Two years ago, a literary professor ignited a profound debate: why are novels increasingly authored by individuals previously on the literary fringes – people of colour and women? This discussion has stayed with me, prompting a constant self-examination of my own writing. Am I, as the professor implied, adhering to certain predefined parameters when creating my characters and stories?

My unequivocal answer is no.

A few years back, I stumbled upon an article (the source of which escapes my memory) that asked a pertinent question: why are works by women and people of colour almost invariably viewed through a political lens? This question has gnawed at me ever since, and it underscores my quest to respond to the literary professor’s inquiry.

As an author, my process begins with the character. From the character, the story naturally unfurls. I have never been able to craft a narrative and then insert characters as an afterthought. The notion of ticking off characters as if they were items on a checklist is simply beyond my creative realm.

What startled me about the professor’s perspective was not that he had read these works, but rather his apparent inability to focus on the unique narratives and the characters’ perspectives. He seemed to bypass the opportunity to immerse himself in these characters’ worlds or journey alongside them. Instead, his initial reaction was to criticize.

He seemed unable to empathize with characters who deviated from what he deemed “normal” or mainstream. This raises an essential question: why do we so often politicize the works of people of colour and women? Is it a sincere effort to emphasize the significance of these narratives, or is there a more insidious motive at play?

Politics have infiltrated virtually every sphere of our lives, making discussions about race, gender, and identity both ubiquitous and exhausting. The danger lies in our tendency to politicize these diverse narratives, inadvertently rendering them unprofitable for publishing houses. This, in turn, can have a chilling effect on the careers of these talented authors, stifling their voices and limiting the literary landscape.

The challenge before us is to transcend the checkboxes and delve deeper into the rich tapestry of diverse narratives. Instead of viewing these works solely through a political prism, we should embrace them for their unique storytelling, their multifaceted characters, and their ability to transport us into uncharted literary realms.

It’s not about checking boxes; it’s about opening minds. It’s about recognizing that every narrative, regardless of the author’s background, deserves to be appreciated on its own merits. When we move beyond the confines of political interpretation, we allow these stories to flourish and enrich our literary world.