Ever written about culture?

[Calla Lily]

This is for anybody, readers and fellow writers alike.

Have you ever written a fanfic (most probably AU then) that integrates a culture within its themes? Perhaps not even on a spiritual or religious tone, but perhaps one that has a sense of 'community' within its people. For example, the children calling their elders specific names or titles or even those adding small words at the end of their sentences that give signatures of their respect?

Take me, I'm Filipino and although I may live in Vancouver, Canada-- my respect for my family is forever emblazoned upon my person. Tradition. I guess that's what I'm really saying here.

Why all these questions? Just wondering, because I'd truly be interested in reading a story that has these elements. After all, it just adds to the creativeness of the fic.

[silversong]

I think that it's impossible to seperate writing from culture, because writing is about people, and all people belong to a culture. Not only is there the culture of the characters, that the author creates, but there is the culture and accompanying value system of the author themself, which will help shape any cultures that author creates. Sometimes we can't see the culture because it's something that is so much a part of us and the way we live our lives everyday. Culture is religion, social values, the way you dress, the way you talk to and relate with other people, the social heirarchy, the literature and music of a group, kinship terms--almost everything about you.


Hmm. I didn't mean to go on like that. Oh well. My roomate's majoring in anthropology, so I get a lot of this. And it you're looking for some books with really nice contrasting cultures, I'd suggest Michelle West's Sun Sword series.

~Silver

[Calla Lily]

Hmm, you know what silversong? I never really thought about it that way but I do have to agree with you there. Having read so many fanfics of so many different genres, you sometimes forget simple things like that. Then again, the number of quality stories on FF.net haven't been all that great. :x

Ignore me, I'm just having a crappy day.

[Beer-monster]

Then again, the number of quality stories on FF.net haven't been all that great.

I would have to agree with you there I'm afraid Calla, I should know because my awful stories are there too.

I can see Silversongs point about writing of having to account for culture, though you would be surprised how many people forget such issues (I had a debate/argument with my co-author Ryan about Shampoo from Ranma, based on culture).

Admittedly the local culture of a character must be observed in a general way if you really want to get into a characters head. Especially when anime does not show all of a person. You have to consider all factors of environment, upbringing and social and emotional factors to really bring a character to life.

Or so I would guess I'm not too good at this writing malarky so don't trust me

However there are times when a writer may try to emphasise and play with a specific culture. A lot of fanfics for instance bring in many aspects of Japanese culture and life. I belief that Trekkie uses her experience as a sailor to portray the nautical side of life nin her fics (that I gotta read at some point). And if its done well it can make a story great, and it is makes me to the author to know s/he put some thought and research into their story.

However it is also possible to overdo it, and ruin story flow. The author comes off rather as a know it all. By that I mean it seems they are writing in facts and tidbits because they want to show off rather than it is needed as part of a story. That can come off rather bad IMO.

I know coz I've done it myself. In writing Honour and Pride (which I hop none of you have read since I respect you too much) someone said that I try to show myself as some sort of martial arts oracle and ruin the story flow. Since then I have been terrified about overdoing it, yet I still have to put the aspects into the story, since that culture is woven into the fabric of the story. Makes me quite nervous about the new chapter.

Sorry I digress.

Uh does that help answer in anyway Calla?

[Calla Lily]

Yes, Beer, you did help me out... even if you thought otherwise. I sincerely thank you.

~Calla.