In writing this blog, I go through cycles of being proud to being unsure to being downright confused. Today I’m confused about my responsibility as both a writer and a human being.
My last post was a giant warning to my readers to avoid a faux documentary called A Necessary Death. I received two comments from readers, one on WordPress and another through email, and both commenters said they were interested in watching the movie. One even said she was going to seek it out. The thought just makes me sick to my stomach because the movie is really disturbing. In trying to warn people against the movie, I’ve enticed readers to watch the movie instead. My instincts are telling me to remove the post all together.
Yet, as a writer, I can only control so much. I can control the words I choose and their arrangement, but after I hit publish, I am no longer in control of how readers react to my writing.
Any artist must both be in tune and detached from the impression their work makes on its audience, yet any artist is full to the brim with their own feelings. It’s a very complex problem and I don’t know how to deal with it.
In the world of mental health, it is especially important to not trigger people because the consequences can be devastating.
What do you think? Please share your thoughts about all or any of this.
♥ Erin
Jul 26, 2012 @ 20:43:11
I understand exactly why you posted about the movie — it was something that bothered you and you wanted to warn others. Sometimes our words don’t have the intended effect; it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t post. But drawing attention to something you dislike does just that — it draws attention. I’m sorry your plan backfired. I have to admit I also looked it up on Netflix (it’s not there), but it was *my* decision to do so.
I don’t want a really watered-down version of your thoughts and ideas. I want your particular viewpoint. That’s why I read this blog — because I respect your opinion. I don’t know if this answers your question, but please post what you find necessary to post. I always find it interesting and helpful.
Jul 26, 2012 @ 21:03:21
Another thought — people cope in different ways and people find different things triggering. While that film might be really triggering for you, it could make someone else feel less alone. But this is your blog and your place to speak *your* mind.
Jul 28, 2012 @ 21:54:46
Thank you for both of your comments, Claire. They each made me feel better in their own way. :)
Jul 26, 2012 @ 21:25:58
Yeah, your review made me actively seek it out too, but you shouldn’t feel bad about that! I’m seeking it out because I find faux-documentaries and mental-health topics fascinating. Your feelings about it being really disturbing are perfectly valid, but they’re also just /your/ feelings, and that doesn’t mean the movie is without merit whatsoever or that the rest of us will find it equally distressing (though it might be, but we won’t know that til we see it).
I feel that people should be /protected/ but not /prevented/ from experiencing things that might be freaky or damaging- you did everything correct in advising about trigger warnings and discussing the content of the movie, so that no one is hurt by going in unawares (my friend had that problem watching “Girl With the Dragon Tattoo”). But, for instance, I personally like to explore a ton of fiction that often has triggering content for me because I find it both very interesting, cathartic, and sometimes comforting to be able to relate to. And it’s always good to be able to add to that list, even if it’s on the “I cried for days and had nightmares”. I’ve seen movies where I had that reaction and even though they were, well, objectively unpleasant, I don’t regret them at all and would see them again. Sometimes even bad emotions can be strangely satisfying (or maybe just for weirdos like me!).
Jul 28, 2012 @ 21:57:04
Hey Kate,
You’re no weirdo! Thank you for your comment. I am SO glad I posted this post because the insight from commenters like you have me feeling so much better now.
Thank you x 1000! :)
Jul 26, 2012 @ 22:02:50
Erin, I too appreciated your review of this documentary and the fact that you also warned of possible triggers for those that are mentally ill if they watched the movie. I have a mental illness and yes I will admit that I am often lured to this type of movie and sometimes am confused as to why and it could be because it is something that I relate to or that I just want to seek an answer as to why someone like me has felt suicide feelings (yes I have many, many times and do not always understand why) and feel by watching this movie I might get the answers and also know that I am not alone in feeling this way…. hope what I am saying makes sense.
Oh Erin I too love your blog postings and keep right on with it – I look forward to each blog coming to my inbox. ~ Charmaine
Jul 28, 2012 @ 22:07:48
Anyone choosing to watch this movie probably does so for reasons similar to mine, so you certainly don’t have to explain yourself to me. I think my heart became overly protective towards my readers, overshadowing my brain’s role in all of this. Like some other readers have commented, what I find triggering might not apply to what you or someone else finds triggering, and I think I lost sight of that. Even though the main character in the movie wants to end his life solely because he’s already dying of a horrendously painful cancer, people with a mental illness might somehow be able to relate as well. I hope it helps you if/when you watch it. <3
Jul 27, 2012 @ 19:21:44
I don’t think you enticed anyone. You might have brought the film to their attention but your post gave plenty of warnings against watching it. If anyone watches the film it will be of their own free will. I think the post should be left up because, there will be people who won’t comment and will have been able to avoid the film thanks to the post.
Jul 28, 2012 @ 22:08:17
Great points! Thank you for your feedback. :) *hugs*
Jul 28, 2012 @ 22:33:21
You posted with a warning. People are responsible for knowing and understanding their own triggers and limits. You can’t control other people.
See you when I get back from camping! <3
Jul 28, 2012 @ 22:37:34
Thanks, Kinnery!
I also feel oddly proud that my blog was visited while you were sleeping outdoors! Internet FTW! Ttys :D And don’t scratch one mosquito bite for me. Or roast a marshmallow or something. That makes more sense.