racefail response

[jinian]

I haven't known what to say about all this. I am angry and miserable that my friends are being hurt, but that's not really the point. oyceter, in her high-octane awesomeness, has made a great post analyzing the problems at work that made it clear to me what I want to say.

I am not a part of most SF fandom. I've read the rasf* groups off and on, I certainly read piles of speculative fiction, and I used to really enjoy Making Light. However, I barely watch TV, I've never been to a con besides Wiscon, and I absolutely hate certain fannish social norms. I can't pretend my peripheral involvement has had much to do with privilege or prejudice. I am just some white chick who's never really been that interested in fandom. But at this point I need to make this clear:

The Racefail '09 is not okay with me.

As Oyce describes, the debate is being yanked aside by people who are at least partially immune to criticism. I don't know if it's there any more, but I remember TNH strongly implying that those she claimed as enemies had better not try to publish anything. People are squelched by such exercises of power. I don't understand how this is not obvious to some people. (I have to think that it's really not evident to them. Right? Because it is seriously fucked up.)

What to do? My customary "shut up and listen" strategy may need elaboration here. Pay attention to verb_noire and fight_derailing; donate when appropriate and possible. Continue to talk about race issues in person. Read more. Think more. Continue to support people doing work I value and continue not to support people and organizations doing the opposite. Post about stuff even when I know I'm not adequately eloquent or energetic.

Comments

[supergee.livejournal.com]

I would interpret it as "I will be wary in any future dealings with you."

[jinian.livejournal.com]

It's possible that she meant that and merely phrased it very poorly, but I think well enough of her writing skills (even in serious upset, which clearly was the case) that I can't be sure.

(I looked it up: the sentence I found intimidating goes, "I suggest that you never seek to take credit under your real name for anything you've done or written under your LJ pseudonym, because it's unlikely that I will ever forget you or what you've done." TNH does say earlier in the same post that she will not take any kind of revenge, but when she then proceeds to sound like a mafia boss I think my interpretation is as well within reasonable bounds as yours is.)

[pir-anha.livejournal.com]

that sentence does not sound like "I will be wary in any future dealings with you". it sounds like a mafia boss, indeed. and i say that as somebody who likes TNH.

[supergee.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I'd say both are reasonable.