Moments of Permanence - On differences in oppression, derailment, and the hierarchies of hurt

From: (Anonymous) Date: April 6th, 2009 07:00 am (UTC) (Link)

R,

It is my opinion that, if anything, people act worse on the internet - precisely because the Internet generally provides a shield of anonymity. However, what they are doing is simply letting their true nature show, because this anonymity removes social inhibitions.

As far as RaceFail goes, I must admit that I haven't heard any but the most indirect of references to it. *Does a google search*

Having read at least a few of the key posts, as linked to in FSF Wiki's entry 'RaceFail 09', and thought some, I would suspect that you are essentially right. In the specific example (Shetterly) that you remarked upon, I am in agreement. Whatever the merits of one PoV or another in that discussion, it was about race, specifically about race and tokenism in SF, as started by Bear's post and the responses to it. To make it about class prejudice and class-based restrictions, as I gather Shatterly did, was hijacking the discussion.

Indeed, context is the key to communication. Well thought, well posted.

M.

P.S. - Ultimately, having read "Seeking Avalon"'s open letter to Bear, I would say that her last paragraph or two made me realise: the main flaw, I think, with Bear's point is that she's doing it for others. And this is where, (my opinion only) Bear is guilty of the patronising form of racism. Two questions: firstly, is an author best served simply writing for themselves? Second: is there any "how-to" key to approach racial/cultural issues? It's a thorny area that I'm trying to wrap my head around.

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