No, because the original preface wasn't offensive. As Buy points out above, it *is* a valid question to ask, "why aren't more ___ writing" (and really, writing of any kind). We've asked that question before, whether it be 'why aren't more women writing' and 'why aren't more people of color getting published' and this time the question is 'why aren't more gay men getting published' (with the underlying element that their stories are of clear interest to a segment of the population, so one might hope, if perhaps assume, that first-hand experience might lend more insight, where a writer without that experience would have to stretch further.
But the idea that "all ____ cannot write outside their background" IS offensive, even if it's not intended as such. We don't always see the hidden messages in our questions, and I know that well enough myself.
Then again, I've also pretty much had the very bad, no-good, all-around day from hell. I think I just needed a chance to stomp around, and now I feel better.
Y'know, if you're working at a bookstore now, when are you going to start doing book reviews on our LJ and recommend the latest works?
no subject
Date: 28 Jul 2005 03:15 am (UTC)But the idea that "all ____ cannot write outside their background" IS offensive, even if it's not intended as such. We don't always see the hidden messages in our questions, and I know that well enough myself.
Then again, I've also pretty much had the very bad, no-good, all-around day from hell. I think I just needed a chance to stomp around, and now I feel better.
Y'know, if you're working at a bookstore now, when are you going to start doing book reviews on our LJ and recommend the latest works?