Is fiction the 21st Century’s nonfiction? From many points of reference, it is. We are inundated with the gyrations and hubris of movie stars, politicians, government, sports figures, singers, authors, You Tubers, bites & bits from social networkers, and staged stunts on “reality” shows, most of which/whom are anything but legitimate or authentic. This Stuff, lacking in veracity, is pitched to us as nonfiction, and it has moved so far over-the-top that it has become difficult to separate fiction from nonfiction, illusion from truth, and fabrication from fact.
The media serves up the lies, air-brushed & siliconed lovelies, cover-ups, and pathetic excuses and insincere apologies for bad behavior, while a whorl of adoring fans and supporters suck up this fiction as truth. I wonder if these actions are because some of them don’t know any better, or is it that they just don’t give a flying fig? We belly-up to bunk in one form or another on a daily basis, and, whether we believe the drivel or not, it seeps stealthily into our collective consciousness. But most of us crave honest emotional reactions that come from taking in truths that we don’t have to second guess – genuineness that just sits-right in the gut.
I realize that in writing this on The Story Woman blog, I’m probably preaching to the choir – there’s always hope for validation. With this little rant out of the way, I’ll get back to you in a couple of days with a few thoughts on the topic of where truth and honesty fit into the literary world of writing fiction and nonfiction. I surprised myself with where some of this line of thinking has taken me. Truth is often stranger than fiction, but is it as entertaining? Let me know what you think.
I can’t think of one so-called “true” bit of information that I’ve heard or read recently that I haven’t questioned, except maybe an obituary. Wait a minute! The other day I received a Google alert telling me Judith Marshall had died. So I guess I can’t even believe death notices. Sigh…
I wouldn’t go so far as to agree that fiction is the 21st century’s nonfiction, but the boundaries are blurred. Most of us know “reality” TV isn’t like real life; it’s just a different form of entertainment than scripted TV shows. It’s its own little (actually big, huh) genre. And as for what people say about themselves, I guess we need to adapt the buyer beware mindset into listener beware, and rely only on those people and sources we trust.
Judith – you gave me a good laugh – sorry Google reported your death – that would be a tragedy. But you’re alive and well and headed toward the big time! Let me know how the deal is going.
And, Laura, you are one of those honest people that I fully trust, so there’s no listener beware when it comes to what you say and write.
Thanks to both of you for your comments.
I met with the producer in Palm Springs to discuss her vision of the movie. Then I found a great entertainment attorney (thanks to Ellen Sussman and her writers’ group) and he helped me negotiate the contract which should be ready to be signed next week. Then, we’ll see…
Thrilling!
Thought provoking. Am reading Michael Lewis’s latest book, and it makes you feel you’re trapped in the old Funhouse at the Beach with no escape. We would all like to see and know truth; without it we’re crossing swaying bridges with no railings. But apart from the real problems you described, we’re also influnced by our frames of reference. XXX000, Ann
I so agree. Excellent post. I get frustrated with the lack of truth and the pathetic performances we call reality.
Obviously our reality check has bounced. We have been deceived and misled by everyone and everything we trust and told “this is fact.” If you have a enough money, we’ll probably believe you.
Truth can often be more entertaining. Several people have asked me where I got the ideas for some of the betrayal and discovery scenes in my fiction. And I have to confess – it happened to me
The idea of bounced reality checks is a new one on me! But, oh so true. Thanks for your thoughts, Sharon.
Ann, your comment, “crossing swaying bridges with no railings” is another one that really fits. Michael Lewis’s latest book sounds intriguing – I’ll put it on my list.