Step into a realm of my creation: My Crossworld
Crossword puzzles, a beloved pastime for many, have a rich history that extends beyond the grid. One of the most significant figures in the modern evolution of crossword construction is Anna Shechtman, a young and influential constructor who has brought a fresh, diverse, and socially conscious perspective to the puzzle world.
In the early 20th century, the crossword craze was unlike anything seen in Anna Shechtman's lifetime, even surpassing the excitement of Pokemon or Tamagotchi. However, the image of a crossword constructor was often that of a white man, and being a girl nerd was almost an oxymoron to negotiate socially.
Fast forward to the present day, and the landscape has shifted significantly. Shechtman, who first learned about the human creators behind crossword puzzles when she was 15 after watching the documentary film "Wordplay," has been recognised for her groundbreaking work. As a constructor for The New York Times and The New Yorker, she has challenged traditional crossword norms by incorporating culturally relevant, linguistically inclusive, and socially aware clues and answers.
Historically, crossword construction, particularly in flagship outlets like The New York Times, was dominated by a relatively homogenous group. Over recent decades, more women and diverse voices have entered the field, pushing for inclusivity in both the content and the constructors themselves.
Shechtman's role as a constructor aligns with this trend, as she and others seek to make crosswords a space that better represents a multiplicity of voices, identities, and linguistic inclusions. In her work, she has introduced words like "vine-ripe," "gay anthem," and "male gaze" into puzzles, challenging old conventions and broadening cultural references.
However, the journey towards increased diversity in crossword puzzles has not been without controversy. Some people argue against politicizing crossword puzzles, while others see value in increasing the diversity of language in the puzzles. In response to these debates, Shechtman and other women wrote a letter to The New York Times, advocating for more women and people of colour to be represented on the puzzles and games editorial section, for constructors to see their proofs before they go out, and for references that were women-coded or queer-coded to be preserved.
The rise of crossword constructing software has also led to an interest in crosswords as a natural language processing or coding phenomenon, testing machine intelligence or artificial intelligence. Despite this, the human element remains crucial, as evidenced by Shechtman's work. She believes that crossword puzzles should entertain, challenge, and help form a more common knowledge that makes solvers feel like they are part of the same community.
In summary, the history of gender and diversity in crossword puzzle construction has gradually evolved from a predominantly male and culturally narrow domain toward increased inclusivity and representation. Efforts by constructors like Anna Shechtman exemplify this shift, as they strive to make crosswords a space that better reflects the diverse identities and experiences of our society. While the journey is not yet complete, the strides made by Shechtman and others are a testament to the power of advocacy and the importance of representation in all aspects of life.
[1] For a more detailed account of this history, consult specialized crossword history sources or interviews with constructors directly involved.
Education-and-self-development can be a beneficial outcome of crossword puzzles, as they offer opportunities for learners to expand their vocabulary and gain insight into various aspects of culture, history, entertainment, and lifestyle.
By incorporating socially aware and culturally relevant clues and answers, constructors like Anna Shechtman are making crosswords a platform for promoting diversity and challenging old conventions, thereby contributing to a more inclusive lifestyle for solvers.
