Discussion: Calling Out Problematic Books and Backlash

Sometimes, as readers, we come across books that have some not-so-good themes that we feel need to be called out. Whether it’s racism, sexism, ableism, or any other type of something that shouldn’t be there. Sometimes we call it out in media, or we tell our friends about it. Either or, someone is going to know about our displeasure.

The problem comes when people who may have different opinions decide, instead of either moving on or having a peaceful debate, to take it to the next level and attack the reader’s character. They swarm in out of nowhere, leaving hateful comments that, a lot of the time, make no sense grammatically. And even if they make sense, they’re cruel, and for the most part, don’t offer any constructive criticism. They’re comments meant for the sole purpose to wound the reviewer. Over what? A differing opinion on a book.

For example, say you don’t like Hush, Hush. For whatever reason, be it the writing or the story itself, or the bad treatment of women, people will take it upon themselves to assume terrible things about your character. Some may call you a feminazi, some may call you too stiff, and some may just curse you out.

This can make some readers hesitant to share their opinions on books that they dislike or even enjoy in some cases. This is especially true if it’s a popular book that many other people enjoy. This, of course, is a huge problem. One of the best parts about the book community is the fact that we can share our opinions about books with each other. It doesn’t make sense to attack, and eventually censor, people who have different opinions than us. That takes away a whole chunk of diverse thinking that in reality, is completely necessary.

Now, I can understand not wanting to read bad reviews on books. I can also understand not agreeing with a point someone makes in a review. I’m not saying that you need to agree with anything anyone says about any book. I encourage you to make your own opinions, whether you’re in the majority or not with said opinions. I’m just asking you all to remember that there is someone behind the screen and think about if it’s really worth it to send a person hate just because they don’t agree with you.

I think if some people took a second to think before putting their fingers on the keyboard, they would see that a lot of the things they planned to put on the internet only reflect badly on them.