Thought I'd share screenshots of my response to a thread by vanillabrwnsugr, since I believe they might helpful/reassuring to those who create and engage with so-called 'problematic' art.
Original thread (available only to signed up users): https://bsky.app/profile/vanillabrwnsugr.bsky.social/post/3ls34ngjcrs2x
Two points I'd like to elaborate on.
1. "Further stigmatization will lead them to unsafe positions where they may become victims of abuse AGAIN"
This might be a stretch to some, but my stance on the stigmatization of 'problematic' art is similar to how I view the criminalization of sex work, medical transitioning, drug use, etc.
Criminalization only leads to people being put into vulnerable and marginalized positions, especially to those belonging to historically marginalize communities.
Ex.g.: Forcing sex workers to exercise their work in precarious spaces (online or offline), where they're more susceptible to be taken advantage, abused or trafficked; drug users engaging in drug use in unsanitary areas and with unsterilized tools (such as used needles) as to avoid imprisonment, but with a higher risk of a life-threatening infections; trans folks unable to acquire HRT and without access to thorough DIY HRT resources, leading them to acquire hormones through places where there isn't information on the quality and their composition, and not knowing how to inject it safely.
While the stigmatization of people who create and engage with 'problematic' art may not be as severe as the aforementioned examples, I believe the repercussions are still damaging, especially for victims of abuse.
The inability to explore, openly discuss and depict complicated topics generates a lot of internalized shame, lack of confidence in one self, poor self-esteem, loneliness, and so much more. People might take much more drastic measures to release their feelings, such as self-harm.
Art is therapeutic. Art is life-saving. Art is the place to explore dark topics in a safe environment. It stays where you put it.
2. On 'safety' and 'safe spaces'
This is a topic I could dedicate a whole separate post about.
However, in the context of pro-anti shipping, I get the sense that antis think that 'safety' and 'safe spaces'' mean echo chambers, yes-men, enablers, lack of critical thinking, etc.
And that is just wrong.
How I view it in this context, in my personal experience, is more akin to the ability to express without the fear of being judged, harassed or marginalized.
This does not mean there is a lack of repercussions or accountability if a situation occurs (for example, if somebody says something racist, if an artist scams a client, if you're a POS, if someone gets accused of abuse). Merely, you're able to portray and share what you wish, without the assumption that this makes you a terrible human being who should be in jail.
Once again, it bears repeating, stigmatization helps no one.
Follow, unfollow, mute, block, ignore. Do whatever you want to your heart's content. You don't have to like something and engage with it. But you don't need to shame everyone who does or accuse them of being terrible human beings.
#proship #profic #trauma