although the tendency to gravitate towards people who are like ourselves is probably as old as humanity itself, we do seem to live in a period where our very environment—particularly our virtual environment—actively encourages our same-seeking instincts in a way that also leads to greater isolation from those with different abilities; political, religious, or social backgrounds; and gender, sexual, or racial identities, thus both aggravating and over-emphasizing these divisions. The irony here is that, if you live in a place with basic internet access (and, if you’re reading this, you probably do), there has also never been a time when it is easier to find, listen to, and interact with people of nearly every demographic, from many parts of the world.
To take advantage of those resources, though, we have to first recognize that there is a wide and varied landscape we don’t see, actively consider what information and perspectives we aren’t being exposed to, and then make the choice to go look for them. It doesn’t sound hard because, on one level, it really isn’t. But for many, passivity in the face of information feels normal and natural. In fact, we are all susceptible to trusting misleading information when it comes from a trusted source or fits neatly within our already held world-views. And looking beyond what’s presented to us takes time, time that most people don’t believe they have, and some people probably don’t.
But if you’re an author—particularly one seeking to write multiple books or anything that ventures outside your own experience—no excuse matters. Seeking a deeper understanding of the world is part of your job. You actually need to do what all of us should do.
Photo by Trevor Cole.
Tips on how to start
If you haven’t already, start by seeking own-voices perspectives rather than relying on third-party evaluations. There are plenty of smart people writing or vlogging about their experiences out there, many of whom can put their thoughts in historical or sociological contexts, so do a Google search and go find them. Once you actually start looking and spending time with more varied media, you will find your recommendations from places like YouTube and Amazon become more varied as well.
Watch and read media (TV, movies, books, etc.) that weren’t explicitly made for you.
Check the funding or context of what you consume. Is a particular vlogger presenting his own, independent ideas, or is he operating under the umbrella of a larger entity? Does that entity have a particular bias? Another quick Google search can usually help with this. [Be especially wary of groups that use vaguely patriotic or otherwise positively emotive words, as well as those that attach the word “college” or “university” to their names when they are not actual, accredited colleges or universities. I’m looking at you, Prager U.]
Question your own reactions to what you encounter.
It should go without saying, but always be respectful of whatever space you enter, especially when that space was not intended for you. You don’t have to agree with or accept everything you see or hear, but if you are consuming good-faith media (ie, stories put forward honestly, without hidden agenda), then it is your responsibility to meet the people creating that media in the same good faith.
Photo by Aaron Burden.
Of course, there is no substitute for physically getting out of your comfort zone and spending real-world time with people who, in one way or another, aren’t like you. Not to interview them, or force awkward conversations and ask unwanted questions (try to find those answers elsewhere, from those who are already making answers available through their writings or videos). But just to be a person, reminding yourself of others’ humanity while reminding them of yours.
Photo by Jakob Owens.
On a final note, I’m going to be taking a break from Notes from an Editor. The rest of my year will be full with starting a new job, NaNoWriMo, holidays, and family health, and I need to cut back somewhere. I do intend to keep up with Visual Writer during this period, and expect to return to Notes from an Editor in January.
In the meantime, I wish you all a happy Halloween, Thanksgiving (for those in the US), and winter holidays!
Photo by Jeremy Thomas.