I have an idea!
Let's get a whole bunch of old shoes
get a whole bunch of stickers that say "IT'S STILL THE ECONOMY, STUPID!"
and ship them to a bunch of canting Republican ideologues who have nothing better than to stick their noses in women's reproductive business! Whaddya say?!
get a whole bunch of stickers that say "IT'S STILL THE ECONOMY, STUPID!"
and ship them to a bunch of canting Republican ideologues who have nothing better than to stick their noses in women's reproductive business! Whaddya say?!
date
newest »
newest »
message 1:
by
Tessa
(new)
Feb 18, 2012 03:45PM
Sorry, Ms. Pierce, I love your books, but your politics are more than I can stomach. I still believe a baby is a baby from the beginning. It's still murder. I won't be following you anymore.
reply
|
flag
I, on the other hand, am always delighted by your blog updates. It's a pleasure to find that the politics of one of my favorite authors match the content of her books. I was thrilled when you came to speak at Vassar's NonCon and spoke so frankly about women's issues in literature. You don't disappoint. Keep fighting the good fight!
I've got to take the middle ground here. Can't say I disagree with your ideas, but making the whole situation so inflammatory just perpetuates the nastiness..Very Iliad-an. If you disagree with something there are more productive ways to communicate them without furthering the disrespectful deportment of the other side.
If you are against abortion then don't have one.I love how some people think a cluster of cells should have more rights than a woman. I'd think twice if the foetus was in a later development stage, but even then, it is the mother that should take precedence.
The government can be all pro-life, but once the baby is born, it's f***ed anyway, because there isn't adequate social security in place.
Not allowing women access to abortion is sexist. These Republican men would think twice if it were THEM having to give birth and assume responsibility for another human being. Also, why are there so many non-feminist females? That frightens me, when people turn traitor upon their own gender.
The government shouldn't stick their noses in women's reproductive rights. Regardless of some peoples beliefs, there are others that believe abortion, contraception, etc. are fine. And that's just it. It's a BELIEF of certain religions. Not all. As soon as we give some religions more importance than others in the law, we're persecuting those that are not as important.If you don't want an abortion or contraception, don't use it. It's not like if abortion or contraception is legal we'll hold you down and force you to use it. That's what pro-CHOICE is all about.
A women has the right to choose before she gets pregnant. After that there is another life involved. I do recognize that there can be extenuating circumstances, so I guess I am not 100% against abortion, but I have met young women who have got pregnant and got abortions again and again. Abortion should not be used as birth control in that way. I choose not to get pregnant for 8 years of marriage and then I choose to get pregnant twice and then I choose not to have anymore kids. None of it was with abortions. And birth control methods are alot better now than twenty years ago. There is even the morning after pill for when you know you screwed up.
Megan wrote: "I've got to take the middle ground here. Can't say I disagree with your ideas, but making the whole situation so inflammatory just perpetuates the nastiness..Very Iliad-an. If you disagree with som..."And as soon as I can figure out a way to disconnect my lj entries from Goodreads, people here need not be offended by entries that are really supposed to be for my adult circle!
Tessa wrote: "Sorry, Ms. Pierce, I love your books, but your politics are more than I can stomach. I still believe a baby is a baby from the beginning. It's still murder. I won't be following you anymore."I am sorry you feel we cannot simply agree to disagree. I believe that each of us must choose her own path, not force his or her way of viewing things on others who don't agree.
And I am going to find a way to keep my personal lj entries from showing up here, since people are so easily offended.
Ivy wrote: "I completely agree with you, Tessa. It's really quite sad, isn't it?Megan, I respect you for speaking up about this, though you agree with Ms. Pierce on some things. I can truthfully say that as ..."
Does this mean I am not entitled to express my opinions?
We all have the choice to click on a blog post or not. The opinion isn't being stuffed down our throats. You are not attacking those people who are not agreeing with you. Is it possible to mark a blog post that it is contraversial or political or book related something like that? Then if some people don't want to hear an authors opinion on anything other than books they can choose not to click further. Although I thought the definition of a blog was an individual's opinion on a variety of subjects.
Oh, I'm not in the least offended! I just think that if you want people to really listen to you and think about what you have to say, going around hitting them with shoes and calling them stupid is probably not the best route. Just a thought. And turning this all into a "You're stupid!" "No, you're more stupid!" "Well you're stupider!" match is just devolving to everyone's toddler days.
Tamora wrote: "I am sorry you feel we cannot simply agree to disagree. I believe that each of us must choose her own path, not force his or her way of viewing things on others who don't agree." Agreed. And I would be sad to see your LJ entries disconnected from this site. I find them interesting to read, and I appreciate knowing what political issues good writers agree or disagree with. I think you really care about women's rights and are passionate about it, which is sadly not universal in our society. My (future, hypothetical) daughter will definitely be reading your books!
Brenda wrote: "We all have the choice to click on a blog post or not. The opinion isn't being stuffed down our throats. You are not attacking those people who are not agreeing with you. Is it possible to mark ..."I am trying to disconnect my lj from Goodreads, but if Goodreads is linked to my Facebook, I'm surprised people haven't gotten bent out of shape by my politics before. I should think they would be no surprise to anyone who reads my work, and I'm not forcing anyone to agree with me or telling them that if they disagree with me they can't post on my lj, here, or on Facebook. This used to be a free country. I would just like people to think about these issues and what's involved, not let others make their decisions for them.
And thanks, Brenda!
Tammy
Brenda wrote: "We all have the choice to click on a blog post or not. The opinion isn't being stuffed down our throats."Well said.
I agree with Tessa and Ivy. A baby is always a baby, from the first moment of conception, as proven by science. It's terrible thing when not even a baby in the womb can be protected from people's rash judgment. Abortion is murder, plain and simple. And yes, Ms. Pierce, we must think about these issues, and what's involved in them. The majority of the women who have an abortion regret it afterwards, and many suffer emotional trauma from the experience. An abortion doesn't just affect the child--it affects the mother hugely. Not to mention, the eight different methods of performing an abortion in the U.S. are extremely gory; if any pro-choice people spent the time to research them, they would (at least, I dearly hope they would) find that abortion isn't such a fine-and-dandy thing after all.
In short, there are other solutions to pregnancy. Murder need not be committed.
I wouldn't worry about it to much. I read your books when I was about 11 years old I think. I get mostly what you believe in. I am completely dyslexic and about that time in my life i figured out meaning of it. It was depressing to say the least. Your books where the first that i sat down and read and reread. The very books I really read. The flip into reading change my life and got me into computers and all kinda other things. I triedI do not always agree with every word but the debate is worth seeing everywhere. I don't want to spend one more day where people don't even talk about things for fear there opinion might change. I believe that a baby is a baby. I even hold hope that some day they all can be save instead of aborted . That science will pull a win and our country as a community will find homes real homes for all. (not government homes) Until that day comes people should see the debate its important.
I enjoy seeing your livejournal posts in my goodreads feed and I enjoy your politics, both in your fiction and outside of it. I understand however why you might want to unlink goodreads and livejournal if you're facing this sort of discussion every time. The response to this post reminds me in a way of the tremendous backlash to Kristin Cashore's books that's happening over in the reviews of Graceling & Fire. I'm always disappointed/frustrated to see it there and relieved (but perhaps confused?) not to see that happening in the reviews of the Alanna books. I mean, Alanna seems to skew younger than the Graceling audience to me, and yet I'm not seeing such a huge Protect The Eyes of The Children meme going on there. Maybe because Graceling is more recently published?Anyway, I'd also like to point out in this conversation that a lot of the current conversation happening around women's reproductive rights is actually about republicans wanting to limit access to *birth control.* Birth control, e.g the pill. E.g. not abortion - way before abortion - way before conception - way before sex. Certainly, there's a conversation happening about abortion too, but these comments about life-beings-at-birth etc are not very relevant to republican presidential candidates arguing that women/couples should not have access to the pill.
Sarah wrote: "I'd also like to point out in this conversation that a lot of the current conversation happening around women's reproductive rights is actually about republicans wanting to limit access to *birth control.* Birth control, e.g the pill. E.g. not abortion - way before abortion"Yes, I notice. The simple fact of the matter is they take one step into your life and they want to take the next 30. Some folks are scary.
Tamora I enjoy your posts and the conversation is important.
Thank you Sarah for clarifying the conversation; I was getting confused reading posts about abortion and thinking, "Wait, she was talking about birth control..."Without adding my two cents about my personal views on birth control/abortion, I would just like to say that any author is entitled to post his or her opinions in the same way any other person can. An author is also a person, protected (supposedly) by the same constitutional right to free speech that other people share. Ms. Pierce, as an author, your books obviously express your opinions because they are an extension of your thoughts, ideas, and feelings. I know that Alanna, Keladry, and Alianne obtain magical charms that are the Tortall universe's form of birth control. If people reading your "real-world" post about your views on birth control are offended, shouldn't they have been offended by your books in the first place?
I always enjoy reading your views on the state of the world, and I would hate to see you silenced by the fickle and explosive nature of "hot button" topics. Such issues must be discussed, rather than ignored, if we are ever going to figure out as a society what to do about them.
Peace.
Tamora wrote: "Ivy wrote: "I completely agree with you, Tessa. It's really quite sad, isn't it?Megan, I respect you for speaking up about this, though you agree with Ms. Pierce on some things. I can truthfully ..."
My Sister,
Please, please, please express your opinions from every mountaintop, soapbox, blog, etc. One can't let the ruffled feathers of a few with thin skin modify your own behaviours. I love how your simple statement was thrust into the lava flow of religion, abortion, eternal damnation, etc. If only some of these Christians (I use this loosely, as they don't emulate the actions of the Christ, nor Jesus of Nazareth very well) would put as much energy into the opening of their hearts instead of the closing of their minds. For those who find my aforementioned statement confusing, I humbly suggest that you read more than just your bible. Look up the operational definition of "eisegesis" as well. One of the biggest issues today is the knee jerk reactions of religious zealots, conservative groups and it's "sheeple" judging and slamming others' views that do not sit squarely with their own. This creates such a dangerous precedent. Illegal wars, spying, sexism, homophobia, racism, blatant civil rights violations, murders in the name of government and god, and so much more. All parts of a foundation that empires are erected upon will soon crumble.
So sad that so many in this society have grown to become addicted to the Kool-Aid fed to them from the bully pulpits, some drip by drip, others via fire-hose. They all drown in it soon enough. The wisdom lies in those who refuse to let their death grip drag us down too.
Your Live Journal is as much as a part of you and your creativity as your published works. If your fan base can't handle the real you, this is no great loss, as you will fill the gap with more and more new ones (like myself). I am not where I fit in your reader demographic, as I don't fit in many boxes well at all (it's a gift wink). Just know that this Irish, 6ft 2in, stocky, shaved headed, pierced, double master-degreed, ordained interfaith pastor, feminist, civil rights activist stands beside you 200 percent and will defend your freedom of expression to the very end. May the light of peace warm every step you take...
Signed,
A New Fan
Hello- I may be getting into this topic a little late, but as a woman who has exercised her right to an abortion, I must say that I have never regretted it, and in fact felt great relief. Not only did my family and friends support me, but the best hospital in my state.
So, when I read blog postings by MY favourite author about things like this, it makes me feel like I have a voice.
Call me a murderer, if you would like... but I am happy that all forms of birth control exist and when for some reason they do not work, abortion. I know what happened, I do not sufferer from regret or sadness. I feel relief. To the woman who said that "these issues must be thought about" ... I must say my doctor spent a great deal of time explaining all of my options. I think it is really sad that people judge a person negatively based on personal opinion, but it just keeps happening.
A faithful reader.
I enjoy reading everything you write, including your opinions. I agree with you and am glad that you are as adamant for women's rights in this world as you are in your books. I support your ability to write your blog posts as you choose.Thank you, you continue to cement yourself into place as my favorite author, and not just for the books!
Tamora,Despite that I do not always agree with your posts, I always appreciate that you are forthright and honest about your beliefs. On the topic of abortion, I do agree that it is a choice. I'm sad that people make blanketed statements about the traumas of abortion. Yes, for some people who do it, it is the wrong decision and they regret it. But there are plenty of people who feel immense relief that it is an option for them.
Thank you for your continuing support on women having a CHOICE to get an abortion or not.
I support a person's right to stand up for women's rights. That's what Tamora Pierce's books are all about. She doesn't have a duty to ANYONE to have a political leaning one way or another and if anyone thought she'd support such an unabashed attack on women's rights, they truly don't understand any of her work. She is a person and she has the right, and as I think she's taking on, the responsibility to stand up for people because she DOES have a realm of influence. Her comments are being read and thought about.As for the issue. When anti-abortionists think about abortions, they think about babies. Well, let me tell you, if you saw for yourself a zygote or an embryo, you would do anything BUT cuddle it and love it. It's a sack of cells until it becomes a fetus. Most abortions occur before 4 weeks, before it is more than a bunch of cells. So stop thinking of the less than 1% that happen due to medical complications that risk a mother's life. Educate yourself on what the statistics are because if you don't, you're just a puppet for the politicians.
All of our favorite literary heroines, including those in Tamora’s books, are passionate and outspoken, and we admire these qualities in them. How can we not admire it when these same qualities are exhibited by their authors?I'm glad to see that so many people have written supporting Tamora and her right to post her opinions. When I first saw this yesterday, there were only three or four comments, mostly negative, and I had to back away to compose an appropriate (read: not scathing or angry) response to them. It’s refreshing to come back to post today and see two pages of comments defending her right to cry her beliefs from the rooftops.
To the people who disagree with her and still support that right, I hope you can feel the grateful admiration I’m sending your way. And to Tamora, I can certainly understand why you may decide it is necessary to disconnect your Goodreads and Livejournal feeds, but I hope you don’t end up doing it. I’ve been using Goodreads to keep track of several blogs that I sometimes don’t have time to/remember to check separately, and I’d hate to lose track of your entries.
“I do not agree with a word that you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it” VoltaireTamora, I think it would be sad to see your LJ posts go away. You are a writer and artist. Part of the written word is to express, and those of us who follow you should expect that at times our views may diverge from yours. Part of being a citizen of this great country is the fact that we have a right to say what we wish, just as those who disagree have a right not to follow or to object. Part of learning to be an adult (as you are a YA author) is having the ability to listen to heated discussions and make up one's own mind. Where else will youth see such honest and frank discussions of important topics like these than on public forums like this where no one, no teacher, parent, etc. is there to moderate their thoughts? Those who follow goodreads, and who read, should know that literature and writers are a divergent bunch. As a librarian I defend your write to post your views, even if I do not agree (and I am withholding my opinion, because in truth, that is not what this response is about). Please, do not show the opposition that a few ruffled feathers can cause you to censure yourself. If I know nothing about you but your work, and your posts, I'd say you are too resilient for that. Speak freely, Tamora.
I really must wonder how, if some people here are offended by Tammy's political and social views so badly, they became fans of her work at all - her ideals are fairly well expressed in them, including the use of birth control. Are we reading the same books, here?If you're offended by the views you read here, you don't have to read!
That said, Tammy, I for one would much rather be able to continue reading your entries on GR than on LJ, as I try to spend as little time on LJ as necessary of late, especially given that their new comments layout makes my head ache. Please do keep posting here if you can. Your views and ideas are your own and should not be stifled or moved by or due to people who haven't the sense to take such an argument to email (especially when they bring a knife to a gun fight, if you know what I'm saying).
Tria wrote: "I really must wonder how, if some people here are offended by Tammy's political and social views so badly, they became fans of her work at all - her ideals are fairly well expressed in them, includ..."I do feel people come here mostly to read about books, but apparently I have yet to figure out how to unhook my LJ, one of them, anyway!
I think the layout is also dependent upon the layout chosen by the individual LJ-keeper. I know I just changed both of mine.
Madame Tamora, I'm woefully late to this topic here, since I only just started up a Goodreads account last night, but i'd like to throw my lot in with those that support your open posting of your views and beliefs. I'd like to echo what a few of the posters above me have said, that you shouldn't let the very vocal, thin skinned minority prevent you from showing your honest opinions.I, for one, appreciate being able to see the thoughts and opinions of one of my all time favorite authors.
------------------
(Being a male, I find that I'm not in the primary demographic for your female oriented literature. Doesn't stop me from enjoying it thoroughly, but it gives me a slightly unusual point of view!)
Pertaining to the initial issue, from a male's perspective, I completely agree with you that it's a woman's right to decide every aspect of, and make every decision pertaining to her reproductive system. Nobody else should have a say, and nobody should be allowed to put pressure on any woman about life giving gift. Not the Government* or any politician, conservative religious group, man, or any other woman.
* Should the US reach a population saturation level like that of China, which I believe is unlikely for at least several decades, then I would not be averse to supporting a Two-child policy, like in the aforementioned. Through tax incentives, and the like. Yes, it is a little totalitarian, but sometimes that is the only way to solve a problem.
Again, I must reiterate, please don't unlink your livejournal, please don't stop posting! You and your mind a valuable asset to the world!
