FORMER EDITORIAL
UnheardWords Editorial 03rd Dec 2004
Following on from the two questions I raised previously (Nov 2004 editorial), this time I wanted to turn my attention to ‘writers-of-colour’.
A simple definition of the phrase: it’s about writers who come from groups that are under represented in mainstream society.
Q. Is it about writers of a particular colour?
From my point of view it’s certainly about black British writers because I’m not convinced that representation of the work of black writers (artists and black writing) and is entirely full or fair: this is not rooted in any message that pleads for disproportionate or superior representation, rather it’s a message rooted in equality – full as in, what’s available getting a hearing; and fair as in, there being a level playing field.
Q. Why does this under representation exist?
Perhaps it’s due in part to the challenges I’ve already mentioned or additionally to wider matters of power (who does or does not have it) and prejudice (the negative side of people’s pre-conceived views of those outside of their known circle).
People tend to like people like themselves – there isn’t anything particularly wrong in this, you could argue it’s a human trait. But when getting recognised depends on working through channels that are staffed by people that are not ‘like’ (& don't understand) you – gaining recognition is going to take a lot of effort. Now, one valid response to this might be – then why not create your own channels; this will be no less difficult but at least the effort might advance your ends further, faster. And, in this respect unheardwords.com is one of these channels.
Q. So writers-of-colour is about a particular colour?
I hope not. By the same token as the equality mentioned earlier, I hope unheardwords.com (and this term) doesn’t seek to exclude anyone who’s interested. I don’t see how you can overcome prejudice by exclusion. How will the closed circle that leads to ignorance of those outside ever be widened unless we meet, greet and speak with unlike others.
So, writers of colour doesn’t mean of a particular colour, it means those writers who share a particular need for recognition, because they can’t easily rely on existing channels as a means of getting their art out.
And, unheardwords.com is for interested writers and readers who want to explore another literary country (so to speak). What do you think?
"The term People of Colour originated in the United States and is increasingly current in Great Britain and elsewhere. It embraces, in particular, all those whose heritage embraces Africa and the Caribbean, and the South Asian continent. It is, therefore, inclusive and wide-ranging, allowing free scope for self-definition and multiple identities."Your views, as ever, are welcomed?