Nothing Worth Having...
I just read this on the blog of an AA author that I asked to participate in the survey.
Check this out:
Recently I was asked to participate in a survey of black romance authors regarding this very topic. At first I thought, what the hell, it's black history month and this stuff is bound to happen. Although the person asking the questions is unquestionably steeped in the mainstream of romance, being black herself, I thought she might add some fresh insight on the topic (a little reverse racism on the part of moi, no?)
You know, I’m not a writer, I’m a reader. Just a plain 'ole reader.
Monica’s stance on this issue, although sometimes abrasive, is much better than the apathy I see coming from the other authors who are effected the most.
To say that I’m thoroughly disgusted by the lack of response from the very authors that I sincerely want to aid, is a total understatement.
A lot of you guys may feel that the likes of Monica should shut up, and stop bringing negative attention to the AA writing community, but you know what, she’s made far more of a difference than you, or those like you who simply want an easy life, or a quick fix.
To say that nothing has changed, is such total bullshit that I can’t believe anyone would make such a ridiculous statement.
Granted the changes may not have been to the extent that some of you may have hoped, but the changes are there.
I guarantee that the reasons that the changes haven’t been as extensive as you would have liked, is due to the lack of support and solidarity amongst you. One person can make a difference, but in order to effect change, you guys need to stand together, if you can’t do that, then you really shouldn’t be surprised when the status quo remains as is.
Racism has always been an issue in the US, but that hasn’t stopped black people from being successful. In your country, you have judges who are black. You have a strong presence within the police force. You have black lawyers, black doctors, black people in key political positions.
Now compare that to where I live. Do your research, and you will know that in comparison, you guys have it much easier.
All the above was made possible by people who didn’t pansy out because they were tired of the fight. All these things were made possible because those who came before you wanted a better way of life for them and their children. They stood up, and refused to be dismissed.
Why pour scorn on somebody who’s actually trying to help? I have nothing to gain by doing this, and quite frankly it seems to me that if the people who are affected the most don’t give a flying fuck, then why should I?
This attitude is a slap in the face to the whole host of people within the online romance community who have supported this endeavour. Monica’s refusal to lie down and die spurred this on, not you. All you did was scoff at the effort, and for that alone, you deserve to languish in midlist mediocrity. (You know who you are.)
To simply give up because you’ve been here before has got to be the most absurd thing I’ve ever heard. You ought to be ashamed of yourself for taking such a negative stance.
MLK and Rosa Parks would be rolling over in their graves, if they knew that their legacy of strength in the face of adversity has almost become an urban fucking legend.
Check this out:
Recently I was asked to participate in a survey of black romance authors regarding this very topic. At first I thought, what the hell, it's black history month and this stuff is bound to happen. Although the person asking the questions is unquestionably steeped in the mainstream of romance, being black herself, I thought she might add some fresh insight on the topic (a little reverse racism on the part of moi, no?)
Well, I took a look at the questions and knew I wouldn't be answering any of them. I'd seen these questions before, blogged about them myself and read countless blogs, articles, manifestos and diatribes on the same topics. You want to know what I think about racism in publishing, read a few backposts then get back to me if you have any questions.
However, I don't blame the sponsor of the survey (who will remain nameless. I don't like to post things obliquely when I give my opinion, but I don't want to call anyone else out either) for the lack of originality. When black authors discuss racism in publishing there's only so much to say. Is there racism in publishing? Yes, tick the box. Have you felt the effects of said racism? Tick the box. Same questions, same answers. The rest is providing examples.
You know, I’m not a writer, I’m a reader. Just a plain 'ole reader.
Monica’s stance on this issue, although sometimes abrasive, is much better than the apathy I see coming from the other authors who are effected the most.
To say that I’m thoroughly disgusted by the lack of response from the very authors that I sincerely want to aid, is a total understatement.
A lot of you guys may feel that the likes of Monica should shut up, and stop bringing negative attention to the AA writing community, but you know what, she’s made far more of a difference than you, or those like you who simply want an easy life, or a quick fix.
To say that nothing has changed, is such total bullshit that I can’t believe anyone would make such a ridiculous statement.
Granted the changes may not have been to the extent that some of you may have hoped, but the changes are there.
I guarantee that the reasons that the changes haven’t been as extensive as you would have liked, is due to the lack of support and solidarity amongst you. One person can make a difference, but in order to effect change, you guys need to stand together, if you can’t do that, then you really shouldn’t be surprised when the status quo remains as is.
Racism has always been an issue in the US, but that hasn’t stopped black people from being successful. In your country, you have judges who are black. You have a strong presence within the police force. You have black lawyers, black doctors, black people in key political positions.
Now compare that to where I live. Do your research, and you will know that in comparison, you guys have it much easier.
All the above was made possible by people who didn’t pansy out because they were tired of the fight. All these things were made possible because those who came before you wanted a better way of life for them and their children. They stood up, and refused to be dismissed.
Why pour scorn on somebody who’s actually trying to help? I have nothing to gain by doing this, and quite frankly it seems to me that if the people who are affected the most don’t give a flying fuck, then why should I?
This attitude is a slap in the face to the whole host of people within the online romance community who have supported this endeavour. Monica’s refusal to lie down and die spurred this on, not you. All you did was scoff at the effort, and for that alone, you deserve to languish in midlist mediocrity. (You know who you are.)
To simply give up because you’ve been here before has got to be the most absurd thing I’ve ever heard. You ought to be ashamed of yourself for taking such a negative stance.
MLK and Rosa Parks would be rolling over in their graves, if they knew that their legacy of strength in the face of adversity has almost become an urban fucking legend.
Labels: AA Author Apathy
posted by Karen Scott at
11:23 am
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