The House of Hades
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NICO… YOU KNOW WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT O.o
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rated it 5 stars
Nov 25, 2013 07:44AM
Why is this sutch a big deal anyway? is it a big enough deal we need to have a whole 21 page argument about this on a BOOK website? in my opinion, people should just accept it. not liking it wont change the fact that hes gay. everyone should stop hating and just accept the fact that theres going to be things you dont like in this world that you cant change, and you just will have to accept that without prejudice.
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*sighs* I'm guessing they don't read the other posts
Every time someone posts a comment against gay right we should just post another comment saying "read the previous comments." We shouldn't even have to say anything if people won't read at least ONE page out of these twenty one pages of the same, repeated argument.
IKR!!!!!!!!
This is a little off-topic, but I'm actually quite impressed that most of the Nico debate has been limited to this one thread.People have gotten into arguments on other threads about Nico, but those fizzle out while this one keeps going.
You really can't ask for more than that. People have their own opinions and they're going to share them. But it hasn't taken over the forum, so that's good.
@Julia. yeah I did notice that too
I really dont think that Nico being gay really added much to the plot or anything, plus this book is for a younger age group and they shouldn't really be reading about this kind of stuff. I'm 13 years old and I didn't even know what the word "gay'really meant until I was 11. (I used to think it was a synonym for "happy") Btw, Im not religious and Im not against gay ppl either, but I dont think it was necessary for the author to add in the "plot twist". There was no hint of Nico being gay in the previous books either.
okay I see where you're going....but you might wanna read some other posts
Blogger wrote: "okay I see where you're going....but you might wanna read some other posts"I already read some other posts.
Blogger wrote: "*sighs*"Why are you sighing? I'm only expressing my opinion.
*SIGHS* yes I can see that. you're reasoning has made more sense than all the other opposing nico thing I've seen thus far but...we are still at the same conclusion.
H99 wrote: "Christina wrote: "Blogger wrote: "*sighs*"Why are you sighing? I'm only expressing my opinion."
Sure, share your opinion. That's cool. I think Blogger is just a bit frustrated because some peopl..."
Thanks for your explanation. I wonder why ppl would be constantly reciting the Bible though?? I could understand why someone would be frustrated then.
I know. I myself am a Christian but let's be real here, I find bible study quite...boring to say the very least
yes. the thing is it can be disturbing but it was a simple crush and nothing complicated. It was a miracle that we get to see this side of nico and people should talk about nico in a human way and not just some made up character because then you get to see their pain and be more insightful
I find it frustrating when people recite the bible because I'm an atheist. I don't want to hear or see quotes from the bible every where I go. I notice that a lot of people bring the bible into everything which can get a bit annoying. I'm not saying anyone's religion is wrong or annoying or anything like that. I just think that you shouldn't recite the bible everywhere you go. You have to respect other people too.
I was surprised, but not angry. I actually thought it clarified some stuff. Like why he is always awkward around Percy.
But yeah not for 9-12 year olds at all. I'm fourteen and I was surprised he added that.
I always thought Nico was awkward around Percy because Nico liked Annabeth and he knew that they had something with each other. Boy, was I wrong...
I'm fourteen too and I thought it was awesome for Rick to add that into the story...
Jαṡṃïṉε wrote: "Not reading the last book because of Nico's little "episode". This is inappropriate, and I will have nothing to do with an author who supports gay rights. This is violating, and horrifying."He's not really supporting gay rights, he just made one of the characters gay. That doesn't mean he supports gays at all. Stop jumping to conclusions.
Maggie wrote: "Jαṡṃïṉε wrote: "Not reading the last book because of Nico's little "episode". This is inappropriate, and I will have nothing to do with an author who supports gay rights. This is violating, and hor..."No, LOL he definitely supports gay rights. It basically says so on his website (FAQ). Check the part where it shows his statement on Nico's character development.
But I fail to see why that's a bad thing, you know? Like omg an author has an viewpoint that is different from yours, how scandalous!!!1 (this wasnt directed at you, just at the people who have a problem with it.)
People, you seem to be forgetting what this story entails. Nico DI Angelo is not a main character of this book. His being gay will not affect the story-line(much). That being said, what is the big deal? i don't go out of my way to support gay rights, but i don't condemn them either. I am sure a represent a large percentile of people. We want a good story; Nico's (current) sexuality should not be a factor in Mr. Riordan writing another brilliant story.
Oh yeah no worries I get what she means. I just meant Rick Riordan himself, I wasn't speaking for all authors. But I see why she might've thought that (:
Yeah the only reason it's a big deal for me (in terms of character development) was because Nico has always been one of my favorite characters, so that's why I want to discuss it. I'm not singling him out, I talk about all the other characters too. And you have to admit, it is a huge twist in character development in Nico's character. And I'm curious to see how it will affect blood of Olympus so there's also a lot of brainstorming and theorizing going on (like in other threads and discussions, not only this one)I feel that the people blowing it way out of proportion are the people with a problem with gay rights, which is why this thread blew up, because of clashing opinions and stuff.
finally we had a civilized conversation
I am so excited to see how this effects BoO... I'm thinking nico is finally getting his own POV! ^_^
Finally!!! (I hope so). I have been waiting for the day where Nico will get his own POV. I wanna see how Nico views everything and everyone!! I'm getting too excited!!! Please please please let Nico have his own POV Rick! I beg of you O_O
I'm pretty sure he will... I mean his journey with Reyna and hedge is pretty important and it would give us a way to see what is going on with the camps.
He has to. If Rick doesn't let Nico have his own POV, I will gather a mob of fans and barge into his house and force him to write a Nico POV and I'm gonna watch over him as he writes it to see that it comes out perfect.
Wow guys came back to update my reading list... and this thread is still up and at 22 pages....As before all i am seeing is people saying "what i am saying is right" and "you must accept my opinion", talking is not going to change anything guys.
You explaining your views is not going to change theirs especially with passive aggressive undertones(that is how i read most of these comments they were polite but baiting people to respond), if they don't want to read its their choice.
I still think Rick went around this the wrong way, if indeed all these signs they had of Nico's behavior before was because of this(i still don't believe it was so and this was a cop out by Mr. Rick) Rick should have built it up ages ago, you can't just drop something like pancakes in a few pages and make up some dribble about it explains previous behavior because it doesn't. Nothing in the previous books adds up to this all it says is that he was a loner, does that mean all loners are gay/crush on the same sex? No. To me this isn't a plot twist, Rick was running out of Gods to use so he just squeezed this in and if what Nico did before WAS because he was gay and Rick didn't do anything/hint about it is probably because (view spoiler)
Now that Percy Jackson has 2 movies(and probably more ugh) and this being the last book of the series, Rick doesn't have to worry about backlash, if he did this before some group say "mom for life"(just making this up ... if its real then....) would have tried to boycott the movies because "the author supports homosexual relations and we just can't have that" but now that everything is in the clear(with 2 movies out its highly unlikely they will cancel and they need something to fill that Harry Potter/Twilight gap) and only having one book to go he can do as he pleases and won't have to develop on anything he has written.
I said this before and some might say i'm crass but how Rick did this(to me) seems like he was jumping on the bandwagon before he got forced on. I've seen a lot of authors get bombarded with questions referring to when they will put a gay character in their books(i've even seen petitions), this seemed like a preemptive strike(make a gay character before he is asked to) because in no way does what he explains about Nico adds up to his previous behavior.
Also sorry to say this but (view spoiler)
I was kinda shocked and I was surprised Rick put that in the book but I guess it makes sense. I admit at first I was like this book is for younger kids what is Rick thinking but I'm ok with it now. It just came as a shock.
Kevin wrote: "Wow guys came back to update my reading list... and this thread is still up and at 22 pages....As before all i am seeing is people saying "what i am saying is right" and "you must accept my opini..."
WAS HE A COWARD?? HE'S ONLY TRYING TO RELATE TO OTHERS. maybe it seems a bit off but you do have to admit it helps with the development of Nico's character. oh and rick does not simply jump into "bandwagon" as you said. for all you know he had a middle school student who was being bullied for being gay and he put this to help get others to accept. It's all about acceptance so forget about the book and think about what's happening outside in the REAL world
Blogger wrote: "so forget about the book and think about what's happening outside in the REAL world ..."I thought this discussion was about the book? This is why this thread is so long, yes maybe he did it for acceptance but it doesn't change the fact that the thread was started with the purpose of discussing what happened in the book.
Again some might thing i'm crass but the discussion was not about the book and how it relates to the world its about "NICO… YOU KNOW WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT O.o"... and i know some of you will say that topic is broad enough to cover this.
Blogger wrote: "WAS HE A COWARD?? HE'S ONLY TRYING TO RELATE TO OTHERS"
Can you please read my post before you find pieces to pick at? If i am correct i think what i said adds up to the way he did things was coward, he has nothing to lose now and won't get much backlash Crowd: "we won't buy your last book" Rick R: "shrugs"
I did read your post and I don't pick at things just for the sake of fighting. what I meant was this was a great way for people to relate to what's happening right now. as for the Nico part, well anyone can have their opinion about that but don't make it based on your "religion". not that i'm against that, it's just that that's a crappy excuse
H99 wrote: "He does, Cecerose, but I think Maggie means that just making a character something other than straight doesn't mean supporting gay rights."THANK YOU.
Kevin wrote: "Wow guys came back to update my reading list... and this thread is still up and at 22 pages....As before all i am seeing is people saying "what i am saying is right" and "you must accept my opini..."
For me, I don't feel like Rick was "jumping on the bandwagon", especially with the reaction he got from even having a character be gay (have you seen the one star reviews of House of Hades on amazon? People are rejecting the series simply because of Nico). In fact, quite the opposite. Very few series that can be read for all ages (grade school - adult) have any non-straight characters at all. The genre with more gay/bi/pan/trans characters is usually YA or NA lit. Although HoH could be classified in that genre, it is also widely read by preteens and even younger people, which would, undoubtedly make it more controversial due to conservative parents, etc (as proven by this thread). Personally, I don't have a problem with it, but a lot of people obviously do. I think that Rick KNEW he would get negative reactions, and him going through with it anyways, is him being brave, not a coward.
As for the people writing petitions for having a gay character, usually those petitions are signed from one certain crowd of fans, not the universal set of fans of the book; judging by the many negative reactions, not all the fans wanted a character to be gay. If Rick made Nico gay to appease fans, then he would have appeased the fans in a lot of other areas by now (that wouldn't cause this much controversy), such as more Clarisse in the books, random dead characters coming back to life (like Luke. I know a lot of people who want him to come back), and maybe even appeasing them by making some ships such as Leyna sail. I have faith that Rick does not make things happen in his books to appease his fans, otherwise his books would be a lot more predictable than they are.
Rick also stated that when he was writing the character, it just kinda happened, and that he realized the direction Nico's character was going in. I think he had been building this up maybe since The Son of Neptune or even as far back as The Last Olympian. As I am not an author, I don't really know how his thought process works, but I would imagine that when you create a character, you don't realize everything about them off the bat, but develop their character based on the situations they're in that happen throughout the series.
As for Nico's character development, I honestly didn't think it was forced or anything. Nico has always been kind of mysterious and guarded and a bit of a "wildcard". The way I see it, if Rick Riordan had made a character gay for the sake of a character being gay, he would've made a new character, not a character that has been with us since Titan's Curse. By making Nico gay, I feel that Rick is saying that being gay does not define you, as Nico is still the same as he is. Which is pretty wise, as if it were a new character, the new character would be defined as that one new gay character, not a three-dimensional characters with struggles and depth.
I think someone in this thread before posted possible "hints" about Nico being gay. And there actually have been people who have thought so too. I hadn't but I don't really see it being some ridiculous, candy-grabbing notion of Rick's. I was surprised when I read it but I didn't think of it being unbelievable, as you seem to do. To each their own, right? But I just really don't see it as it being a "bandwagon" move on Rick's part.
I also don't think he made Nico gay just because he was "safe" in his position as an author due to the PJO movies. (By the way, which I both thought were crap and aren't filling in the void for book adaptations. the only ones I can stand are The Hunger Games. Catching fire, anyone?). I don't think his views for gay rights would have much, if any, effect on the box office results of the movie. In fact, the opposite. Did you hear about the huge boycott for Ender's Game due to Orson Scott Card's homophobic views? From what I see, the majority of people in Hollywood support gay rights (mostly), and it doesn't have much effect on people seeing their movies. But when Ender's Game came out, thousands of people boycotted it because of Orson Scott Card's homophobic views. I highly doubt Rick did it because he had a secure spot in the money-making business, as his supporting gay rights isn't exactly an anomaly that would put him out of this secure spot he supposedly has. Especially when Rick himself has never seen any of the movies. (He said so himself that he read the script of the Lightning Thief movie and didn't like how much it strayed away from the original plot and didn't see it because he didn't want the movie to alter his perceptions of the characters.) I think he is simply another author who wants to integrate positive messages into his book, like he has always done and accepted that there would be controversy, but did it anyway.
By the way, I think both sides had passive-aggressive undertones in their arguments, it's just that one side in particular has more support than the other. I don't think anybody's forcing anyone to read the book, more of the opposite-- as I see it, they're saying to those people who aren't happy with it that if they don't like the content, don't read it instead of complaining that the book's messages don't match with their own.
ack sorry for this extremely long post. I seem to be always rambling on and on and writing too much. Procrastination ftw. ugh ok back to studying to my history test. please disregard my horrifying wordiness. oops
I am very glad that Rick Riordan has introduced a gay character. I was talking to this with my friend and many young kids read the series and i think it is important to understand that love is love. We met him before we knew he was gay and realised he was a normal person and not some weirdo.
OMG Cecerose, thank you. Your post was absolutely amazing. Continue rambling and procrastinating (but don't fail your history test) so that some people can understand what we're trying to say. Thank you so much. That pretty much sums it all up.
In all honesty, I'm torn on this topic. I have always, always, always, and always will, love Nico. i haven't read the book yet, (no spoilers, please!) so I'm not really sure how I feel. From what others are saying, Nico is still the same, dark, mysterious, and all around awesome. I don't mind if he's gay, as long it's not brought up too much. The thing is, I feel uncomfortable when things like these are brought up all the time, but again from what others are saying, it's not, which I'm grateful for. I don't have too many problems with this whole situation, and I'm pretty happy that Jason is the one who's nice to Nico. I don't think that Percy is the one motivating Nico to really help them, it is possible that he wants to help because they saved him from Tartarus, they need the info about the Doors of Death, etc etc. Truly, at first I was mad at Rick for putting that in, I was thinking 'This is a book for kids Rick, come on!' Then I realized how prejudiced I was acting. Don't get me wrong, I'm not super happy about Nico being gay, but I've accepted it (partially). If Nico is still dark, mysterious, all-around awesome, and doesn't act any different, I'm fine. I like for everything to stay the same, even though I know that can't happen. If everything is fine, no one looks at him differently in PJO, and he doesn't die, (keep in mind he's still my all-time favorite character ever!!) I'll be okay. but if he chooses to like girls again, even better. Trust me, I'm not homophobic (I don't really care if gay people get married or not) but I'm not completely okay with all gay people in the world yet. That's all I to say really, but I'm still torn.
PS: I hope that all of you people can respect my opinion, because I've respected yours.
Robyn, I like how you were so respectful about your opinion. I think more people should write the way you do. I respect your opinion. I kinda acted the same way you did at the beginning. I did think it was a book or kids and I wondered why he put it there but I accepted it and I really liked that he put it there. I'm not against homosexuality, I was just surprised that he put it there. Anyways I totally respect your opinion Robyn. Thanks for sharing it.
Kevin wrote: "Wow guys came back to update my reading list... and this thread is still up and at 22 pages....As before all i am seeing is people saying "what i am saying is right" and "you must accept my opini..."
Finally! someone is bringing out the right issue here. So far this discussion has been about everything except this twist.Some people have posted a few good responses in support and that is the kind of discussion we should be having.i personally thought that it made no sense what so ever and it is not hard to see that nico suddenly turning out to be gay could be seen as a response to gay characters cropping up in some other popular series. I mean if he did want to show his support why not project it from the beginning?
Cecerose wrote: "Kevin wrote: "Wow guys came back to update my reading list... and this thread is still up and at 22 pages....As before all i am seeing is people saying "what i am saying is right" and "you must a..."
On the contrary i feel a new character would have been a better choice.
I like that Nico is gay, and that it doesn't define his character. I don't blame him for having a crush on Percy. Who WOULDN'T have a crush on Percy? :D
It totally suprised me, but I have nothing against it. It just bothers me when people say they ship Nico with Percy, cause I like Percabeth too much :DAnyways,I got attached to Nico in previous books and I liked him. Being gay doesn't change how I view him. :)
I shop Percabeth and percico... Nothing wrong with it
I was really surprised and shocked when I read that part. I have had a fictional character crush on Nico since The Last Olympian. But I have no problem with Nico being gay. I felt like Rick was just being realistic. Besides, being gay isn't going to change anything. My friend is gay, and he is one of the nicest people I know. Also I hate the movies. Like, the second was so bad.... ugh. But Catching Fire was perfect!
Marta wrote: "It totally suprised me..."Hermione is that you?
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