I'm still not sure what to say about the substitution of China in place of Korea though. On one hand, it might be more "sensitive" to do it that way. It makes the situation more general, suggesting that these type of race relations are not restricted to white-American and Korean-American. On the other hand, why do a lot of Western writers always choose China or Japan over other countries in Asia when they write about Asia? Especially in this case when there seems more reason not to
( ... )
I think part of the commentary of the story is to address current US fears of China, considering we're in debt to them and they seem to be poised to be the next major power.
I chose China because of the real history (the Ming Treasure Ships) that could be tweaked into an alternate timeline that would explain them colonizing North America. The English colonists of Plymouth were religious outcasts, but don't forget that there were way more other English colonization efforts than just that famous one, efforts that were far more reflective of mainstream British culture.
I did not choose China or avoid Korea for any reason having to do with the real shooter's ethnicity. The point, for me, was the clash of elements in the majority and the minority, not the exact natures of what the real-life majority and minority are. Kind of like how in Star Trek, ethnicities were always represented by different alien races, but the conflicts between them were clearly allegories for 1960s race relations in America. I did totally intend all of the scathing commentary on race relations and the media. I think any murder is awful, but sensational ones always seem to get more coverage. And sadly I do think, like the last line
( ... )
A story like this might have had more of an impact in a non-genre publication. The focus is very specific, and the interpretation relies heavily on context. Though genre does deal with sociological elements, it usually does so in a more generalized fashion.
You articulated that far better than I did! The only trouble I had with my interpretation was getting deluded into thinking it took place in China, not North America.
Did you read any of the other stories in the chapbook? You should. :)
Reply
Reply
Reply
I did not choose China or avoid Korea for any reason having to do with the real shooter's ethnicity. The point, for me, was the clash of elements in the majority and the minority, not the exact natures of what the real-life majority and minority are. Kind of like how in Star Trek, ethnicities were always represented by different alien races, but the conflicts between them were clearly allegories for 1960s race relations in America.
I did totally intend all of the scathing commentary on race relations and the media. I think any murder is awful, but sensational ones always seem to get more coverage. And sadly I do think, like the last line ( ... )
Reply
Reply
Did you read any of the other stories in the chapbook? You should. :)
Reply
Leave a comment