Beyond the fantastical concepts, rhymes and edgy content that I hope will tantalise anyone reading Carnival: Tales from Within, one of the key elements I explore in much of my writing is the taboo; but that alone can beg more questions than answers.
Different things are defined as taboo by different people. Different people of course have different backgrounds, cultures, experience and so on. So you can imagine, depending on who you ask, you may get a different response; but a taboo is still just that – a taboo.
We of course all know of Sigmund Freud’s more common ideas, but in his book Totems and Taboo, Freud identifies a taboo being something that is prevented by society without reason. Taboo’s do not spontaneously exist; but they may have once had meaning which has since been lost to time.
I find this definition most relatable as I watch cultures and religions hold onto traditions and teachings that may no longer offer much in substance. It is not that they are not worth maintaining however, but more, as we progress with modern technology and better education do we still need them? Alas many are not extinct and others still play important roles in ensuring order where law does not venture.
Sexuality and kinks that venture close to the obscure are still among the biggest taboo’s that do not fade. Instead they are repetitively reborn, dating back to the earliest civilisations. It is patterns like this that lead me to feel like this is our human nature, constantly battling restrictive ideals.
So, when it comes to Carnival, I’d like to be frank; no Taboo is off the table. Whilst my aim is to entertain you with my stories, I also want to shock you, taking you beyond that comfort zone you had initially cordoned as you turn the page further still. I will be tasteful, but I will not tiptoe around the topics, nor coat them in fresh scents of rose. After all, I want to leave you questioning that sordid scene you just read, and why you enjoyed it so much.
