Amayrani Sanchez: "Dear Elsa Sjunneson-Henry: My Voice Will Be Heard"

Dear Elsa Sjunneson-Henry: My Voice Will Be Heard

By Amayrani Sanchez

            Even as a child, I loved stories that had a young female protagonist who was finding her way through life. As of today, I still find that most stories that really impact me are the ones that have pieces that are real and can be related back to my life. I want stories that are real and authentic that make me feel as though I am a part of a community of people, something bigger than myself. However, when people begin using a derogatory term like “Mary Sue’s” then those same people are not just silencing the author’s voice but also depriving the readers that are finding their voice in the stories as well. 

Stories that are real and give voices to marginalized groups of people who are not being heard in the world now. Often people will overlook the ones who are trying to speak out and bring attention to issues that are not being discussed but are in dire need to be deliberated. Sharing stories is a way to amplify and ensure that the world will listen and hear what needs to be said, which is what empowers us all, especially when we feel voiceless. However, when someone shames or belittles a story because it sounds like a “Mary Sue”, these people are stripping both the authors and readers of their voices.

I want more than just the stereotypical story; I want stories that I can connect with. Stories that impact me the most are the ones that I can connect and relate with. My form of escape has always been in stories and books, where I can go to another world or place to explore and get a new perspective on my life. I learn from the actions and mistakes of others before me in order to be successful, which is what stories give: life lessons. Each story I read shows or teaches me something different either about myself or the world around me. So when someone says that a story is a “Mary Sue” then that person is taking away a potential life lesson and demeaning the author and the readers, especially the ones who find their voice in the story. This invalidating term is a form of silencing because it quiets the voices that are fighting to be heard.

The word “Mary Sue’s” should be eliminated from vocabulary because in today’s world, diversity is needed and wanted especially from the readers. When I am searching for my next best read, I look for something different, new and diverse that I feel I could make a connection with, especially when the story has characters that remind me of me. Some of the best books that I read and loved were ones when the main character was a Latina or Hispanic girl because the character is like me. As an avid reader, I look for characters that embodies who I am because when I read about the character and their story, it is like I am watching myself in action instead of this fictional person. In the recent years of the book industry, more books have been published about Latin American people, which makes me feel empowered because I feel as though my voice and my people’s voices are finally being heard. I feel encouraged and proud when I hear another person’s story because it inspires and reminds me that if this person can do it then I can too.

As a reader, I want more than just a fictional story. I want something more real and authentic, stories that empower me. Stories that make me feel as though I am a part of a community of people who feel the same way as I do. A community that reminds me that I am not alone. So I think it is about time that we stop calling things as “Mary Sue’s.” It’s time to start calling stories as they are: unheard voices. I refuse to be ignored and the world will hear my voice loud and clear.