Thought Crimes & Clarifications
It has become clear from some of the reactions to posts I've made in the last few weeks that I need to clarify my positions on a number of issues. I get tired of repeating myself on this, so I'm writing this as a reference post that I can direct people to.
1. I think there is a WORLD of difference between what people fantasize about and what they actually do.
2. If you have a difficult time understanding this difference, you should not be reading my work.
3. I don't hold an opinion what proclivities may or may not be considered 'mental disorders'. I do know that homosexuality was, until very recently, assumed to be and classified as a mental disorder and, because of this, I question the reliability of these designations.
4. I do NOT condone the making, posting, downloading or viewing of child pornography. I condemn it - both morally and legally.
5. I do not condone rape. I condemn it. The stories that I have written that include rape - sometimes eroticised, sometimes not - are fiction and fantasy. It does NOT follow that I am ambivalent about forced sex or rape in reality. I condemn it (again.)
6. I assume, if you have clicked past the warning page, that you have reached the age of majority in whatever place you live, and that you are sane enough to take responsibility for your actions.
7. My stories are not intended as how-to manuals, life-style guides or psychology textbooks. I am not a psychologist, sex therapist or anything else that would qualify me to suggest how you should live your life.
8. If you read something in my work that you find offensive, please be responsible enough to stop reading. The appeal of my work is not universal nor is it intended to be.
9. As a woman, I have inherited the burden of thousands of years of social, religious and sexual oppression. My understanding of self, my agency, my language and my sexuality were born, molded and twisted by that oppression. I am happy to have a discussion on why I write what I write, but I will not tolerate being told what I can or cannot write about.
10. I am not perfect and I do not exercise perfect judgment. If you assume I am, or that I do, please leave.
Some of you may find this post very patronizing. I apologize for this, but I thought it was important to make myself extremely clear on certain issues.
Go get 'em, RG. Personally, I don't think you have to explain anything. Just block the jackasses that can't behave like responsible adults (by which I mean taking responsibility for their own reactions to what you write, and not blaming you for what's in their stupid heads).
The person or people this is directed at deserve to be patronized. I'm very passionate about this sort of thing, and I enjoyed reading your post on it. Keep writing what you write, love. Anyone who has a problem with it can take a flying leap.
well said. this could be a remittance man-ifesto.
i already posted on twitter, but wanted to say here that i agree with you completely & the adult population that feels the need to attack you just needs to grow the fuck up. everyone has choices. theirs could be to GO TO ANOTHER WEBSITE or, you know, something :)
Brava, RG!
Especially to #9.
Yes! Especially the don't tell me what to write part. Thank you.
What I find most sad and it's prevalent especially online is people are quick to judge others without full knowledge of the person themselves they base these judgements on very little information. Some people cannot help themselves and have to act like asshats in order to make themselves seen ;)It is indeed disheartening and a small minded act of stupidity.
Awesome.
I don't know what you call them on twitter, but on message board we call such people 'trolls'. I tend to ignore such people. They write one message to get a rise out of people. Nobody who reads your stuff seriously and for enjoyment is going to assume that everything you write is true - THATSWHY we call it "fiction", it's not reality, it's made-up.
If people can't read constructively and critically and figure out that you don't necessarily share the beliefs of your characters, or condone certain practices, even if you write about them, then maybe this isn't the reading material for them?
It saddens me hugely that you even feel the need to post this blog to explain yourself. As you say, only responsible adults should be reading and commenting on your stuff. I love your writing. :)
I imagine the congregation finding this nailed to the church door on a Sunday morning.
Number 9 is my favourite
I had someone write offensive crap to me on a repeated basis. He left a trail to his real id. He was a Quarter Back at the state college football team. I traced his mother to the local church. I dropped him a mail with a photo of him from the college blog, a copy of his mother's email address and asked him if he'd like to take our discussion public or just fuck off and leave me alone. I never heard from him again.
I like your approach better.It's much more civilized
Mike!
*pissing myself laughing* and a little jealous that I'm not so technically adept.
Heheh @ Mike's reply. Well done.
May I link to this as a reference for my on-a-soapbox-holier-than-thou-fuckwit-stalkers too? Because, seriously, I couldn't have said it better myself.
Bravo!
Thanks, Rgirl, for articulating these insights for all of us. This is one to print out and pin to the corkboard above the desk.
Post a Comment