“Aging children, I am one”*

Jim Hines’ call for guest blogs about representation in fiction got me thinking. And the folks who have posted over there since have kept the thoughts coming. Seriously. Go check out the last several guest posts on Jim’s blog. They’re great.

Another thing that’s added to my thinking is the latest kerfuffle with the gatekeepers of “real” science fiction. Some folks have been remarking that when all the old farts die, the sexism/racism will die with them.

Hahahahahaha. No.

That’s not how it works. Assuming that the only sexists/racists/homophobes/trans*phobes/etc are old guys is lazy thinking. And assuming that at 51, I’m one of those folks? Well, that just pisses me off.

It also makes me want to do my best to wreck spec fiction by writing about people who aren’t all straight, white men. Which brings me back to the matter at hand.

Weekly Linkroll

Another Sunday is well under way. Happy St. Patrick’s Day to everyone who’s into that. I’m still processing the verdict in the Steubenville rape case and wondering at the insanity of the news coverage of it all. Those poor rapists and their ruined lives. The pity party going on for them is just outrageous.

Well, you know what? If you don’t rape people, you don’t ruin your life. Pretty simple. Maybe try that the next time the option presents itself.

Anyway, let’s see what else happened on the internet this week.

R-E-S-P-E-C-T
Artist Lee Moyer discusses sexism in cover art, prompted by questions from Jim Hines. An interesting read.

Pope Francis Vs. Black Francis
Well, the Catholic Church has a new pope who took the name Francis. It was only a matter of time. Thanks, Mother Jones, for doing it first.

The Rhetorical Power of Pig Pain
Shakesville’s super takedown of Richard Dawkins’ assholish tweeting about abortion this week. FYI: fetal pain is a myth. This guy is supposed to be a scientist?

Sir Patrick Stewart: ‘Violence Against Women Is Learned’
Patrick Stewart talks personally about domestic violence for Amnesty International. Wonderful and heartwrenching.

The Art Of Asking: For Writers And Storytellers
Chuck Wendig at Terrible Minds ponders AFP’s amazing TED talk. What does it mean for writers?

Dad hacks Donkey Kong for his daughter; Pauline now saves Mario
Ars Technica on the latest Donkey Kong hack. I heard about this on NPR earlier this week. Neat!

Happy St. Urho’s Day, 2013
I like this idea for a holiday better than St. Patrick’s Day, really. Bug Girl’s Blog gives us the lowdown.

What if “it” REALLY were an inside job, not a terrorist attack?
Teacherken over at Daily Kos has the inside scoop. The truth seems pretty clear.

Weekly Linkroll

So, the last linkroll of 2012. Hard to believe it’s the end of the year already. Damned metabolism slowing me down and speeding up the rest of the world.

At least, that’s my theory.

“I don’t remember that…?”
One of several blog reviews (and the funniest) that allowed me to lose any feeling of obligation I might have had to see The Hobbit. Just not gonna. Yes, I’m one of those Tolkien fans. Thanks very much.

Joyous Christmahanukwanzeidstice to all, and to all a good night.
I’m a sucker for flow charts. What can I say?

Christmas on Mars
Diane Turnshek writes into the Whatever blog about her experience at the Mars Desert Research Station.  Very cool.

Christmas Pose-Off: Lights vs. Tights
Jim Hines and John Scalzi face off again in another pose for charity. Hines just knows how to do this.

Preditors and Editors Readers’ Poll
Critters / Critique.org is hosting their annual readers’ poll and Substitution Cipher has been nominated for best anthology! The website’s a challenge to navigate, but a lot of cool titles have been nominated in several categories. Check it out.

 

Weekend Linkroll

It’s a sad weekend here in the U.S. as we all try to process the latest story of (to paraphrase Ms. DiFranco) some boy reaching for the available arsenal and sauntering off to make the news. Heartbreaking stuff. My sympathies go out to all involved.

The first two links concern the shooting. The rest don’t. Hopefully, those three will bring a smile to your faces. We all need a smile.

Guns do not kill people. They just make it easier to kill people.
Margaret and Helen discussing the topic. I disagree strongly that now is not the time to have this conversation. If not now, when?

Set a date and time to have a conversation about gun policy in the United States.
And, along those lines, a White House petition you can sign if you also think that it’s finally time to discuss gun policy in this country. And before you get all freaked out about me wanting to take all your guns away, understand that I own guns, I’ve had training in their use, and I know how to use them. I have no problem with responsible gun ownership. But I also have no problem with that ownership being regulated. I had to go through more trouble getting a driver’s license than I did acquiring guns. That’s just crazy. (If you disagree, fine. But if you want to troll me over this, don’t bother. Your comment will never see the light of day.)

A Bunch Of Sad, Insecure Dudes Attacked A Woman And Everyone Got What They Deserved
Anita Sarkeesian is my internet hero. She rocks hard.

Jim Hines’ Pose-Off with John Scalzi
It’s for charity and it’s awesome.

Jordan Hawk’s Link-O-Geek
This week, Fellowship of the Wraiths. Kind of adorable.