I think one of the most salient comparisons I've heard today is with the old usenet flame wars. And I think that's also why the answer to the question I've heard:"Why aren't more professionals getting involved". They look at this more as a "Gee Livejournal and the fans and writers are screwy", than an actual race issue.

A bit later I am going to write a bit on what racial/cultural awareness may mean for my completely imaginary world of my WiP. But for now, I'm actually kind of happy I don't have fans. Dealing too much with fandom either makes you mean or insane.