Appropriating culture, with respect

Re Writers’ Union editor resigns in storm over ‘appropriation,’ May 11

As a member of the Writers’ Union, I am appalled by its apology to members for the sensitive blog written by Hal Niedzviecki.

He makes the point that it’s perfectly acceptable for writers to get outside their own heads to explore characters whose lives and cultures differ, provided “they find the right measures of respect, learning and true telling.”

Anthony Doerr, in his 2015 Pulitzer Prize-winning novel All the Light We Cannot See, writes about the Second World War from the viewpoints of a blind girl who joins the French Resistance and a German boy forced into the Hitler Youth movement. If Doerr had not “appropriated” the lives and culture of these protagonists, readers would not have experienced this sensitive retelling of a long-ago era.

The Writers’ Union has always made a point of supporting freedom of speech, yet it turns its back on Niedzviecki, forcing his resignation as editor of its magazine. Shame on the union! Ann Birch, Toronto

Countering the view of former Writers’ Union editor Hal Niedzviecki, I believe it’s unkind and unwise to try to write from an indigenous perspective.

Decades ago, there was a play that emulated Japanese culture. Actors dressed in kimonos and spoke as Japanese people do when speaking English. When the playwright was similarly criticized for cultural appropriation, his response was that he felt comfortable borrowing from strong, vibrant cultures such as the Japanese, but would never borrow from a culture that was less strong and vibrant. That’s a good guideline, I think.

Everywhere in the New World, not least Canada, indigenous land, religion, language and culture has been taken from them. There are now scores of indigenous authors who have written deep, informative, moving and funny books, plays and poems for us to learn from. Appropriating indigenous culture? Forget about it. Douglas Buck, Toronto