handful_ofdust: (itxab)
handful_ofdust ([personal profile] handful_ofdust) wrote2011-02-01 02:17 pm

Interesting Discussion

...going on over here (http://samsykes.com/2011/01/the-chosen-jerk-jam-session-with-n-k-jemisin/). I guess I’ll just never be comfortable with the idea that we should proactively shit on a particular type of narrative trope because it’s inherently evil, and thus the people who like it (who are obviously too effin’ dumb to figure that out) are bad and should feel bad, anymore than I like any other type of received wisdom. Thankfully, though, I also don’t think I’ve been guilty of this; most of my characters are anti-heroes at best who don't think of themselves as automatically qualified to “save” much of much, plus the fact that there’s an overall lack of authority figures of any sort in my world(s) who aren’t assholes, on some level.

I mean, “[Anasazi]” is sort of a Chosen One story turned inside out--ie, this slot could have been filled by anyone, it became yours through horrible bad luck, and now everything you know and love will be destroyed because of it/you. But then again, I do write horror, so perhaps for me, the relevant trope is “Chosen Monster” instead.;)

[identity profile] starvinbohemian.livejournal.com 2011-02-10 01:14 am (UTC)(link)
You know, I frequently disagree with you on these things, but I wanted to tell you that I really appreciate all the links you post because I've really enjoyed reading all the different points and discussions. Occasionally wrong-headed, sometimes enlightening, frequently disturbing, yet always entertaining discussions. :)

[identity profile] handful-ofdust.livejournal.com 2011-02-10 02:23 am (UTC)(link)
Well, uh...excellent, I guess! Wrong, yet amusing: My work here is done.;)

[identity profile] starvinbohemian.livejournal.com 2011-02-10 03:01 am (UTC)(link)
Oh, no, I meant that I sometimes agree with you that the discussions you link to are wrong-headed, etc. D'oh! Sorry, just ignore that whole last sentence. X)