CAREFULLY WRITTEN

I received a script report for a sitcom I wrote. It contains innuendo of the Carry-On tradition, harmless and distinctively British. The comments were hugely positive, funny, and great dialogue and then suggested further improvements to contain trigger warnings and to flag ‘the script contains material readers may find distressing or offensive.’ In a world where sensitivities have gone beyond hyper and if a bit of camp humour is considered harmful, then they might as well reclassify Winnie the Pooh, as a violent, drug-induced honey monster with wording that sounds like excrement.

Trigger warnings have their place. So too, does common sense, and audiences are getting peeved with the indication of harm and upset towards them. We might just steer towards putting nothing on, then everyone could be guaranteed safety and immense boredom. From the Bible to the Mr Men, can be considered as distressing or offensive. The problem is that overused, or rather unnecessary trigger warnings will start to diminish their real value, in productions which warrant their inclusion.

Not so long ago, a publisher was interfering with the words of Roald Dahl, and changing descriptors words for fear of offence. I don’t know what the outcome was, or if it went on to be published, but I don’t believe in rewriting anyone’s words. Everyone is responsible for their decisions within their words. Writing, like any art form, should be reviewed historically, rather than skewering the language to suit our changing beliefs. What’s more, rewriting a writer’s work meddles with the rhythm, shape of phrase and the writer’s distinct voice. I wonder how many children were wounded by offensive language in ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.’ When I first read it, I was hooked by Dahl’s incredible and exciting imagination. I don’t recall being hung up about a word or two.

Sanitising work creates a bland and uniform language. You might as well just ask for an AI serving. I admire the bravery of Bond, Neilson and Kane, who wrote with all the atrocities of language and behaviour that stems from our society. Nothing is pure. Creativity reflects our society, both its beauty and ugliness within it. We shouldn't feel directed to blinked vision of its whole.  

The use of heightened inclusion of trigger warnings is in danger of diminishing their usage when a piece truly warrants it. Ironically the world outside of our trigger warnings is becoming more violent, and intolerant, with reportage blurred between fact and fiction. Perhaps it’s time to re-evaluate the boundaries that police our creativity.

WARNING – this post may offend.

Shame.