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Book Club 5d
tbh I think this language is too vague to be helpful. imo it’s productive to discuss authors’ specific viewpoints and how they impact their books (SJM’s zionism + Hybern, JKR’s n*zi friends and her lazy ethnic stereotypes) but “problematic” says nothing
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Book Club 5d
List of problematic authors 1. JK Rowling 2. Sarah J. Mass 3. Rebecca Yarros 4. Neil Gaiman 5. Colleen Hoover 6. Jon Athan
#books
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Anonymous 5d

Not the OP, but I agree. Specifics are generally useful. For example, J. K. Rowling is talking to nazis, is extremely transphobic, and has a direct impact on trans rights. Lawmakers creating transphobic laws are directly quoting her as a reason to make their laws. That’s not just problematic, that’s an active threat. Others problematic authors, such as Hanya Yanagihara, who encourages suicide, or Zionists like SJM or Rebecca Yarros, who help support Israel and its genocide against Palestine

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Anonymous replying to -> #1 5d

The whole reason we call them “problematic” in the first place is because them being a problem hurts people in some way. Ex: transphobia, racism, homophobia, murder, rape, assault, plagiarism, scamming, supporting fascism, etc. It’s better to not just say “they’re problematic” but also to remind ourselves of how their actions and words hurt people.

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Anonymous replying to -> #1 5d

exactly! I also think “problematic” can encompass both small things and horrific crimes, which serves to minimize the really messed up stuff that can exist in the book sphere (like any community). if someone is used to seeing “problematic” used to describe an author who likes writing age gaps, they’ll gloss over it when it’s used to describe a rapist. when you make your reasons for not supporting someone clear, it gives people the background to make that choice for themselves

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Anonymous replying to -> OP 5d

Yes! I’m the person from the OP’s comments with the list of 137 problematic authors. The list includes given name, pen names, and their list of crimes, be it anything from rude behavior towards reviewers to double homicide. But each one has a reason that’s given

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