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May. 30th, 2008
One Short Note On Rachel Moss
May. 30th, 2008 07:58 am(Just In Case Disclaimer: anything I say on this issue should be construed as unofficial and personal commentary only.)
The situation with WisCon and Rachel Moss illustrates perfectly one very important point.
When you treat people like objects (in this case, objects of ridicule), you tend to forget something. They are not actually objects; they have agency. They have their own opinions, their own thoughts, and their own actions.
If you are lucky and persistent, you will be able to convince them that this isn't true, that they lack this power. They will turn themselves into objects, too.
But if you aren't, and you forget but they don't...
Well, we're seeing what can happen, aren't we?
Sometimes, we don't just crumple and die of shame. Sometimes we fight back.
Sometimes these sorts of lessons are hard-learned. But still necessary. To all parties.
The situation with WisCon and Rachel Moss illustrates perfectly one very important point.
When you treat people like objects (in this case, objects of ridicule), you tend to forget something. They are not actually objects; they have agency. They have their own opinions, their own thoughts, and their own actions.
If you are lucky and persistent, you will be able to convince them that this isn't true, that they lack this power. They will turn themselves into objects, too.
But if you aren't, and you forget but they don't...
Well, we're seeing what can happen, aren't we?
Sometimes, we don't just crumple and die of shame. Sometimes we fight back.
Sometimes these sorts of lessons are hard-learned. But still necessary. To all parties.
two unrelated notes
May. 30th, 2008 11:13 am1. When I told people at WisCon that the twins are due in October, I got many suggested birth dates. As in, "October 10th is a good day." (Also, IIRC, the 12th and the 14th through 16th.) Further inquiry would reveal these to be the birthday of the person in question.
It all made me feel so selfish. I wouldn't want to share my birthday, see.
2. This article uses as its step-off point the New York Times Magazine's recent story on Emily Gould, but it's really about the representation of women in the media:
"We have to remember: There is nothing wrong with women writing about themselves, their youth, their indiscretions, their habits and values and personal development. Men have been writing about this stuff for thousands of years; they call it the canon.
And like their male contemporaries, a lot of this writing disappoints. When it does, there is nothing wrong with criticizing it. The thing that is wrong -- really wrong -- is when we forget that these kinds of stories are not the only ones that women have to tell."
It all made me feel so selfish. I wouldn't want to share my birthday, see.
2. This article uses as its step-off point the New York Times Magazine's recent story on Emily Gould, but it's really about the representation of women in the media:
"We have to remember: There is nothing wrong with women writing about themselves, their youth, their indiscretions, their habits and values and personal development. Men have been writing about this stuff for thousands of years; they call it the canon.
And like their male contemporaries, a lot of this writing disappoints. When it does, there is nothing wrong with criticizing it. The thing that is wrong -- really wrong -- is when we forget that these kinds of stories are not the only ones that women have to tell."
No, I don't know the twins' sex(es) yet. Am I gonna find out? Yes, if they can tell from the ultrasound, possibly as soon as next week. Am I gonna tell you? Maybe. (I already told my co-workers that they have to suffer.) Not publicly. You might have to sign a "no pink/blue" waiver first. I recommend gifts in green, purple (!!!), yellow...
...Or you could go the route my co-worker apparently is: "I'm giving them sports-themed stuff! That's unisex!" Gold star.
...Or you could go the route my co-worker apparently is: "I'm giving them sports-themed stuff! That's unisex!" Gold star.