(I’ve borrowed a blog overlord from Justine.)

I do recognize that talking publicly about politics causes some readers to turn away, to rethink the author and his or her work, and to judge the author. And to be honest, this is one reason I’ve chosen not to discuss politics on my own blog (even though I am very involved in politics right now).

I think it’s a shame that we allow politics to be so divisive in this way — to create this “us and them” mentality. I wish this weren’t the case. But I also recognize that this is, unfortunately, the case and that readers do have a right to turn away from an author simply because of his or her politics. It’s a risk the author takes by taking a stand. Still doesn’t make it any less of a shame.

I like plenty of authors’ books whose politics I find appalling (Orson Scott Card, I’m looking at you) and I am capable of saying “I enjoy this artist’s work” without buying into their politics.

I do think, though, that authors ought to stay out of politics. When authors are outspoken about their politics, I can’t help myself from looking at their work in a new way, suspicious of a hidden agenda. But maybe that’s just me.