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Authors hold a great responsibility in what they write,
regardless of their genre or purpose. They can be poets, novelists, dramatists,
critics, journalists, or biographers, and their writing may serve as a form of
entertainment, livelihood, or a means to express their opinions and beliefs.
However, there are certain restrictions that authors must adhere to in order to
uphold their integrity and avoid the consequences of their words.
Defamation is a line that authors must not cross. Writing ill of
others can lead to legal repercussions and damage their reputation. Cheap
journals may resort to such tactics, but authors who seek to expose the
wrong-doer must be aware of the risks they take. In addition, authors should
avoid writing obscenities or promoting unethical behaviors, as such writings may
not be suitable for a civilized society.
Authors can write critically about people's manners, customs,
and societal issues, but they must do so with subtlety and prudence. Using their
creations as mouthpieces, authors like Charles Dickens have effectively conveyed
their views on societal problems without making it appear personal. Fiery
writings that stir the emotions of the people, like Hugo's "Les Miserable," can
also be impactful, but it comes with the risk of attracting government
censorship and public disapproval.
It is also important for authors to avoid being too critical of
the government of the day. During turbulent times, governments may enact laws to
control writings that they deem subversive. As such, authors who write prudently
and avoid crossing the line will avoid public backlash, legal repercussions, and
being blacklisted.
Authors must choose their words carefully, for they have the
power to influence the thoughts and actions of their readers. They can choose to
write for pleasure or as a means of fulfilling a mission, such as cleansing
society or propagating their own philosophy. They can write biographies or
autobiographies, or explore a wide range of topics. Regardless of what they
choose to write about, authors must remember their responsibility to uphold
their integrity, avoid defamatory or obscene writing, and write prudently to
avoid legal or social repercussions.
In conclusion, authors hold great responsibility for the words
they write, as they have the power to impact their readers and society at large.
While they have the freedom to express their opinions and beliefs, they must do
so with prudence and subtlety, avoiding defamatory or obscene writing and being
mindful of public and government disapproval. |
