Writing with a purpose: using fiction to tackle social issues

Nineteen sixty-none saw the broadcast of the Star Trek episode titled “Let That Be Your Last Battlefield.” In it, the Enterprise crew visits a world where half of the population’s left side is black, and their right side is white. The other half of the population’s left side is white, and their right side black. The hatred between the two factions drove their planet to ruin. This drew attention to the social issue of racism.

Margaret Atwood’s 1985 book, The Handmaid’s Tale, and the movie and TV series that followed all have women’s rights and the dangers of integrating Church and State at the forefront.

Shonda Rhimes is the mastermind behind Gray’s Anatomy, Station 19, Still Star-Crossed, and too many other fabulous shows to mention. Her work famously mirrors her characters’ trials and tribulations with real-world social issues.

Fiction as a way to discuss social issues

Fiction has the power to entertain. It also has the ability to educate and raise awareness about important social issues. As a fiction writer, you have the opportunity to make your work more compeling by giving your opinion on social issues to make a difference in the world. To do this, work elements of social issues at the forefront of society into your writing. Weave them into your characters, plots, and themes. Here are some ways you can use the stories you write to tackle social issues.

6 ways to tackle social issues when writing

1. Identify an issue that matters to you. This should be a problem about which you are passionate about and that you want to write. This could be anything from poverty to racism or mental health to environmental issues.
2. Once you have identified a social issue, it’s important to research it thoroughly. This way, you can write about it with accuracy and authority. It will also help you understand the nuances and complexities of the issue so what you write will be compelling and informative.
3. Create characters your readers identify with. This way, they will connect with the story on a personal level and understand the impact the issue has on real people.
4. Fiction is a powerful tool for making abstract concepts and issues concrete. Use literary devices (including symbolism, imagery, theme, and metaphor) to help readers understand the complexities of the social issue so they can relate.
5. Once you have written your story, use your platform as an author. This way you can raise awareness about the issue and inspire others to take action. You could also share information about organizations addressing the issue or participate in related events or campaigns.
6. When writing about social issues, it’s important to be honest and respectful of people and communities affected by the issue. You should also be empathetic and sensitive to the feelings of your readers.

Using fiction to tackle social issues is a powerful way to make a difference in the world. Turn your writer’s voice into a powerful tool. Create awareness and empathy surrounding an important social event, and make an impact on the world.