If Only We Had Blogging Against Racism 30 Years Ago
Today at Fantasy, “Ghetto Man” roasts the Superfriends.
Oh yeah.
Filed under Blog Against Racism | Comments (2)
Two Separate But Related Issues, Two Separate But Related Posts #2
The related post I promised. (Also part of IBARW) To recap, Ashok Banker posted about problems of bigotry is SF/F field. Said some very interesting and insightful things. He also quoted me, Tobias Buckell, N K Jemisin, and Micole talking about the Sanders thing and bigotry in general. He agrees with us, but has a quibble about our methodology:
Other American SF writers like K. Tempest Bradford have admitted that such bias exists, and have spoken out against it. Although their rants are invariably tempered with mention of the two or three SF editors they know and are working with who are definitely not racist or biased, because, how could they be, if they’re working with them? Punches are pulled, no doubt about it. And nobody seems to have the balls to really call a spade a spade–or, to use a less unfortunate turn of phrase, a white lily a white lily.
[…]
Writers like Bradford, Buckell, and others who have spoken out against racism are always cautious to do so in small measures, focussing their ire, often disproportionately, on individual cases like Sanders of Helix Magazine. This is understandable. These writers want to make a living in that field, and are undoubtedly afraid of antagonizing people they work with on a daily basis, or people they hope to work with someday.
No doubt, they also haven’t seen such bias openly exhibited by those fellow professionals and colleagues–not yet.
In a later response to me in comments (which I’ll post in full, below, as the first comment) Ashok went on to say:
I not only feel you pull your punches, I feel you don’t have the guts to name names and kick ass when it’s warranted, and the very fact that you’re still working within the field and associated with other professionals whom even you admit could be bigotted or racist or sexist in private, shows your naivete.
Just two weeks ago I had someone tell me that I go too far and write “crazy” things whenever I post about bigotry in the field. Also that if I would just moderate my tone a bit, people would listen to me. The person in question was white, Ashok is a POC. So essentially I’m too angry for one group and not angry enough for another.
I’m unsure how to feel about being the moderate here. It’s so not me.
I have two reasons for bringing this up. One is to record the exchange Ashok and I had on his blog, since the comments got shut down (yet were quoted from). But the more important one pertains to the different ways people view what I and other anti-racist activists in SF do and how effective it is.
Most POC and women have experienced the phenomenon of pointing out some instance of racism or sexism and being dismissed, then having a white person or a man come along, say the exact same thing we just said, and receiving not only credit for pointing it out, but a positive reaction. Or, even more fun, being told that people would listen to us if only we were less shrill or angry (or other gendered or race-based adjectives) about it all. “Look at [white person and/or man]!” they say. “He doesn’t go off the rails like you do!”
This is an oft-used tactic to dismiss what the POC or woman has to say, as Naamen educated us on in this post. I mean, why be all angry about bigotry, particularly that’s directed at you? Be sensible, polite, and reasonable about it so as to make the bigot comfortable, right?
If you buy that, stop reading right now. In fact, let’s not talk to each other again until you’ve gotten rid of that notion, okay? Because, seriously, the comfort of the bigot is not my concern, neither should it be yours.
I and other POC get this all the time from… well, I’ll let you guess.
As a friend recently had to point out to someone: yes, the word racist or sexist or bigot or related is very much a strong word that should not be tossed around lightly. We know that. Boy do we know it. That does not mean we should hesitate to use it when that is what is going on. No matter how twitchy that makes you, especially if the you is a person to whom a particular stripe of bigotry is not aimed. I’ve mentioned this before.
Even if you are a person who has experienced one kind of bigotry (for example: sexism but not racism) that does not mean you are completely immune to ignorance of how a particular bigotry works for other people. If you’re a white woman, even a feminist white woman who works hard for tolerance, you can still engage in or be blind to racism, unwittingly or not. And one manifestation of that is by claiming you can’t listen to an aggrieved party because of their tone.
I’m used to that aspect of the discussion, but not so much used to the other side, wherein I am not being tough enough on the SF/F field. I’m not entirely sure what more I could say, what language I could use to make my issues with the racism and sexism of particular people and parts of the whole community clearer. It’s certainly not easy for any author to say, “This editor and/or person in power is a bigot/engages in bigoted language or actions,” especially if the author is or hopes to work with that person. Because unless the author in question is a white man (and sometimes even if) there are repercussions.
Ashok points out in his post that he doesn’t care about or want to be published in any American markets or with American publishers, thus he can say what he wants. That’s fine. But I don’t think it’s at all fair to dismiss those of us who do as being too afraid to speak out. I can’t speak for Tobias or anyone else, but I am certainly not afraid to call a spade a spade, just ask Gordon van Gelder or Ron Moore. I suspect that Tobias isn’t, either, nor are other authors of color in this genre. Major example right here.
What you think of this push and pull? Do I and other authors who speak out about racism, sexism, and other bigotry in SF go too far or not far enough? Am I the moderate here? (scary…)
Table of contents for Two Separate Issues
- Two Separate But Related Issues, Two Separate But Related Posts #1
- Two Separate But Related Issues, Two Separate But Related Posts #2
Filed under Blog Against Racism, Writing Life | Comments (11)
Two Separate But Related Issues, Two Separate But Related Posts #1
In response to some of the discussion in the magazines that want more diversity post and the whole William Sanders thing, author Ashok Banker wrote a post about racism, sexism, and cultural insesnitivity in SF/F. The post makes several good points:
Today’s Science Fiction and Fantasy field, while possibly bearing some strands of DNA from other countries and cultures intermingled in its genetic makeup, is undeniably dominated by American authors, particularly in America.
And a sizable majority of those American SFF authors are white. Virtually all of them are American. And I won’t even venture to guess how many are Christian.
[…]
Which itself begs the question: Why is a genre that’s always so proud of its ability to explore worlds unable to integrate the world into its fold? Why is American SFF publishing not representative of American society and culture as a whole? Why is this white enclave dominating the genre and the field?
[…]
If anything, the very imbalance in the racial and cultural composition of the field in America itself points to a deep malaise.
The recent attempts by some editors to claim that they’re open to multicultural writing, that they welcome submissions from women writers, that they look forward to international writer submitting work, is itself an admission that these were failings of the field until now.
[…]
So is American SFF racist? And sexist, bigotted, culturally insensitive, etc?
Well, I suspect a great number of professionals in the field might be.
There’s also some stuff in the post about how authors of color such as Tobias Buckell and myself “pull punches” and focus only on specific editors and not the community-wide problem. I have a lot to say about that, but I think it’s a separate but related conversation.
Normally I would suggest we all go have a conversation about the race/gender/culture problems over on Ashok’s blog, but he shut down comments (the reason has to do with the stuff we’re not talking about here, which I will illuminate in a related post coming up in a bit). Since we can’t talk about it there, let’s talk about it here. It’s International Blog Against Racism Week, after all!
I’m particularly eager to have a discussion about how certain racist tendencies extend to non-American and non-European authors and the books they try to get published. Justine, Ekaterina and I discussed the sad state of translated books in the US a while ago. I shudder to think how many of those few translated are from non-Western countries. (my guess: not many)
It’s true that American SF is reluctant to embrace the whole world — why? And what can be done to move toward fixing that? Is Ashok correct that segregating international authors into just one issue of a magazine does nothing to help?
Table of contents for Two Separate Issues
- Two Separate But Related Issues, Two Separate But Related Posts #1
- Two Separate But Related Issues, Two Separate But Related Posts #2
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Boom de yada
Because I don’t watch live TV much, I was completely late to the whole Boom de yada thing. When I first saw the XKCD strip I didn’t know what it referenced, but I liked it. Now that I’ve seen 10,000 things on YouTube taking after it, I decided to see the original. OMG so cute! No wonder it’s completely viral. The song and the sentiment are great. Plus, it’s catchy.
Anyway, while going through the YouTube playlist Discovery Channel is keeping of their favorite Boom de yada videos, I came across one of Mike Rowe leading some Discovery stars in an extended version of the song backed up by a chorus of cuuuuute kids and choir ladies. If you’ve ever wanted a longer than one minute version of the boom de yada song, check it out:
So cuuuute!
Tags: boom de yada, videosFiled under General | Comments (3)
Write-a-thon DONE omg
Short post. It was a photo finish but I finished off my sixth and most terrible chapter last night at 11:45. Sorry for the lack of updates. New job + ranting = no useful updates. Plus, my writing habits changed a lot over these past few weeks because of said new job. I wrote mostly on trains and late at night, eschewing the internet when possible to concentrate. Then, of course, I was so tired I didn’t update my first draft LJ or email any sponsors with updates. Bad me!
I did reach all of my goals, though :) My chapters are all horrendous and terrible as I completely changed everything around between each one. I guess I’ll have to start over again, but this time with a much better idea of what I’m doing (always helpful). So it’s been a productive six weeks.
I will email all the sponsors sometime today. Thanks for supporting me, everyone. And look, $1010 for Clarion West and the Butler Scholarship! WOO.
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SciFi Channel’s Hidden Agenda Revealed
What we get up to at night:
Genevieve Valentine: holy shit
Genevieve Valentine: http://www.scifi.com/warbirds/
ktempestbradford: OMG WHAT IS WRONG WITH SCI FI CHANNEL
ktempestbradford: also, what is it with their fixation on dinosaurs that protect brown and yellow people? Apparently dinosaurs are against whitey.
Genevieve Valentine: who isn’t
Genevieve Valentine: i am here to inform you they are also the target of 99% of carnivorous snakes
ktempestbradford: HA
Seriously now, first a T-Rex protecting “Aztecs” in Mexico, now Pterodactyls protecting the Japanese in WWII. What’s next, Raptors in Harlem? Triceratops helping Hannibal conquer Rome?
Okay, I should stop, because I might give them ideas.
Then again, I could probably make a lot of money writing a script for the Hannibal one…
Tags: scifi channelFiled under Rants | Comments (13)
Adaptations
In case you don’t read Fantasy every day (and why not?!) I want to draw your attention to an announcement we just put up. We’re going to start podcasting radio plays (or, more properly: audio dramas :as the plays won’t necessarily be on the radio) next year and so we’re accepting script submissions starting September 1. I know at least one person who’ll be excited about this. We’re looking for original scripts OR stuff adapted from existing stories.
I suspect a lot of writers will want to do adaptations but might wonder and worry if an author would mind having their story turned into a play. They have to get permission, of course. So I thought it would be a good idea to gather in one place a list of authors who would like to see their stories adapted. If you are such an author, please comment. Put the URL to your website in the URL field (which will be the click through on your name), a link to your bibliography, and a link to where folks can contact you.
Keep in mind that comments below are NOT the same as permission to adapt a story. It’s merely an indication that the author is interested. Any script writers who want to adapt a story should contact the author directly.
I should also note that the rights and permissions for audio plays are not the same as audio rights. Thus, if you allow someone to adapt your story into a radio drama, it should not affect your ability to sell the audio/podcast rights.
ETA: Somehow in all of this I forgot to mention that I am open to people adapting my stories as well. Bibliography link is at the top of the page, as is the Contact link.
Tags: audio drama, Fantasy Magazine, radio playFiled under Writing | Comments (18)
Two Opportunities at Fantasy Mag
We’re looking for people in two areas. Web Interns and Review Managers. Interns first:
Web-Savvy Intern for Online Magazine
Fantasy Magazine, an online genre entertainment publication, is looking for interns to work primary in Web Production with some crossover into editorial and multimedia development.
Interns will learn or hone their skills in web design and production, content management, and email marketing. There will also be opportunities to help us develop new content, from non-fiction features to podcasts and video.
We’re looking for candidates with the following qualifications:
- Strong HTML skills. Ability to hand-code AND work with WYSIWYG editors.
- Knowledge of CSS.
- Experience with blogging software. Wordpress a big plus. Also relevant: Blogger, Moveable Type/Typepad, LiveJournal, and similar.
- Experience with social media and social networking.
- Comfortable working exclusively in an online environment.
- Interest in or experience with podcasting and video blogging a big plus.
- Ability to learn quickly and complete tasks with little supervision.
The position will require 10 - 15 hours per week (from mid-August to mid-December), very flexible, with some weekend work and online meetings required. We’re open to candidates from any location as long as you are available during some part of American east coast business hours. We do offer college credit. The position is unpaid.
To apply, please send a resume and cover letter to this gmail address: fantastictempest. Please put your cover letter in the body of the email and attach your resume in rtf, doc, or pdf format. A link to an online resume is also acceptable. If applicable, please include links to web projects you’ve worked on.
We will only contact candidates if we intend to interview them.
Seeking Review Manager
Fantasy Magazine is looking for one or two people to join our existing review manager in keeping track of and overseeing reviewers and review material plus seeking out and vetting new reviewers. We’re looking for candidates with the following qualifications:
- Highly organized and able to take initiative.
- Willing to manage reviewers and, if need be, stay on them to turn in assignments.
- Comfortable working in an online environment.
- Experience with GoogleDocs, Wordpress, or similar programs.
- Comfortable communicating with editors, authors, and publicity personnel to request and coordinate review materials.
The position will require 5 - 10 hours per week, very flexible, with some weekend work and online meetings required. We’re open to candidates from any location as long as you are available during some part of American east coast business hours. The position is currently unpaid but by 2009 will have a small monthly stipend.
To apply, please send a letter of interest with a summary of qualifications to this gmail address: fantastictempest. We will only contact candidates if we intend to interview them.
If you know someone interested in either of these opportunities, please send them here or forward the text. Thanks! Tags: Fantasy Magazine, Job Opportunities
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Diversity: UR Doin’ It Right
The list of markets that are actively looking for submissions from POC or with POC characters and/or more diverse settings and cultues is growing. There are some great comments from editors about the issue, too. Keep linking to the original post and speaking up in comments if you are an editor or publisher. This is a great list to have around when a writer is trying to decide where to send a story next.
Filed under Publications, Publishing | Comments Off
I Have The Power!
I was looking at my stats when I discovered that some people found my blog by searching for “xkcd kansas politician”. I googled myself and found that I am #2 for that (without quotes). #1 is the Digg article.
Um, when did this particular blog get that much juice? ABW has a high rank, I know, but this thing? I’m boggled.
(Sidenote. When I posted about that guy around noon yesterday he had about 1400 donors tallied. When I checked at 1am, he had 2,894. Wow. Of course, this was more to do with getting links on BoingBoing and the front page of Digg than anything I did. I just find it amazing that the internet brought in double the donors in 12 hours. Awesome.)
I also seem to be high up in rank for any search containing the words william, sanders, rejection, and helix in combination. At least one person searched for “pantiwadulous definition”. Unfortunately, s/he did not find one here.
Since I now have all this power, I will use it in evil ways. Since now this post will bring in hits from all that, I will nefariously redirect you to Fantasy magazine content this week.
We have a great story up: Watermark. Really one of my favorite stories I’ve read all year in any venue. You can also hear the podcast. The author, Michael Greenhut, is answering questions about his story here.
For more fictiony goodness, check out the first chapter of Ekaterina Sedia’s amazing new book, The Alchemy of Stone. It’s steampunky.
In reviews, my bud Mercurio D Rivera liked WALL-E. Plus we have an article about a fantasy game princess that isn’t a stereotype (those be my favorite).
As I mentioned, i have a column up about the Doctor and how he’s a jerk. Some interesting discussion going on there (please contribute to it!). And check out this video of firespinners, because firespinning is cool.
No Blog for a Beer this week, but you can talk about how much you love our new design.
That’s it. Have a pandiwadulous weekend everyone!
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