Who should translate?

I am uncertain where I stand on the spectrum of the question: who should be translating what? On one hand, having a translator who experientially can identify with some of the experiences of the original author seems to have some inherent benefits. In some ways, it could offer some ease in terms of not having to set aside the self so drastically while approaching translations. It also doesn't seem to evoke such cries from the critics regarding their work, who seem to be asserting themselves quite dominantly in the field of translation. In the case of Gorman, who had chosen the translator herself, received such backlash that the translator recused themself from the work. It seems what Gorman valued didn't line up with what the critics perceived she should value, and this determined the path forward. I'm not saying this final decision was wrong, per se, but it is interesting to think of the relationship between critic, author, and translator. 

Part of me feels like requiring a translator to meet certain specifications of similarity in order to be qualified to translate does some work of deprivation and exclusion. If a text does not find the exact "right" translator, then it could potentially not be translated. I think of the Vegetarian, if Smith had not translated this work, would it have made it across the world as of yet? Obviously, her approach was flawed and amateur in many ways, but is it of some value that it now exists in other languages because she decided to try? In the case of Gorman, because she was already a notable poet, it wasn't that difficult of a fix after her translator recused themself. Gorman's team picked a new team, and all was well. But for the case of many other authors and artists, this is not a luxury that is widely available. I'm not advocating for a "take what you can get" mindset because that contains a multitude of issues, but I think if we immediately disqualify a translator for their race, gender or geographic location, it could be detrimental in a few ways. 

As translators, I think it is our duty to continuously consider our own lens and how our own biases and experiences tint and make themselves known our own translations. This awareness, along with being aware of the author's intent, biographical context, geographical context, etc, is part of what makes a translator well-rounded and good at what they do. Translators can identify with the source texts in many ways, and I think these can be part of the reasons we choose something to translate.

Lauren