While rereading classic fantasy texts to explore the subject of gender essentialism in fantasy, I had to take on the Marion Zimmer Bradley problem.
On rereading Marion Zimmer Bradley
Tag: abuse
Real names policies don’t work, so stop proposing them
Periodically, the ghost of real names policies rises again in discussions about online abuse. Such policies do not work, so why do people keep promoting them?
Therapy in the internet age
Are psychologists and counselors keeping pace with online culture? Should they be?
Domestic violence is not your fault
We need to change the narrative on domestic violence, because right now, it posits that abuse in the fault of the victim, and that is unacceptable.
Dolores Umbridge is the most accessible villain in the Potterverse
I’ve been re-reading the Harry Potter series, which I do from time to time, but also because I was specifically prompted by a conversation I had with Zack Stentz about Dolores Umbridge, when he noted that Stephen King identified her as the greatest villain since Hannibal Lecter in his Order of the Phoenix review. As we chatted […]
How I Got Inured to Hate Mail
I’ve been writing for both myself and other people for the bulk of my life — right down to the story about a big red dog (forgive me, Norman Bridwell) in kindergarten. Like many young children, I was primarily praised for my work, with the occasional spelling and grammar correction, encouraged to keep writing, insulated […]
What’s the Story Behind Haters?
Trolls have been around since the internet began — well, really, longer, if we want to get strictly accurate. When people started producing drawn and printed works, other people started talking about them. Some people praised them, while others offered critical commentary, engaging with the work from the perspective of people who were intrigued but […]
You Are Never Required to Stay in a Dangerous Situation
As a followup to yesterday’s post on ACA and seeking help for mental health issues, I wanted to touch upon a subject that comes up periodically when people ask me for advice about helping mentally ill family and friends. Bluntly, if you are in danger, you have the right, and perhaps the imperative, to leave. […]
I Remember Kelly Thomas. I Remember Fullerton.
Almost four years ago, I got an email from my editor at The Guardian, asking me if I was interested in writing about the Kelly Thomas case. I was, very much, and I did. I had been watching the story unfold with growing anger, fear, and resignation, and I was proud to be one of the voices […]
Why are People Perennially Surprised By Internet Misogyny?
Readers, I have a confession: I was tempted to cut and paste this piece, since I’m pretty sure I’ve written it before. I realized that my desire to cut and paste was kind of an indicator of how endlessly circular this topic is, though. Here’s how the formula goes: 1. Woman, or person read as […]