I just want to say that, as cliche as it may sound, I really think whether or not the author is talented is what will make all the difference in the world.
Generally, fics where the relationships are flat and simple and backwards will just be the result of bad writing, period. On the other hand, a good writer can actually make interesting stories about concepts like oppression or traditionalism, if it's explored as such. Quality writing makes the difference between a simple pairing-fic, and, say, writing Hanabi's attraction to Hinata as an exploration of Mycenean feminist theory and the female/lesbian quest for self-discovery (http://ronsard.livejournal.com/33255.html) (I love ronsard; definitely one of my favourite writers in fandom, though I don't think she writes for Naruto anymore).
Of course, there's really nothing wrong with just being pairing-fic, but you see my point. A character like, say, Konan (who comes to mind due to the RP), can be an annoyingly stereotypical and one-dimensional figure, or she can be used narratively to explore issues of female disempowerment, oppression, and the struggles of second-class women in a sexist, classist society.
The best slash writers are generally those who understand what they're writing about in the larger spectrum of the LGBT community, and who are just good writers, period. Cardboard cut-outs are bad no matter the genders involved, but I do think cardboard cut-out yaoi can often be sadly misogynistic.
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Generally, fics where the relationships are flat and simple and backwards will just be the result of bad writing, period. On the other hand, a good writer can actually make interesting stories about concepts like oppression or traditionalism, if it's explored as such. Quality writing makes the difference between a simple pairing-fic, and, say, writing Hanabi's attraction to Hinata as an exploration of Mycenean feminist theory and the female/lesbian quest for self-discovery (http://ronsard.livejournal.com/33255.html) (I love
Of course, there's really nothing wrong with just being pairing-fic, but you see my point. A character like, say, Konan (who comes to mind due to the RP), can be an annoyingly stereotypical and one-dimensional figure, or she can be used narratively to explore issues of female disempowerment, oppression, and the struggles of second-class women in a sexist, classist society.
The best slash writers are generally those who understand what they're writing about in the larger spectrum of the LGBT community, and who are just good writers, period. Cardboard cut-outs are bad no matter the genders involved, but I do think cardboard cut-out yaoi can often be sadly misogynistic.