Progressive Nonfiction
kanaka prasad (prasad@grove.ufl.edu)
Fri, 29 Mar 1996 12:24:35 -0500
Why is it that non-fiction in telugu does not receive the same level of
attenion as fiction, especially the short story? We see many individuals and
groups promoting telugu short story in several ways. Poetry still attracts
our attention, though not as much as the story. Both writers and readers
have all but abandoned non-fiction. Unlike in the western world, people
among us with literary-social-cultural interests and aspirations do not fall
into well defined categories such as short story writers, poets, essaists,
science writers and so on. We are like one lump of creative individuals,
whose interests range over the entire cultural spectrum, which includes
literature. This group's interests dictate the culture's direction, at
least that of the literate people. If, for whatever reasons, non-fiction is
not as chic to talk or write about as, say, 'Telugu Katha', then it atrophies.
Non-fiction traditionally is left to academicians and journalists.
Non-fiction produced in schools is highly specialized, both in content and
style, often far removed from the popular interests and concerns. Popular
journals, the news papers in particular, have been promoting a certain
variety of non-fiction in telugu, which can be called consumerist
non-fiction. This non-fiction is based on the tenets of consumerism -fancy,
excitement and commercial value, and lack progressive motivation and a
concern for the public good. It includes a dubious science fiction, which
offers little more than excitement/entertainment. If you browse through the
Sunday special editions of news papers, you will find this kind of
non-fiction, on topics such as supersonic vimAnAlu-prapancha vinthalu,
cosmetics, beauty chitkAlu, sharks, dinosaurs and so on.
Literary non-fiction in telugu is a topic in itself; I wouldn't
venture to discuss it here, except saying that it is particularly in bad
shape. Non-fiction is hard work, and, as Kumar pointed out, lack of
incentive could be one reason why it is not cultivated. To write a good
piece of literary non-fiction, such as a critique, review or comparative
analysis, the critic has to have good material (fiction) to write about,
talent of course, an overarching vision and faith that his work contribues
towards the betterment of fiction and the courage and luxury of being
forthright. Professional critics seldom have these material/qualities, so
their reviews end up being sweeping praises, patronizing pats on the back,
downers, outright insults or a mix of these.
For most of us, literary interest is not related to our professions.
Which means, most of us carry in ourselves non-literary knowledge and
experience, which are excellent mateial for non-fiction. There is a need
for laying the seeds and nurturing the form of non-fiction with two
characteristics that distinguish it from the current forms: it is useful and
relevant to people's lives and it is popular (accessible) in style. So, it
can be called Progressive Non-fiction. It doesn't strive to entertain or
excite; it will be attractive to the readers due to its use and relevance.
Many of us who participate in Telusa and other groups are capable of
creating such work.
We can discuss the need for it, its nature and the logistics of
creating it. For now, I'd like to share with you my vision of what it is
and what it is not by citing titles, as below:
It includes:
Urban India's drinking Water Crisis Poverty-what it really is.
Our Food Habits back home Why we donot excercise (back home)
How we spend our money Our styles of life
Education Interpersonal skills preventive medicine
Industries Pollution Cities Self-help Team work Organizational skills
Unemployment: success and failure stories Attitude
Specific regional environmental problems Alternative life styles.
It excludes:
KanyAsulkam nAti sAnghika paristhitulu: oka pariseelana
nEti sthree vAda dhOranulu: chArithraka vislEshana (instead, a title like
Khammam jillAlO grAmIna sthreela bratukulu would be more relevant and useful)
MArxism nEdu avasaramA?
Janyu sAsthram parinAmAlu: meeku thelusA?
Suryuni chuttoo vundE chandamAmalu: GrahAla vinthaloo viddoorAloo!
with best regards
Kanaka Prasad