I understand the worry and need for 'sensitivity readers' but I'd also worry about 'giving in' too much. You see, you can't care about each and every opinion, and you're bound to step on some toes, no matter what. So, the question is: are you looking to 'remove' sensitive matters from your work entirely (for example because you're afraid to insult someone), or are you looking for expertise on specific subjects?
In my opinion, there's a lot of difference between the two.
Sources
Where to find information and feedback?
(Everything on this page is from the viewpoint of an author of a fiction story.)
Online
It's very, very hard to differentiate between what is real and what is made up, especially online.
So, let's start there... take everything you find online with a decent pinch of salt. That's always a good start. Look for pro- and counter arguments, moderation in words, the acknowledgement of variations and exceptions. People who are absolute, are often absolutely wrong.
Verify any statements against dictionaries, encyclopedias... and sometimes do the unthinkable: walk into a library and look for answers there. Online isn't the whole world.
There's a new, potential source of (mis)information, which negatively affects online resources: AI. AI may produce so much (partially false) information it might start flooding the internet, leaving the internet fairly useless as a reference tool. (I never thought I would say that.)
Subject Matter Experts
So called Subject Matter Experts might be completely wrong, where practical experience of actual sufferers will disagree with these 'experts'. That could be because those experts are self-appointed, have a limited experience, follow an ulterior motive, or are outright sponsored by the industry (or they might simply be frauds trying to make a quick buck).
So, make sure your 'expert' is exactly that... an expert. They're out there, and can be found.
Pseudo Victims
Think about it: how many of real 'sufferers' (for lack of a better word) are actually online, and honestly discussing the subjects involved? And how many of those affected can talk objectively about it?
There is, unfortunately, a large subgroup of very convincing 'pseudo victims' who often use their 'specific characteristic' to grab attention (be it a disability, gender orientation, ethnicity, or even the color of their shoes, there's always some reason to be angry at the world). These people also love to put down any with a different opinion. Many of these are very verbal on online platforms, making it hard to find real information. The louder the voice, the more one might question them.
For clarity: there are too many who use the argument of 'diversity' or 'being different' to beat up anyone who has an opinion that doesn't exactly match theirs... and many of these characters hang out on forums and servers proclaiming their 'sufferance'. I'm not saying they're all lying, but there are too many doing actually that, to blindly believe everything being said.
The fakers among these are the ones hurting the real cases. They should be ashamed of themselves. Okay... Back on topic...
Sensitivity Readers
Who are they?
- people paid to review your work on sensitive topics, or
- people giving you feedback on your work without getting paid
- because you're afraid to offend someone (anyone), or
- because you want expert advise to get things right.
In the end it is up to you to decide how much of their input you should accept, and what part you should ignore. How much fun is a villain who is politically correct? What is a hero without flaws? Who are they (the sensitivity readers) to decide what level of insensitivity is okay, and how do they decide that?
Taken a step too far your (hired) sensitivity readers are a kind of censorship that you or your publisher actively chose.
Would you blindly trust your editor? Would you blindly trust a sensitivity reader?
Make sure it's a kind and level of censorship that you are happy with.
Sensitive Subjects
...are exactly that. Sensitive. Painful. Often not appreciated. If they are an essential element to your work then address them fairly and properly. Read up on the subject, find experts and those affected by the subject. Don't be afraid to put emotion in your story, but don't let emotion color facts.
What subjects are sensitive depend on age, religion, culture, region, race, and varies from person to person. Some subjects to be aware of are:
- race
- culture
- religion
- politics
- (mental) diseases
- history
- gender / orientation
- ...
I'm pretty much colorblind myself (in a sense that race doesn't bother me at all) but some people strife to bring it up every third paragraph, and are offended if the subject isn't addressed on every other page.
Don't be a racist. But don't overdo it.
(The mix slavery / race / re-compensation is especially explosive.)
Culture
Everything is culture. If you borrow certain items from another culture than your own, make sure you use them properly. Again, be reasonable. I find it puzzling when reading comments such as 'a white woman is not allowed to wear a qipao (a mandarin dress)', but I do understand when people completely misrepresent certain traditions.
Then again, we're often dealing with fiction. A lot is allowed in fiction, and authors are human (or at least I hope they are) and thus can (and should be allowed to a certain level to) make mistakes.
(Yes. There is racism, but it's not the only source of evil in this world.)
Religion
Bring out the tar and pitchforks! This is a very sensitive subject, so I'd steer clear of it, unless it has to do with part of your book's plot. I certainly would not include real life faiths. Some are rather... militant.
Politics
Real world politics are a definite no-no, unless an essential element of your work. In general: steer clear.
(Mental) Diseases
Study. Study. Study. Know what you're talking about, before talking about it. Only include when relevant.
Suicide and abuse are very heavy topics and should not be treated lightly.
Autism and related disorders are often used as a fashion statement (which I find horrible, having an autistic spectrum kid myself).
History
Often overlooked, and just as dangerous (if not more so) than culture, religion and politics. The problem with history is that it's different for everyone involved. History is recorded by people, and people tend to write from their own perspective.
If you try to be historically accurate, then be aware that there will always be a different version of the history you believe is the right one. You'll have to accept that your version might offend some.
If you're writing fiction then perhaps you shouldn't bother too much with accuracy, just make sure you don't offend people. In the end, you're writing a story and that's not the same as a history text-book.
Gender / Orientation
Online the most risky category, and even in good faith and when treated objectively it will split up the masses.
I see two different approaches:
1. They are essential elements to your story, or part of a point you are trying to make. So, make it. Don't let it destroy your story, but feel free to send the message.
2. They are completely non-essential to your story. In that case you have to decide if you want to include / refer to characters with a different gender / orientation. Don't fear the topic, but be reasonable.
Don't give in! Unless you want to...
In general, don't let anyone FORCE you to change your story, because THEY have an agenda. You're the writer, the owner of your story, and nobody else is.
Is it smart to use a sensitivity reader? You have to decide for yourself. Yes, it may be smart, but if you have some decent, honest alpha and beta readers, they probably already tell you where you go too far.
Sometimes you might have to be a little insensitive yourself to get your point across. You might have to be a rebel to stand out.
And yet... maybe you, accidentally, included inappropriate elements that might harm your work, your reputation as a writer, of negatively affect the sales you hope to make.
In other words, like everything, it is a choice.
You decide.
Retroactively Revising (Censoring?)
A work was written in a certain timeframe, with the author's mind, at that time, locked in a certain state. He / she may have completely changed his / her opinion since then, and might decide to do a revision of his / her work. There's absolutely nothing wrong with that.
However, revising older works by others is where I draw the line. Yes, those (older) works may contain elements that are considered sensitive or inappropriate these days, but in a way you are effectively censoring older material. And then comes the question: where do you draw the line?
Who decides what is acceptable and what is not? Who is allowed to make revisions, and when?
If you do it yourself... fine. If a publishing company or the heirs do it: no way, unless the author is still alive, has all of his / her wits, and actively approves.
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