Things are not always what they seem.
What is good versus what is bad sometimes blends into a fascinating gray area that draws your attention. The more you stare at the gray, the more you realize there is a beautifully shiny and attractive object here that cannot be ignored. It’s what makes Taboo & Transgressions: Stories of Wrongdoings, a must read.
When writer and editor Luanne Smith first started exploring the concept of taboo stories, she quickly realized that people from all walks of life can relate in some way or another on a physical, mental, or emotional level. Taboos can range from simply asking a lighthearted but socially inappropriate question to more serious taboo acts like murder. The interesting part of taboos is that the first step to breaking them is acknowledging their existence and starting that conversation.
“There are so many rules, some which we break every day,” says Smith, “I was pleased with the variety of rule-breakers out there.”
Smith first came up with the concept of taboo storytelling after attending a Master Class course taught by author Joyce Carol Oates, “Ideas: Exploring Taboo and Darkness.” Oates says, “Each subject that is taboo and hasn’t been discussed or has been considered vulgar or awful or unnatural, all those subjects relate to many people who share them but they have no outlet. So immediately they have a readership.”
Smith was inspired by Oates’ class and told her publisher Kim Davis of Madville Publishing about running away as a child and only making it to the edge of her front yard. Running away as a kid is not socially acceptable, yet many can relate to this taboo because they also attempted to run away as a kid. Regardless of how far one got when attempting to run away, they still engaged in the forbidden act. Uncovering those small acts of disobedience yielded great feelings of empowerment and lit the fire that became first Runaway: An Anthology, and now Taboo & Transgressions: Stories of Wrongdoings, edited by Smith, Kerry Neville, and Devi S. Laskar.
After presenting the idea of breaking taboos to Davis, Smith knew the power of breaking taboos would gain a lot of traction with authors. Instead of relying on unsolicited accounts, Smith knew she could collect submissions from authors intrigued by this topic. Smith noted that working behind the scenes to ensure the most fascinating accounts were brought to light was key to exposing the power of taboos. Smith was happy to be able to include a story by Joyce Carol Oates, who originally inspired the collection.
Taboos are only taboos because society deems them as such. Once people begin acknowledging their existence and exposing the realities of people breaking them, the various consequences of engaging in the forbidden acts come to light. These consequences range from feelings of empowerment to feelings of a sense of community with fellow rule-breakers. These hushed stories help people humanize uncommon acts and encourage readers to face their own demons. As such, Smith believes that the power of taboos can be taken back by society once people begin realizing they are not alone.
Breaking taboos is a very human thing to do and an inviting concept to most people. But there are always consequences. Examining these rule-breakers within these accounts shows what happens to them, good or bad. The concept of breaking taboos unleashes gritty, real stories that bring a feeling of familiarity and even relief to the reader. Discussing topics and experiences that are rarely mentioned gives power back to those feeling trapped by those banned acts.
Taboos are only taboos because society deems them as such. Once people begin acknowledging their existence and exposing the realities of people breaking them, the various consequences of engaging in the forbidden acts come to light. These consequences range from feelings of empowerment to feelings of a sense of community with fellow rule-breakers. These hushed stories help people humanize uncommon acts and encourage readers to face their own demons. As such, Smith believes that the power of taboos can be taken back by society once people begin realizing they are not alone.
