As a reader, you’ve probably come across trigger warnings every once in a while in your reading journey. If you are a reader of certain genres, you may run across these more often than not. I want to discuss the importance of trigger warnings, their missing presence in Kindle books, and how some readers fear they have the potential to give away the story.
Trigger warnings are content notes that enlighten the reader about what to expect in a story if the topics covered have the potential to be traumatizing. For example, authors commonly provide trigger warnings for domestic or sexual violence, child abuse, or unexpected pregnancy. Trigger warnings allow the reader to decide, given past trauma or current dislikes, if a story is one into which they want to dive. Many such warnings remind readers to take care of themselves and other helpful recommendations when reading certain topics.
As humans, we have probably experienced something that was traumatizing for us. Sometimes, we try to avoid hearing, reading, and dealing with related topics at all costs. Given this, while trauma is unfortunate or life-altering, it makes sense that authors’ characters experience similar things. That does not mean people have to read about topics that make them uncomfortable, hence the importance of trigger warnings. Thoughtful authors consider their readers’ well-being. Trigger warnings don’t have to be overly detailed. Ashley Antoniette typically composes a note in which she instructs readers to grab a glass of wine and tissues.
Unfortunately, for Kindle readers, Kindle usually starts you on page one of the story. In this case, the trigger warning serves little purpose as it is not seen by readers unless they seek it out. Now, I don't know whom to take this issue up with, but I do feel it to be a worthy cause! That is unless you are someone who would rather avoid trigger warnings. I’ve observed that some readers are averse to trigger warnings, feeling they reveal too much of the story. In romance genres, authors commonly employ plot devices like unexpected pregnancy, spousal abuse, and death. To say these trigger warnings give away the story may be a strong way of putting it, but they do give you an idea of what is to come, sometimes in contradiction to authors’ desires to create plot twists, cliffhangers, or conflicts. These often enliven books and pique readers’ interest. Some readers also argue that trigger warnings are reflective of being “too sensitive” and that all reminders of trauma can’t be avoided. Now, as a proud member of the “woke” brigade, I am skeptical about complaints about sensitivity. Quite often, they reflect a desire to ignore others’ lived realities and pain.
I believe there are necessary topics of which we should make people aware, as we don't know how reading about them could affect readers. The last thing we want to do is ruin the reading experience. This is just how my brain works sometimes. How do you all feel about this? I’d love to hear your opinions—as the name of this blog states; trigger warnings yay or nay? Let me know in the comments below and lastly, as always…
Blissful Reading
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