On belonging in the genre

[bondo_ba]

Being a complete outsider - at least where the English-speaking community is concerned - has its advantages.  These are myriad, of course, but among them is one that I find particularly valuable: I'm not emotionally involved in any of the political and social divisions that seem so rampant, especially in the US.

So while many bloggers are friends

Comments

[msstacy13]

In the US, at least, what makes things so intensely acrimonious
is reapportionment.
Every ten years, representational districts are redrawn
to reflect changes in population.
Each party attempts to draw these lines in a way that gives them a majority,
so that representatives from that district have to espouse the most extreme party line
to get elected...

Diverse?
I have two collections of stories about Catholic Transsexuals,
so, no, I guess I have a very narrow view...
:p

[bondo_ba]

Gotta say that sounds pretty diverse indeed!

I hear what you're saying on the political side. What I don't quite get is why intelligent people get so worked up about it. Everyone knows the extremists are doing this for a purpose, so why not just vote for the least nutty candidate and be done with it, avoiding the online fuss and bother?

[msstacy13]

People who want power will generally find it most easily attained
through inciting hatred and anger.

Which is why I'm always reminding people that we have to genuinely oppose prejudice,
and not merely market our own prejudices as being better than the other prejudices that are out there.

[bondo_ba]

"not merely market our own prejudices as being better than the other prejudices that are out there"

Wow. This. Exactly this.

[sartorias]

Yay for diversity!

[bondo_ba]

Yay is right!

[out_totheblack]

Great post. I have no words of wisdom, so I will read everyone else's.

The thing about diversity to me though, is: are you willing to stand up for it?

It is one thing to be diversified politically, religiously, or alternative lifestyle wise behind closed doors, but can you stand up for it in public? I'm not saying anyone has to out themselves to their detriment, just be willing to voice an alternate, non-popular opinion.

And I agree with you Stacy, "People who want power will generally find it most easily attained through inciting hatred and anger." I wish it wasn't so.

Guess I'm kind of rambly this morning. This thought feels half fromed, but any more and I have the feeling it will turn into a rant.

[bondo_ba]

Rant away - this is a safe space for that!

I've taken quite a bit of flak for saying unpopular things in my time (I've been wrong sometimes, right others), but usually, my line is of the "live and let live" variety, meaning that I am against attacking people for almost any reason, especially when its a mob doing the attacking. I just can't comprehend the constant anger against people who think differently, and my more Quixotic stands are in that field. Trying to reason with people carrying around a lot of anger is not one of the more relaxing endeavors.

[out_totheblack]

I am also of the live and let live variety - more like, do no harm. Unfortunately, the moral majority doesn't see things that way. It is hard for me not to be angry sometimes. All that does is perpetuate the circle.

[bondo_ba]

Yep, it isn't easy to know where the line is between just telling people to lighten up and making things worse. I know I've never been good at spotting it!

[bondo_ba]

LOL. I've never been near a diversity class... But I like being around different people and learning from them.

[bondo_ba]

Yes, natural diversity allows people to act as individuals, which, in the end is better for everyone - except those very few people who don't know how to behave in the 21st century.

[bondo_ba]

I never know when you're kidding... If you really missed it, then you have been truly fortunate, and I hope you continue to miss it. My most entertaining story is that of a lady who finds negative reviews of my work and posts plaudits for the reviewers! I'd laugh if she wasn't so sad.

[bondo_ba]

You're right. The genre IS supposed to be fun... But these people exist anyway, sadly.

On the bright side, there are fewer of them than readers who just want to be entertained, so it turns out well in the end!