Steven Sarafian
asked
Lois McMaster Bujold:
Perhaps you have not seen this? http://foreignpolicy.com/2018/04/09/the-right-to-kill-brazil-infanticide/ (A 'backwoods' culture of killing handicapped children isn't just fiction, unfortunately.)
Lois McMaster Bujold
I had not seen this, but the practices it discusses are by no means unusual, especially across history. (And prehistory, though that's harder to suss out.) Look up the infanticide practices of the Romans and Greeks, if you want something closer to home. I don't know if anyone has done work on the practices of the Teutonic tribes, but I'd expect something similar, or in any culture that is periodically or routinely thrust to the edge of survival.
Selective infanticide is the historical norm. Saving such children is new, and largely a consequence of advances in technology and the economy. (As a rule of thumb, people tend to embrace the moralities they can afford.)
Ta, L.
I had not seen this, but the practices it discusses are by no means unusual, especially across history. (And prehistory, though that's harder to suss out.) Look up the infanticide practices of the Romans and Greeks, if you want something closer to home. I don't know if anyone has done work on the practices of the Teutonic tribes, but I'd expect something similar, or in any culture that is periodically or routinely thrust to the edge of survival.
Selective infanticide is the historical norm. Saving such children is new, and largely a consequence of advances in technology and the economy. (As a rule of thumb, people tend to embrace the moralities they can afford.)
Ta, L.
More Answered Questions
P.
asked
Lois McMaster Bujold:
Hello; Do authors usually get a percentage of the profit after costs for the sales of the book? If they do, how does that work with e-books? The cost is much lower to produce and no shipping costs so when that is factored out, so the profit starts coming sooner doesn't it?
Simon Ward
asked
Lois McMaster Bujold:
Looking back on a successful writing career. How has your opinion of your first book changed? Please join Madeline Miller, Kami Garcia, Alessandre Torre, who among others, have also been invited to contribute to my article and share their thoughts about their first book.
Richard
asked
Lois McMaster Bujold:
I feel hesitant to criticize you, given how much the critical thinking, thoughtful commentary and philosophizing in your writings have informed, enriched and molded my character over the years. But would it be possible for you to add some book tags (i.e. manga, fantasy, contemporary, urban fantasy, YA, etc.) to your reviews here on Goodreads to make it easier for us to search for our next read using your reviews?
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