MALAPPURAM: Cultural activists have extended support to writer Sarah Joseph’s assertion that she does not wish to be branded a ‘cultural leader’ and that writers have the freedom not to respond to every social issue. Coming amid criticism of prominent cultural figures for not speaking out against controversies surrounding the UDF government, Sarah’s post has triggered a debate over whether writers and cultural activists are obliged to take positions on every political and social issue.
“Please spare me the trouble of being labelled a ‘cultural leader’, a tag imposed on me which I have never accepted,” Sarah said in a Facebook post. Clarifying her position, she said she was only a writer who, like any socially conscious individual, had spoken out on issues she believed were right.
“When people involved in collective signature campaigns bring forward statements, I join them and sign if I am convinced by their arguments. Only what I believe is right. Only what I am convinced of,” she wrote. Requesting the media not to use the label, she added, “I am not the leader of anything. In fact, the term feels abusive.”
The post comes amid criticism, particularly from Left social media handles and cyber activists, against cultural figures who had repeatedly called for a change of government during the LDF regime but have remained largely silent on controversies involving the UDF government. The issues include the hunger strike by LPST teacher Valaramathy and the protest by students of Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit, Kalady.
When contacted by TNIE, Sarah Joseph said she had nothing more to add to her Facebook post and that other writers and cultural figures could respond to the issue.
M N Karassery said it was wrong to describe writers as cultural leaders and that they should not be expected to respond to every issue in society. “Writers are not obliged to respond or take a stand on every issue. We are not elected representatives. We also have the liberty not to comment on issues that do not concern us,” he said.
Meanwhile writer Kalpatta Narayanan said describing someone as a ‘cultural leader’ was derogatory, particularly in the present political climate. “Cultural activism is not a liability for a writer. My creation should be my freedom, not my liability,” he said.
