I was showing someone Crimson Peak some time ago, as I was and continue to be obsessed with it, and we accidentally slammed right into one of her squicks. It was something in the plot she simply couldn’t overlook or deal with, and I felt awful at having it brought up. Now it is a horrible part of the story, and in my enthusiasm I had sort of blocked just how much certain things freak out people who don’t indulge in Gothic romance or horror or even things like fanfic or fandom things. Her reaction made me look at Crimson Peak from a different POV, one from outside the fandom, and I began to wonder if depictions of taboos and questionable acts in fiction make others uncomfortable because they see it as enjoying said depictions or agreeing with them. 

I’m fully aware that there are trigger warnings for a reason, and in retrospect I realize that I have written things in the past that many people find upsetting or disturbing, even taboo. There are many aspects of various fandoms that are questionable, as they often mirror and exaggerate those parts of society and culture at large. I don’t blame others for not wanting to engage or interact with those parts or don’t find them in any way entertaining. But I do have issue with someone claiming that an artist or writer is perverted or in some way deviant for addressing those issues in their fiction/art, if it is done in a manner that isn’t glorifying the taboo.  

In many cases it is a matter to each their own, but as a writer, I strive for a level of realism in my fiction and as a fan I take responsibility for my consumption of whatever fandom I choose. Some of it ain’t pretty. Some of it is violent and painful and yes, horrifying, but I don’t mistake it for reality. Sadly, much of the reality is far worse than I care to write or have interest in, and yes, I have had some experiences in life I wouldn’t wish on a fictitious character. 

I suppose the question I have is where and when one chooses to self-censor. At what point is the depiction necessary or gratuitous?  In the case of Crimson Peak, I’ve explored several of the more ‘squicky’ topics in my writing [with trigger warnings in place] and have chosen to publish Crimson Peak fics on a Mature-audience only blog because of it, but I’d like to hear what others think on the subject.