Good Writing or Sensationalism

I recently came across an article on Facebook about the sex scenes or specifically, the gay sex scenes in two of the shows on the ABC’s roster this season, Scandal and HTGAWM (How To Get Away With Murder) and although the article was well written, I became more interested in the comments. While some cheered the scenes, others jeered and while a few made valid points, there were others who simply got angry, even going as far to telling viewers that if you don’t like it, don’t watch it. But I don’t think not watching is that simple.

I’m a Black woman—I’m a black Christian woman—I’m a black Christian woman that writes. This means that when I watch television or read a novel, I’m viewing with what I like to call my four senses: as an African American, a Christian, a woman and finally as a writer.

While I have no problem watching gay relationships on the TV (I loved Will and Grace and still watch the reruns and I am a big fan of Modern Family), I do however have problems with scenes that may have been written for shock value only.

Shows that draw me in must have writing that is exceptional, that can pull me in as a viewer, have a great story line and lastly, makes me care about the characters.

Scandal is a well written show but most importantly, I care about the characters. Though it’s filled with sex and violence, these individuals have redeeming qualities and I’ve never once felt that a scene was written just for shock value or sensationalism. But what I love about Scandal has me on the fence with HTGAWM. I have yet to connect with any of the characters or even the storyline. This makes me sad because I am a HUGE FREAK when it comes to murder mysteries. I LOVE THE GENRE.

Not every sex scene, curse word or even violence helps to move a story along. Sometimes it even halts the story. For instance, when Viola’s character was removing her makeup and her wig, it was such a powerful scene on its own. Did inserting the word, penis help… in my opinion not so much.

Sensationalism seems to be the motivation in so much of what we do and see these days, even with the news. I remember watching a clip of a news anchor stating how the ‘powers that be’ were becoming more interested in what sells than reporting the news—hence what’s happening with a celebrity may trump important news say, another drop in unemployment or what’s happening in Israel.

I had a fellow writer say that because my stories lacked vulgarity, how could I expect to call myself a writer. That made me sad. I want my writing to entertain and maybe even surprise and shock but in doing so, do I need to conform to that type of writing to be successful? I hope not and I know a lot of famous and successful writers that don’t.

Sex and violence definitely sells but so does a great story with strong characters. Take, The Good Wife. One of my favorite characters is Kalinda Sharma who is bisexual. She’s a badass who can kick butt when wearing heals… Love that. Does Kalinda use sex to get what she wants? You betcha. But when it happens, it’s not thrust in your face and it moves the story along. Each time you learn a bit more about what motivates her.

Another good example recently was a scene on Gotham with Jada Picket’s character, Fish Mooney and a woman who was auditioning to sing at her club. When Mooney asked the girl to seduce her, the scene was sexual. It hinted at sexuality, peaked our curiosity and spoke volumes. Like a man who doesn’t need to stand in front of me naked to be drawn in, I want the same when I’m looking at a show. To me that’s the sign of good writing.

Telling an audience to like it or lump it is not always that simple and I think might be a little sad. Especially when people may want to support the show because of the actor or actress or what that show may even represent. We watch for different reasons. Several watch because they want to support a show that has a strong woman who happens to be black. Because although we may feel that there aren’t enough shows that portray gay relationships (and that may be true), there are fewer shows that portray strong African American, Indian, Hispanic or even Asian woman who are also sexy and desirable. (btw, thank God for The Mindy Project) And more than a few want to watch because we hope the show has a great plot and characters we can relate.

Raw violence and sex may have its place in a story but is it more important than the story or characters themselves? These are the questions I’m asking myself when I watch shows like, How to Get Away With Murder. Is it titillating my four senses? I’m still tilting on that fence. What about you?