Today I am excited to bring you a conversation about justice! Crime novels often touch on these issues of what is morally and legally right and wrong, but what does it mean to write about this topic? To be aware that justice is what we want our readers to think about as they read the book? I have H.J with today to share about this.
H.J is a multi-genre author from Canada. Her work is intersectional and has reached both national and international audiences since 2014. She uses her creative platform as a point of outreach and hopes to spark awareness and improvement toward bias throughout life.
I hope you enjoy this interview!
Welcome to The Creator’s Roulette, H.J. Tell us about your interest in justice. What does justice mean to you?
Hi, I’m happy to be here, thank you.
As an Empath, my “interest in justice” was as innate as breathing; I just always recognized it as a natural progression toward easing the many pains in life. For myself in my life, more personally, my own definition of “Justice” has changed over time. Right now, at 26, “Justice” means treating myself well and working to provide a safe space for loved ones; not letting triggers swallow me whole. I think Justice, in a broad sense, is “anything that gets you un-stuck” (being stuck is not always self-inflicted).
How is trauma related to justice?
That’s a great question, with broad answers. Ultimately, I think justice encompasses pathways for healing and so trauma itself represents the wound. They are, in essence, “two sides of the same coin”. This also depends on each individual’s definition of “Justice”. These things are multifaceted.
What are your thoughts on restorative justice?
Truthfully, I don’t have any personal experience with it, as it isn’t something that has been offered or available to me. But, as a general concept, I do think it’s wonderful that victims or survivors can have that option if they feel that it’s right for them. Statistically and by the feedback I’ve viewed, it appears to be a very wholesome and effective practice.
What are some works of fiction that portray justice and its dimension well?
I haven’t actively read these in years so forgive me if these are off-point in some way, but: Harper Lee’s “To Kill a Mockingbird” and Lois Lowry’s “Number the Stars” left an impression, for me. Even if the character’s didn’t ultimately get the wholesome justice they deserved, the authors and these storylines have done a great job at capturing the barriers and complexities that are part of this topic – which cannot be overlooked.
Disney’s “The Lion King”, I feel, is another great one; as well as “Moana” (they do have book forms). I think these examples look at Justice in terms of “Having individuality and representation in a world that tries to silence you” or [with Disney] “triumph over fear and self-doubt and conditioning” – all aspects are valid and speak of important pieces. Justice is intersectional, here.
What is the hardest part about writing about trauma and justice? What role do reader’s biases and opinions play on interpretation of these broad themes?
That’s it; the hardest part is the bias and the stigma in itself. I appreciate this question. It gets difficult because people can become so clouded by this stigma and such that they aren’t open to giving your work a chance, in the slightest. So, it can be difficult to reach an audience and to create any lasting conversations. In terms of the “role” this plays; for them, I think it’s a window into their own triggers and an opportunity to build some interpersonal skills; which then promotes further healing. For me, it becomes further motivation to increase my crisis skills and overall my writing qualities. Whether we do it maladaptively, consciously or not, I believe that as humans we are all just wanting to grow and to be heard and to feel safe; so I’m glad when my writing (and that the art of fiction as a whole) can provide an avenue for that.
How have your experiences affected you as a writer and in your pursuit for writing about justice?
I am an abuse survivor (both systemically and personally) with mental health conditions that include PTSD and a rare neurological condition which was worsened by the abuse and leaves me in a wheelchair. I’ve had the condition since birth. So, I won’t say the trauma made me a “better” person because I believe that statement is often part of “toxic positivity” & is inaccurate for me – I was strong before this and despite this – but, these experiences truly uncovered more avenues for me to get materials from and allowed me to further increase my intersectionality as an advocate and change-maker. I hope that makes sense!
What are some endeavours that you have pursued to increase awareness about trauma and justice?
Many! – most recently I am forming the “Survivor’s Grace Initiative” and am pushing for changes in local policies as well as National law (in Canada). I also do international advisory, occasionally, and crisis work (within Mental Health).
How could you apply interpersonal skills within your next disagreement with someone?
I hope you enjoyed this interview with H.J. Find her on her websites (1 and 2) or on Twitter (@TheOnlyHJwriter).
Banner Photo by Jakayla Toney on Unsplash
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