At the Brisbane Writers Festival last week, writer Lionel Shriver declared there to be a fear of “cultural appropriation” in the literary world, one that has prevented writers from reaching their utmost creativity. Shriver said this while while wearing a sombrero, one meant to be a metaphor for her objective, referencing a recent Mexican-themed Bowdoin College party that came under fire for cultural insensitivity. “It’s not always okay if a white guy writes the story of a Nigerian woman because the actual Nigerian woman can’t get published or reviewed to begin with,” Abdel-Magied responded. “How is it that said straight white woman will profit from an experience that is not hers, and those with the actual experience never be provided the opportunity? Shriver has since described the festival’s actions and response as “not very professional.”

Source: National Post September 19, 2016 19:06 UTC