Headline News >>
I can't imagine anyone reading this post has failed to notice the RaceFail09 s***storm. I'm not going to comment on the specifics, as plenty of people on my f-list and elsewhere have done so already. Anyone who saw what I wrote (and did) about the Helix s***storm last year will know my views on racism. And yes, I have much to learn and more to put right on that score.
Some possibly tangential thoughts:
Empathy: Much more needed. All of us. Me too.
SF&F industry: The fact that people of colour (and doubtless other groups) are still furious because their voices aren't being heard means that all of us who contribute to that industry (or consume its products) need to do more to promote diversity. Supporting publications that publish a wide range of work by a wide range of writers from a wide range of backgrounds is one thing we can all do. Supporting![[info]](http://l-stat.livejournal.com/img/community.gif)
verb_noire (and the like) is a good place to start. Responding positively to criticisms when one has tried to "write the other" and are perceived to have failed is another. In doing so, hopefully one becomes a better person and a better writer.
But we all need to become more empathic for lots of reasons, not least because this is a crowded and steadily warming planet with an increasingly damaged ecosphere. Nothing will get sorted if the privileged amongst us don't listen and then do what we can to help everyone to act with a common purpose.
Is it too much to ask that the SF&F community lead the way?
Some possibly tangential thoughts:
Empathy: Much more needed. All of us. Me too.
SF&F industry: The fact that people of colour (and doubtless other groups) are still furious because their voices aren't being heard means that all of us who contribute to that industry (or consume its products) need to do more to promote diversity. Supporting publications that publish a wide range of work by a wide range of writers from a wide range of backgrounds is one thing we can all do. Supporting
verb_noire (and the like) is a good place to start. Responding positively to criticisms when one has tried to "write the other" and are perceived to have failed is another. In doing so, hopefully one becomes a better person and a better writer.But we all need to become more empathic for lots of reasons, not least because this is a crowded and steadily warming planet with an increasingly damaged ecosphere. Nothing will get sorted if the privileged amongst us don't listen and then do what we can to help everyone to act with a common purpose.
Is it too much to ask that the SF&F community lead the way?
Profile
![[info]](http://l-stat.livejournal.com/img/userinfo.gif)
vaughan_stanger- Vaughan Stanger
Infrequently Asked Questions
Q1. Who the hell are you?
A1. I'm a British writer of SF stories and occasionally slipstream fantasy.
Q2. How long have you been doing this stuff?
A2. Hard at it since '97.
Q3. Where can I read your stories?
A3. For free on-line at Transcriptase and Hub (links below), or you can build a collection of them at:
Q4. When's that first novel due?
A4. First draft is nearing completion.
A1. I'm a British writer of SF stories and occasionally slipstream fantasy.
Q2. How long have you been doing this stuff?
A2. Hard at it since '97.
Q3. Where can I read your stories?
A3. For free on-line at Transcriptase and Hub (links below), or you can build a collection of them at:
Q4. When's that first novel due?
A4. First draft is nearing completion.
Syndicate
