[Shasta218]

Hi,

I am fairly new here, so please forgive any gaffes.

After reading a number of articles regarding not just literature, but the whole of The Arts, I was particularly struck by a common thread: There seems to be a resurrection of strong emotional content, sometimes called sentimentality, in almost all genres. And I don't just mean romance, but also profound sadness. I have noticed that people seem to be drawn in by heavy emotion, maybe even drama, perhaps as a way to "feel" something they think is missing from our modern society (compassion, intense love, empathy, remorse, and sadness)

I was wondering what your thoughts are on this impending wave of emotional exhibitionism? Is it a reaction to how sterile (or commercial, or ungenuine, or overly analytical) our arts have become?

I must confess that I have many times (once on this board, as well, but in a very nice way) been accused of sentimentality, but continue to write the only way I know how: From my heart. My concern now is that my question does not appear slanted.


Thanks and warmest regards,

Tammy P