Recently, and not so recently, I've come across a couple of stories, or had them pointed out to me, within greater fandom, where the history or culture of marginalized groups was employed to make a story more exotic or interesting, with the result the story was offensive.

So I'm trying to think of how one can avoid this. Because on the one hand, I don't think we want stories all about white people in white-land steeped in white-culture, but on the other hand, dipping into someone else's culture for shiny colours to dab on one's story is problematic.

These are some guidelines I've tentatively put together for my own use. I'm indebted to many people on my friendslist for helping to articulate this, for challenging my assumptions, and for pointing out things I've overlooked. I'd appreciate anyone's critique or suggestions.
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So, petronelle pointed me to thebratqueen's two step theory of fanfiction which is very thinky, and got me started. In essence, for those too lazy to click the link, TBQ argues that fanfic should stay within two steps of canon if you want your readers to come with you. They can be two big steps, but they need to be there. ( For example: )

However, to me, the way fanfic works is slightly different. I think fanfic, or at least a large body of fanfic works by asking, "what if?" What if Tim were transgendered? What if Bruce were a psychopath in the clinical sense? Or perhaps merely "if." If Bruce gave Tim homework, what would it look like? If Tim and Cass got to really know each other, what would happen?

Ifs are free. Your readers are willing to spot you your if; you don't have to justify it. Your if can be, "What if Bruce were a hamster," and your readers will go, "oooookay, lemme see what you've got." Where the writer earns the right to the if is how she handles the then.( Read more... )

Argue with me!