Finchbearer
Istar
I get offended when a book / book series / TV series becomes really popular but portrays women in a derogatory or stereotypical way. Why specifically do I get offended at that? Because I feel misrepresented, and because it perpetuates harmful stereotypes. I think this is much of why others might become offended but I can’t speak for others.
There are ads for example from the 1950’s that tell women directly and explicitly that they are worthless to society if they don’t pretty themselves up - we mostly agree that’s offensive. There are some things that are still offensive, and to disregard that completely puts you in the position of ignorance.
In fantasy writing there have been many instances where I hope that a male author won’t make me stop reading because of a poor representation of females in the plot, but I still find myself saying no, fuck this, there’s 1000 other better representations than this. And that’s what we as writers are up against in terms of catering for readers.
There are ads for example from the 1950’s that tell women directly and explicitly that they are worthless to society if they don’t pretty themselves up - we mostly agree that’s offensive. There are some things that are still offensive, and to disregard that completely puts you in the position of ignorance.
In fantasy writing there have been many instances where I hope that a male author won’t make me stop reading because of a poor representation of females in the plot, but I still find myself saying no, fuck this, there’s 1000 other better representations than this. And that’s what we as writers are up against in terms of catering for readers.