From my perspective, it is very definitely not "White" people who are acting stupid but White North American members of fandom/sff culture.
I've been a stupid Australian who has said dumb things, and I'm sure I'll continue to put my foot in it, I always do :)
But I must admit the, major reason why I don't say much in these discussions, apart from, it's depressing. Is because it's all from a major American perspective, 95% of the people involved are American. And I just, don't feel qualified to be part of that, plus also, am white!
I'm really, very, very grateful every time someone makes an sweeping statement, and then qualifies with, 'at least as far as American society is concerned'.
Because I get very uncomfortable if Americans (as the dominant privileged culture) makes assertions, mostly without thinking, I believe (and I hope it doesn't come off as argumentative, because I'm so not trying that) that imply America=the world.
And I'll disclaimer this by saying that no, I don't think the rest of the world is better then the US when it comes to race relations. :)
So anyway, to go back to my main point, that's the reason why I haven't said much. Because I've seen all *this* particular issue as more of a North American thing.
ETA: To clarify further, when I say *this* particular issue, I'm talking about the events that were sparked off from Ms Bear and the professionals writers around that issue.
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branchandroot
no subject
Date: 2009-02-04 03:22 am (UTC)I've been a stupid Australian who has said dumb things, and I'm sure I'll continue to put my foot in it, I always do :)
But I must admit the, major reason why I don't say much in these discussions, apart from, it's depressing. Is because it's all from a major American perspective, 95% of the people involved are American. And I just, don't feel qualified to be part of that, plus also, am white!
I'm really, very, very grateful every time someone makes an sweeping statement, and then qualifies with, 'at least as far as American society is concerned'.
Because I get very uncomfortable if Americans (as the dominant privileged culture) makes assertions, mostly without thinking, I believe (and I hope it doesn't come off as argumentative, because I'm so not trying that) that imply America=the world.
And I'll disclaimer this by saying that no, I don't think the rest of the world is better then the US when it comes to race relations. :)
So anyway, to go back to my main point, that's the reason why I haven't said much. Because I've seen all *this* particular issue as more of a North American thing.
ETA: To clarify further, when I say *this* particular issue, I'm talking about the events that were sparked off from Ms Bear and the professionals writers around that issue.