Monthly Archives: September 2012

Introducing: A More Diverse Universe Blog Tour

So last week I signed up for this most important event. Why is this important? Aarti explains why.

“I’ve spoken on this blog (and in other forums) about the lack of diversity in fantasy fiction, particularly fantasy fiction of the epic nature.  If epic fantasy has diversity, it is often present in a fashion that mirrors the stereotypes of Medieval Europe, with Viking-like invaders from the North and Infidels from the East and uneasy peaces and petty wars with those that look most like the heroes of the stories.  This is unfair for many reasons that I hope I don’t need to enumerate here.  And of course, there are absolutely amazing authors whose books are populated by characters of every size, shape, color, and species.  But it’s still difficult and frustrating to be a fantasy reader who comes up against the same tropes in every book.  Because while fantasy novels can be, well, fantastic, they can also be very repetitive and tell the same story with different character names.  And I can’t help but think that at least part of the reason is because of the lack of diversity in fantasy book authorship.  Because it is hard to break into the fantasy genre as a new author, generally.  And even more difficult if your book is about a person of color.  And most difficult of all if you yourself are a person of color writing stories about characters of color.

“Did you know that there are more books in publication about people of color that are by Caucasian authors than there are by people of color authors?!  That means that if you are white and write a book about an Indian girl named Aarti and her life in Chicago (and perhaps a fantastical journey to Fairyland) you are more likely than I am to get that book published.  That’s messed up.

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How Racism Works In the Comic Industry

Over on Bleeding Cool, Mr. Easton breaks down beautifully why there’s only 3 percent of blacks working in the Big Two companies.

This quote here sums up why the comic industry is in the state it is in now:

“I reflect on the words of my friend Peter Briggs, the “Hellboy” screenwriter who was once asked “Why do Hollywood films suck so often?”Briggs replied, “Incompetence is rife in this business, and egos make it worse. And there’s a culture of poker buddy, frat boy nepotism that fosters ‘who you know’ and filters out genuine talent. And that’s why bad movies get made.”

Replace movies with comic books in this equation. Add in egos fueled by bigotry and the sum is about 3.0%”

But this is the quote that really brings it home:

“I’m going to reveal a secret about Black males – a lot of us are naïve idealists. We actually believe that people are going to judge us on the content of our character rather than the color of our skin. What you see is our reaction to constantly having our hearts broken by the realization that yet another White person is counted as an enemy. Disappointment can be worse than hate.”

Read this now. And if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to go buy and read Mr. Easton’s graphic novel Shadowlaw.

Attack of the Lustful Cockmonsters

Neo-Prodigy: I’m always amazed at how non social justice allies are the ones who usually get shit done.

Sparky: Because in too many SJ circles, the appearance of being an ally – and the assorted cookies connected, are more important while someone pissed off and outraged by bigoted injustice is going to address that – and not care if they’re an “ally.”

Now typically when we critique arts and entertainment, we rarely (if ever) discuss sports (pro wrestling not withstanding). But since American football is a favorite pastime in these Disunited States and the issue of equality is at the forefront, well, here’s why we post.

Take a good long look at these two men here, Brendon Ayanbadejo and Chris Kluwe:

These two gorgeous gents are the perfect examples of what REAL ALLIES look like.

Here’s why.

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