What My Mother And I Don T Talk About: Fifteen Writers Break The Silence

Workplace harassment is a pervasive issue across various industries, and the literary world is no exception. In recent years, a growing number of writers have spoken out about their experiences with harassment, creating a powerful movement within the industry.

In this comprehensive examination, we delve into the accounts of fifteen brave writers who have broken the silence, shedding light on the prevalence and severity of workplace harassment in the literary field. Their stories serve as a sobering reminder of the challenges faced by those within the industry and highlight the need for transformative change.

Unveiling Hidden Truths: The Personal Narratives of Writers

The experiences shared by these fifteen writers offer a glimpse into the unsettling reality of workplace harassment within the literary industry. From power dynamics to toxic environments, the narratives reveal a complex interplay of factors that contribute to this pervasive issue.

What My Mother and I Don't Talk About: Fifteen Writers Break the Silence

by Michele Filgate

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1957 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	289 pages

FREE

**1. ** **Roxane Gay: In her memoir, "Hunger," Gay recounts an uncomfortable encounter with an editor who threatened to end her career if she did not sleep with him.

**2. ** Jami Attenberg: Attenberg faced repeated sexual harassment from a literary agent, who made inappropriate comments and physical advances towards her.

**3. ** Junot Diaz: Accused of sexual assault by several women, Diaz was forced to resign from his post at MIT and withdraw from public appearances.

**4. ** Leah Dieterich: Dieterich's account of being groped by a senior editor at a literary magazine sparked a public outcry and led to his firing.

**5. ** Jessica Knoll: Knoll experienced years of emotional abuse and intimidation from a male editor, who created a hostile work environment.

**6. ** Vanessa Veselka: Veselka endured sexual harassment and discrimination from a professor while pursuing her MFA, leading her to leave the program.

**7. ** Emily Doe: Known only by a pseudonym, Doe bravely shared her story of being sexually harassed by a literary agent, who threatened to sabotage her career if she spoke out.

**8. ** Wendy Ortiz: Ortiz faced persistent harassment from a literary figure, who sent her unwanted messages and made her uncomfortable at industry events.

**9. ** Carmen Maria Machado: Machado's experiences with harassment led her to write the critically acclaimed memoir, "In the Dream House," exposing the systemic abuse of power within the industry.

**10. ** Torrey Peters: Peters was subjected to sexual misconduct by a fellow writer at a literary retreat, highlighting the vulnerability of writers in isolated settings.

**11. ** Layla AbdelRahim: AbdelRahim's story of being sexually harassed by a literary critic sparked conversations about the role of gatekeepers in perpetuating abuse.

**12. ** Yaa Gyasi: Gyasi faced racist and sexist comments from a professor, leading her to question her place in the literary world.

**13. ** Amber Tamblyn: Tamblyn's experiences with harassment in the entertainment industry extended to the literary world, where she encountered inappropriate behavior from editors and agents.

**14. ** Nicole Chung: Chung confronted the racial and gender biases she encountered as an Asian American woman writer, shedding light on the intersectionality of discrimination.

**15. ** Melissa Febos: Febos's memoir, "Girlhood," explores the lasting effects of sexual harassment and abuse she experienced while working in the publishing industry.

The Systemic Roots of Harassment: Power Dynamics and Industry Culture

The narratives of these writers point to the systemic roots of harassment within the literary industry, revealing the interplay of power dynamics and an often-toxic culture that enables such behavior.

a) Power Imbalances: The industry is characterized by power imbalances between writers, agents, editors, and publishers. This creates opportunities for individuals to abuse their authority and engage in inappropriate behavior.

b) Lack of Accountability: Many institutions within the literary world lack effective mechanisms for reporting and addressing harassment. This allows perpetrators to evade accountability, creating a sense of impunity.

c) Silence and Stigma: The fear of retaliation and damage to their careers often forces writers to remain silent about their experiences. The stigma associated with reporting harassment further perpetuates the silence.

A Call for Transformative Change: Breaking the Cycle of Abuse

The courage of these fifteen writers has ignited a movement within the literary industry, calling for transformative change to address the pervasive issue of workplace harassment.

**1. ** Industry-wide Policies and Protocols: The implementation of clear policies and protocols for reporting, investigating, and addressing harassment is crucial. These protocols should ensure confidentiality and protect victims from retaliation.

**2. ** Training and Education: Comprehensive training programs are necessary to educate writers, agents, editors, and publishers about their rights and responsibilities in preventing and addressing harassment.

**3. ** Independent Reporting Mechanisms: Establishing external and independent reporting mechanisms allows writers to report harassment without fear of retaliation or bias.

**4. ** Cultural Shift: A cultural shift is needed to challenge the power dynamics and toxic behaviors that foster harassment. This requires a commitment from all members of the industry to create a respectful and equitable work environment. 5. Support for Victims: Providing resources and support for victims of harassment is essential. This includes legal assistance, counseling, and industry-led initiatives to connect writers with mentors and allies.

: Breaking the Silence and Shaping a More Equitable Future

Workplace harassment is a societal ill that has no place within the literary industry or any other profession. The narratives of these fifteen brave writers serve as a powerful call to action, demanding an end to the silence and transformative change across the industry.

As we work collectively to break the cycle of abuse, the literary world can become a more equitable and inclusive space where writers are empowered to pursue their craft without fear of harassment. By embracing a zero-tolerance approach to this pervasive issue, we can create a thriving and just environment where creativity and expression flourish for all.

What My Mother and I Don't Talk About: Fifteen Writers Break the Silence

by Michele Filgate

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1957 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	289 pages

FREE