Links! Lots of links for everyone!

[salinea]

"Going Native" sf, anthropology and colonialism by coffeeandink

There's a recent survey done by the Anti Defamation League about antisemitism in Europe http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3669706,00.html
A lesson in modern antisemitism and this other post by chopchica talks about it and about her own experience with antisemitism while travelling in Europe. As a French Jew, it's a little bit odd for me to see a post talking about this from the experience of an American on a trip, but actually it's a bit of an eye opener because there are many things I taught myself not to pay attention to just because I'm used to them. I'm also used to see my concerns dismissed and being treated like a pain in the ass when I insist on complaining about the lack sandwich with chicken rather than three different choices of pork or cheese at local RPG conventions.

Over at the westeros board (yes, I still read it, just lurking, shut up), Scott Bakker insists on showing his ass to the public in a thread (and its sequel) about the treatment of women in his books and people who think it's sexist (and people who think any reading about sexism and misogynism in a book is a grave insult that should never be done because it's so awful!! yeahhhhhhh right). On the same thread, several people, especially Kalbear, Maia and needle are being awesome.

There's a Celia Friedman interview at Pat's Fantasy Hotlist with some interesting discussions about sexism in fantasy as well, especially in the comments.

Comments

[meganbmoore.livejournal.com]

I find that most worlds "based on" a world are more sexist than the one they claim to be based on, because they assume they must be and make it 10 times as bad.

[xraytheenforcer.livejournal.com]

Absolutely. They take one antiquated version of the Middle Ages, rather than recent scholarship, and then justify their sexism on the basis of faulty information. Then they get offended when you call them on it.

[violaswamp.livejournal.com]

Yep. Also because fantasy authors, men especially, LIKE to think that women are always oppressed in a "state of nature" and that it's only a combination of male chivalry and modern feminism that makes today's civilization less oppressive. They apparently haven't read much history. IIRC Terry Pratchett got lots of mail about "Monstrous Regiment," saying that lots of women disguised as men in battle was unrealistic (this from readers of a universe with dwarves, trolls and witches), and he found it hilarious because he found plenty of historical accounts where exactly that happened.

I shouldn't have clicked on those links, Now my blood pressure has risen. There are some real dickweeds on that thread. "But you want a token!!!!1" "But there's a passing mention of washerwomen, therefore there are non-sexualized and non-abused women in the series!!1!" "But you're just wanting your agenda/wish-fulfillment!!"

At least now I know not to read those damn books.