*sigh* When authors should know better.

[roseembolism]

I won't really go into the latest racefail controversy, AKA "Mammothfail". I just want to point out that it's really a distressing feeling to read the comments of an author you respect, and find yourself muttering "No, No, no! Just, stop. You're NOT helping. I know you're trying to support your friend, but you're making things worse. No see, you're still typing. That's bad. Aw, no, not with the metaphors, just back. Away. Slowly."

A part of my mind is trying to adapt the Tom Leher song "Who's Next" to Racefail, as I wonder who the next author I respect is going to make the mistake of explaining their way deeper into a mess.

Comments

[racerxmachina.livejournal.com]

One good thing, that came out of a lot of fail and drama, was the message put forth by writers and readers of color:
"We don't want writers (of any race) to say 'if everyone's going to be mean to me if I write about race, I'm taking my keyboard and going home.' We DO want writers to stop, look, listen, and ask questions, and, if unavoidable, learn from mistakes they might make in writing about a culture or color different from their own." You have to expect to make mistakes in a craft, and it's a learning experience.