What is the meaning of taboo? It’s something that’s forbidden to talk about on social, cultural or religious grounds. Taboo topics are anything from politics to religion to sex. A taboo is something that’s banned on the grounds of moral or cultural sensitivities. For example, menstruation can be a taboo topic in some cultures, so can period sex. Porn can be a very taboo topic. There can be taboos at home, like masturbation. Does that mean we can’t write on them? Surely not. A taboo for me might not be a taboo for you. It is also important to delve into why these taboos occur and if there is any basis to it. So how do you start writing on such a topic?
Understand Why You Want To Write On A Taboo Topic
It is important you feel passionate about what you are about to pen down and introspect why you chose this topic. A personal narrative can help users connect to the experience, while spreading awareness and being a conversation starter for the larger community. If it’s something you have no connection with, have a relook at your motivations. For example, this article on a sexual taboo (period sex) is a first person story, while this one is more of a myth-busting article. Both had different motivations behind them. The former was what they wanted to speak up about, the latter was given a prompt on it.
Research, Research And Research Some More
It’s pivotal you read up on the subject you have chosen. Every theme will have scores of writers who have been writing on it, and their words can help compare and contrast with other people’s experiences and help you write a more informed article. It’s not easy to write on taboo topics, but knowing you aren’t alone helps. Read twitter threads, reddit posts, Facebook status updates, articles, academic journals to get a sense of all that’s been written. Talk to the people around you, interview them, understand their opinions. Moreover, Google forms are a great way to crowdsource opinions.
Treating The Subject Matter With Sensitivity
Are you unsure about a certain word you’ve used? Are you confused about writing on a marginalized identity? Why not google it and find out if it’s offensive. You can ask around you too. Otherwise, the content team at Youth Ki Awaaz would be happy to help you.
Intersectionality
Yes, you will need intersectionality here too. Say you want to write about menstruation in India and myths and stereotypes associated with it. Menstruators come from all walks of life, from different communities, religions and castes, who face different kind of treatment when it comes to period. It would be unfair to club them under singular story types. Inform who you are writing about, paint a holistic picture, be as detailed as possible. A dalit woman’s experience will differ greatly from a savarna woman’s experience.
Make A Blueprint Of Your Article
Now that you have the material with you, you are overwhelmed with the information out there. It’s time to organize and categorize it. How do you want the story to flow? Do you want to make it personal, or do you want to deal only with facts? Say it’s about menstruating women and kitchens. Do you want to start with an experience and then go on to explain the causes behind it or would you like to use numbers to show how many women still suffer from menstrual myths?
Body Of The Article
Now that you are writing it, keep the tone easy and conversational. Your audience will only read it if they can understand it, or relate to it. We have some great tips for you on how to frame your article.
Sleep On It
You’ve written the first draft, now it’s time to leave it be and revisit in 12 hours or so. Go over it once more, edit it (here’s how you can self edit) and check if the article flows well.
Get A Second Opinion
In the age of online backlash and trolling, sensitive topics like ones on taboos related to religion can get you in hot water. It would be wise to get it vetted before you publish it. However, it’s also essential to break the culture of silence, we just need to walk that fine line where we are not hurting any sentiments while spreading awareness.
I know taboo topics are not easy to write about but we have a few brave voices writing about them on YKA. For example, here’s an article on watching porn, one on period sex and caste and menstruation. If you are facing a similar struggle, drop a comment below and I’d love to talk at length about the topic.