Trigger Warnings in Books

The use of trigger warnings in books has been a point of discussion for several years now. With a name like Benevolent Dragon, I don’t think many people would be surprised to hear that Tia and I value appropriate content warnings in books. Like anything else in life, though, this is not a black and white issue. Let’s look at the arguments for and against trigger and content warnings in books. 

The Purpose of Content Warnings 

The tone and detail we use to discuss a topic can have a significant impact on the perception. For example, imagine explaining that meat comes from cows. When we explain this to a younger child, we can often just tell them that some cows are raised to become the meat we eat. Now consider the way a PETA publication may explain the process. 

One of these explanations gets the idea across while many people may find the other explanation to be quite upsetting. 

We should apply this same concept to content warnings like trigger warnings and even spice level. If you are expecting a young adult depiction of explicit content, violence, and gore, it can be disorienting or upsetting to see it depicted in detail.  

Content Warnings Allow People to Prepare for What They’re About to Read (or Decide Not to)

If you have experienced a traumatic event in your life, you may know that you are fine to hear reference of an event that happened off page, but you may not want to go in depth about what happened. Whether it makes you uncomfortable, or triggers significant emotions, readers should be able to make an informed decision when it comes to the type of content they read.

In the world of romantasy, romance, and especially dark romance, it can be nearly impossible to know what to expect from a book.

Take Brynne Weaver’s content warnings for Butcher and Blackbird, for example. We may know that we’re going in for a dark rom com about serial killers, we probably expect to see some violence and gore, probably some graphic sex scenes. However, we probably didn’t expect to be traumatized by cookies and cream ice cream (she acts like she’s sorry about it, but we all know she isn’t). 

Common Types of Trigger and Content Warnings 

The types of content warnings that we may often see include obvious and more nuanced considerations such as:

• Racism, bigotry, homophobia, etc 

• Violence and gore 

• Sexual assault (and whether it is on or off page)

• Child abuse (whether it is on or off page)

• Cannibalism 

• Torture 

• Pregnancy loss 

• Self harm, suicidal ideation, or suicide 

This is certainly not a complete list of content warnings, there was nigh a single mention of eyeballs, or ill-advised use of kitchen implements. 

Arguments Against Content and Trigger Warnings 

For those who are ‘against’ content warnings, it is typically based from a place of personal responsibility or a belief that these warnings infantilize the reader. Other concerns about them revolve around concerns that these disclosures will spoil key points of the plot. 

While this may be a valid concern in some books, the Alliance of Independent Authors explains that trigger warnings can be placed strategically to avoid spoilers. 

Trigger Warnings Allow Informed Consent 

Especially in the romantasy, romance, and dark romance world, the themes of these stories can be incredibly dark. Something like understanding whether a sexual assault happens on page or is simply referenced as an off page event, is an integral piece of a readers’ ability to truly consent to engagement with that kind of material.

Every reader will have different themes that bother them when they read. Despite an author’s best efforts, they will never manage to identify every component in the book that someone may find upsetting. 

However, when we highlight some of the more obvious themes that we know may be disturbing, we create a space that is accepting and inclusive of individuals who may have different life experiences and allow them to make a truly informed decision about the media they consume. 

There is Nuance to What May Feel Icky to Consume

The books we read (that’s you too, if you’re here) can be hard to predict. Personally, I was always open to some of the higher spice books that may depict scenes with more kink. When it comes to consent, I prefer the consent kings like we get in the Sinners and Angels series by Luna Pierce, but I can be okay with certain depictions of consensual non-consent (CNC). However, I’m not a fan of some of the stalker romance themes like Haunting Adeline or The Ritual where the interactions begin clearly nonconsensual. 

The Bookish Community Should be Inclusive 

At the end of the day, nothing requires authors or publishers to include content warnings. When we have experiences that may make us more sensitive to certain topics, it is our responsibility to stay aware of our needs and how media will impact us. But there also isn’t any harm in doing what we can to support each other. 

Many of us read as a form of escape, and when we’re blindsided by something that could have easily been disclosed up front, it can close the doors to people who may otherwise enjoy the stories. 

If you have questions or concerns about any of the content you see at The Benevolent Dragon Bookshop, we encourage you to reach out. Whether it is concerns about a book that is not clearly indicated, or you just have a question about a book that we may have read, we’re happy to help. The bookish community should be inclusive of everyone.