tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-605469422150598465.post1656592912999027516..comments2023-12-26T04:04:10.180-08:00Comments on Spool Pidgin: Writers are not in the business of fearJames Worradhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01622688307092050113noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-605469422150598465.post-26519104640155394662015-05-05T12:55:34.259-07:002015-05-05T12:55:34.259-07:00TBH, I did knock this out pretty quickly- one of t...TBH, I did knock this out pretty quickly- one of those 'hot take' thingies which perhaps I'd be wiser to avoid. <br />But of course I support minority voices: take that as read, in the bag etc. Trouble is, I haven't much to say about the minority perspective because that's not who I am o'course and a billion others do it better. But what I *can* natter on about is the non-m perspective. And, yep, while it's not *the* focus it is *a* focus and, yep, quite an important one, ultimately. <br /><br />Why? Because we're racing toward a diverse, global society with a diverse global literature. And, right now, I get the impression that all the relevant progressive voices see only so far as a world where everyone in their little identity boxes cheering on all the other little boxes. That's an important, nay, vital, stage but its not one that can hold, it isn't the final destination. Not nearly. What comes next requires everyone's voice, quiet and loud. It requires all our voices to mix it up and get dirty. I mean big-style, 100MPH *sexy* dirty. To get there it mean's- from a non-minority perspective- being capable of listening (and giving space to) to minority voices whilst simultaneously not being afraid or ashamed of one's own, of having an instinct for both. <br /><br />I recognise fear of my own ego is a good thing, but sometimes I fear it being the *only* thing. Because fear alone doesn't help multiculturalism. Successful multiculturalism takes guts. It takes risk, and, TBH, I don't always get the risk-taking vibe from the present SF situation (that said, I read a wonderful Tade Thompson piece on Safe that articulates everything I'm gibbering on about a lot better). So it's about a middle way between due respect and informed audacity. <br /><br />Man, this coffees strong... :) James Worradhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01622688307092050113noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-605469422150598465.post-84078105709743348942015-05-05T07:41:29.410-07:002015-05-05T07:41:29.410-07:00"...the non-minority authors who might best c..."...the non-minority authors who might best challenge, invert and, ideally, help to destroy identity stereotypes are often too scared, too well-meaning and too big hearted..." Oh fine, I'll take the bait. Why do we care about non-minority authors' perspectives on minorities rather than supporting minority voices full stop (as in Tempest Bradford's reading challenge)? Seems like a wrong-headed focus. I for one am not super excited when some dude explains to me what feminist women are supposed to think. Why would I assume that MY voice is the one that's needed here? I don't think fearing my own ego is a bad thing--I think it's necessary, and I wish more people had a healthy fear of self-aggrandizement. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com