Gail Simone's Blog, page 191
November 25, 2015
Yeah, I've been listening to the unabridged audiobook versions of the original Conan stories penned by Howard, and while I like them a lot, even the best of them have really, REEEEAAAAALLLY uncomfortable and gross racist stuff in them, as well as sexism an
Yeah. People have said that both REH and H.P. Lovecraft became less racist as time went on. I think they were clearly both very disturbed and unhappy individuals, I think they saw the world as a frightening place and put their sense of not belonging on others. None of that is an excuse, and it’s a drag to read, and it’s also sad to realize how much of the horror and fantasy genres are based on the writings of stone-cold racists. I think that still effects our perceptions of those genres to this day to some degree.
One thing as an aside, I recently re-read a bunch of REH stuff, and I was surprised by how funny that guy could be as a storyteller. He told a lot of humorous adventure stories and they genuinely ARE hilarious. Weird.
Yeah, I've been listening to the unabridged audiobook versions of the original Conan stories penned by Howard, and while I like them a lot, even the best of them have really, REEEEAAAAALLLY uncomfortable and gross racist stuff in them, as well as sexism an
Yeah. People have said that both REH and H.P. Lovecraft became less racist as time went on. I think they were clearly both very disturbed and unhappy individuals, I think they saw the world as a frightening place and put their sense of not belonging on others. None of that is an excuse, and it’s a drag to read, and it’s also sad to realize how much of the horror and fantasy genres are based on the writings of stone-cold racists. I think that still effects our perceptions of those genres to this day to some degree.
One thing as an aside, I recently re-read a bunch of REH stuff, and I was surprised by how funny that guy could be as a storyteller. He told a lot of humorous adventure stories and they genuinely ARE hilarious. Weird.
Hey Gail, have you played any fun handheld games recently?
Just Professor Layton.
Do you think it's possible to like Robert E Howards writing whilst being aware of it's flaws. Am I bad for still liking those stories?
I have the same complicated feelings about this stuff. The question is, is great art that is racist/homophobic/sexist still great art? My gut says it is, but that it’s important to not pretend that that equates with perfect virtue. We should be aware of its flaws.
In Red Nails, which is my favorite Conan story, I read it admiring the powerful allegory of the doomed tribes in the tale, and then suddenly Conan goes on an unexpected and just toxic little rant about how ugly black women are. It’s such a false, mean little moment, so full of REH’s racism, it’s really painful to read, and it’s tossed in as such a thoughtless little side note. Urgh.
I feel the same about a great many writers, most notably HPLovecraft, but also J.R.R. Tolkien and many more. I think everyone gets to choose their comfort level. I do give a BIT more leeway to people from eras in the distant past, where enlightenment on race and sexuality was a little harder to come by. But I don’t accept that as a full excuse when so many writers of the day did somehow manage to not be so toxic and bigoted and ignorant.
I think it’s a judgment call. Dave Sim thinks my gender has no sense of right and wrong, no morals, and are out to sponge off of his male light, he thinks we’re essentially parasites. And yet, the first several Cerebus books meant a lot to me growing up and I still check them out to admire and learn from the craft involved. At the same time, I don’t want to go see any movies with Mel Gibson.
I don’t have any answers for it. I think it’s okay to love problematic material. The mistake to me seems to be trying to justify/explain/make excuses for the shitty parts.
November 24, 2015
Hey Miss Simone, I'm curious, what are your personal favorite Conan the Barbarian stories that were written by Howard himself, and what are your favorite ones written by other authors?
Hmm. Red Nails is probably my favorite Conan story, but it’s got some really gross stuff in it. I don’t think I’ve read much from other, non-comics writers.
November 23, 2015
housebatbrendan:
Fantastic. I’d missed Jeannette. Also more...
Fantastic. I’d missed Jeannette. Also more beefcake plz.
HA!
That’s just what my reaction would be.
How was the Peanuts movie???
It was surprisingly great. I loved it. I have a LOT of thoughts about it, but I am at deadline this morning so it will have to wait for a bit!
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