Welcome to the Content Age, where seemingly everyone, regardless of their background, age, or knowledge, can join the ranks of online content creators. In this brave new world, where free expression has been championed, we find ourselves in the midst of a somewhat ironic twist: a sensitive censorship-loving era. Indeed, discussions about reader sensitivity and trigger warnings have become increasingly relevant in this peculiar age of digital discourse. While some argue that these precautions protect readers from distressing content, others insist that they infringe on the cherished freedom of expression, threatening to shrink the vast landscape of literature and art.
So, In this article, I will explore the perplexing world where sensitivity meets censorship, talk about why trigger warnings and reader discretion are important, providing a tutorial on how to incorporate them, and, of course, examining some of the curious criticisms surrounding their use.
Why We Need Trigger Warnings and Reader Sensitivity (Apparently)
The apparent rationale behind these precautions lies in the desire to protect readers from encountering distressing or potentially triggering content. In a society increasingly aware of diverse backgrounds and sensitivities, proponents assert that trigger warnings contribute to inclusivity and safeguard the mental well-being of individuals who may have experienced trauma or possess heightened sensitivities. However, this apparent need for sensitivity is not without its share of critics who argue that it may lead to censorship, stifle artistic expression, and inadvertently undermine the principle of freedom of speech. Anyhow, there are few reasons why trigger warnings are needed:
Guarding Delicate Souls: Trigger warnings play the role of our digital guardians, supposedly protecting readers from unsettling words and images. Who would have thought the internet would need such protectors?
Embracing Inclusivity (or So They Say): The goal is to be considerate of readers' diverse backgrounds and experiences. By slapping on trigger warnings, we're told it creates an inclusive space where readers can engage without encountering discomfort accidentally. It's all very considerate, or so they insist.
Upholding the Virtue of Responsible Content Creation (or So They Claim): Content creators have seemingly taken up the mantle of ethical storytelling. By brandishing trigger warnings, they profess their commitment to molding readers' experiences with care, steering clear of the ominous specter of causing offense or harm. It's almost as if the creators have appointed themselves as the guardians of our oh-so-fragile sensibilities.
Tutorial: How to Implement Trigger Warnings and Reader Sensitivity (If You Must)
Identify Dubious Content: In your quest to protect your readers from the horrors of the sensitive contents, first, identify any potentially distressing or triggering elements in your work. Be it a dramatic plot twist, a controversial statement, or a mildly uncomfortable phrase – it must be flagged for the sake of sensitivity.
Craft Your Warnings with Care: To fully embrace the spirit of sensitivity, craft your trigger warnings with an air of grave seriousness. Place them conspicuously at the beginning of your content, using words that evoke the solemnity of the occasion. Remember, your readers' well-being hangs in the balance!
Offer Exquisite Details: Go beyond the ordinary by providing exquisitely detailed descriptions of the potentially upsetting content. Leave no room for imagination or ambiguity, as readers should be fully informed of the impending peril they may face.
Adopt a Distinctive Style: For maximum impact, employ a distinctive style or formatting to set your warnings apart from the rest of your content. Consider a tasteful use of Gothic fonts, ominous black borders, or, for added dramatic flair, perhaps some mournful background music.
Let Readers Decide Their Fate: Always remember that in this era of sensitivity, readers are to be treated as the ultimate arbiters of their fate. They must be allowed to choose whether to brave the content or seek refuge elsewhere. Do not underestimate their ability to make informed decisions about their own sensibilities.
Conclusion (or Is It a Cautionary Tale?)
Well, reality or joke aside, I believe trigger warnings are not meant for real literature. If one author is advertising their books as YA Romance and in that book you see explicit sex scenes, vulgar language or transgressive elements, no trigger warning can fix that. Why? Because such elements are not meant to be categorized under YA romance!
I don't believe in trigger warnings however I indicate them somehow in my books as they all include transgressive themes and elements and they may not be for everyone. BUT, if you read a book and you faint because it has words or scenes that triggers something in you that paralyze you from living a normal life, it's not the trigger warning you need but either a therapist to help you fix the problem within or you need to read more diverse book.
So, while trigger warnings and reader discretion have their place, it is equally vital to strike a balance that respects artistic freedom and individual autonomy. After all, in this brave new world of self publishing, it is the interplay between the sensitive and the provocative that keeps our literature landscape rich, diverse, and endlessly fascinating.