tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28221839.post3331746877361470740..comments2024-02-12T17:59:33.534-06:00Comments on RAZORED ZEN: Politics and Religion in WritingCharles Gramlichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02052592247572253641noreply@blogger.comBlogger50125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28221839.post-33245907873807668462010-10-18T16:54:29.697-05:002010-10-18T16:54:29.697-05:00Erik Donald France, yeah, I don't want anyone ...Erik Donald France, yeah, I don't want anyone burning "me." The blog is a bit different from a published book though in the sense that I want to sell those for money and I'm not really making money off the blog.<br /><br />G, how could anyone not like YOU, Man? I don't get it. :)<br /><br />micle, Never been to SF.<br /><br />Stewart Sternberg, I've never known you to express an outrageous opinion, my friend. You must have really been pushed to your limits that day. ;)Charles Gramlichhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02052592247572253641noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28221839.post-74826837755695546542010-10-12T21:16:51.970-05:002010-10-12T21:16:51.970-05:00I sat on a panel at a convention with Michelle Seg...I sat on a panel at a convention with Michelle Segara or West, she goes by one name or the other. She is a reviewer at Science Fiction and Fantasy Magazine. We debated whether or not sci-fi is still cutting edge from a political point of view. She maintained since no topics are taboo, that there is no need to veil discussion of politics with fantasy and metaphor.<br /><br />I know you'll find this difficult to accept, but I vehemently disagreed with her. As did the audience.Stewart Sternberg (half of L.P. Styles)https://www.blogger.com/profile/00895152179113722902noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28221839.post-34309127410965283312010-10-12T21:16:50.943-05:002010-10-12T21:16:50.943-05:00I sat on a panel at a convention with Michelle Seg...I sat on a panel at a convention with Michelle Segara or West, she goes by one name or the other. She is a reviewer at Science Fiction and Fantasy Magazine. We debated whether or not sci-fi is still cutting edge from a political point of view. She maintained since no topics are taboo, that there is no need to veil discussion of politics with fantasy and metaphor.<br /><br />I know you'll find this difficult to accept, but I vehemently disagreed with her. As did the audience.Stewart Sternberg (half of L.P. Styles)https://www.blogger.com/profile/00895152179113722902noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28221839.post-64789597858391469112010-10-10T13:04:15.075-05:002010-10-10T13:04:15.075-05:00Ivan,
This person has actually developed an inten...Ivan,<br /><br />This person has actually developed an intense dislike of me.<br /><br />The last time I commented on a link that a FB friend/fellow blogger posted (about the military's don't ask don't tell policy), she started insulting me, then once she figured out who I was, deleted all of her posts on the link.G. B. Millerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09783331838434598963noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28221839.post-65119959199060723182010-10-08T09:46:14.195-05:002010-10-08T09:46:14.195-05:00This comment has been removed by the author.Jodi MacArthurhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13373591664178281529noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28221839.post-25774898896004191922010-10-08T08:42:48.692-05:002010-10-08T08:42:48.692-05:00Politics and religion are two genres I warm up to ...Politics and religion are two genres I warm up to right away. And I write about them all the time. If people don't like it they don't have to read it.<br /><br />But of course, it's best to contextualize things. I enjoy mixing it up with a variety of people. <br /><br />Back at Algonquin Books, I remember the flap over a few mild Baptist jokes that caused Clyde Edgerton to be fired from a Baptist-run college. He promptly got another job at a rival university.<br /><br />On the other hand, I'm not gonna be posting cartoons of religious figures or burning books -- for my own safety if nothing else.Erik Donald Francehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02332500850365598564noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28221839.post-51181750751110104542010-10-08T07:53:32.905-05:002010-10-08T07:53:32.905-05:00eric1313, yeah, a lot of people don't seem to ...eric1313, yeah, a lot of people don't seem to even understand the concept of debate.<br /><br />Ivan, glad you said it.Charles Gramlichhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02052592247572253641noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28221839.post-73501154714173921382010-10-08T07:47:27.387-05:002010-10-08T07:47:27.387-05:00G,
If I can put in my two cents, it sounds to me...G, <br /><br />If I can put in my two cents, it sounds to me like your "intellectual" was an anal retentive and something of a hoarder herself. :)ivanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05662075375182633162noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28221839.post-61645684554815805912010-10-08T01:12:14.006-05:002010-10-08T01:12:14.006-05:00I grew up listening to both NPR and the right wing...I grew up listening to both NPR and the right wing radio demagogues. Sure, I'm lefty-ish, but it's still good to hear other opinions, as well as know what the "enemy" is thinking. Opinions expressed don't bother me too much. I actually find it a bit upsetting that when I want to debate such views, some people will always take that as an attack.<br /><br /><br />Like the saying pretty much goes, it's impossible to please everyone (but remarkably easy to p*ss them off).eric1313https://www.blogger.com/profile/13807078704660045859noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28221839.post-1929014402277962942010-10-07T21:29:12.818-05:002010-10-07T21:29:12.818-05:00ANNA-LYS, You're right. I've heard of a lo...ANNA-LYS, You're right. I've heard of a lot of threats going on in Europe over speech that is seen somehow as attacking a particular religion. The stiffling of free debate is a horrendous sin in my opinion, to put it in a religious context.<br /><br />G, seems like no one wants to take criticism these days. As a race we are a tad bit oversensitive it seems. I know what you're talking about. I've seen it too.<br /><br />jodi, I'm much more interested in religion too. Politics also just really bores me.Charles Gramlichhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02052592247572253641noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28221839.post-59108896202402814962010-10-07T16:57:06.966-05:002010-10-07T16:57:06.966-05:00Charles, Politics heat people up to much and EVERY...Charles, Politics heat people up to much and EVERYONE thinks they are right. Religion I can handle--much more interesting!jodihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01798858210138821711noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28221839.post-19521585810915933562010-10-07T16:23:13.114-05:002010-10-07T16:23:13.114-05:00Interestingly enough, I found on Facebook a few pe...Interestingly enough, I found on Facebook a few people who are serious intellectuals who got quite upset with me when I didn't agree with a particular point made .<br /><br />In one case, a person called me a "deficient" because she insisted that hoarding was a result of over-consumption of available goods and got upset with me when I had the audacity to quote a reality t.v. show to back up my assertion that it was disease.<br /><br />Go figure.G. B. Millerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09783331838434598963noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28221839.post-74561403662239092452010-10-07T13:12:18.640-05:002010-10-07T13:12:18.640-05:00I think it has an impact all over the world this d...I think it has an impact all over the world this days. You can loose Your job, or Your life it You don't be careful in Your written language. Every day and every moment You have to balance and be correct (while admiring those that stand up for their creativity and freedom of speech). Freedom of speech or writing is an illusion in contemporary society. Today we even have to hide research result that happen to collide with the political agendas, or religions.<br /><br />I miss the free debate, the creative art, and the provoking literature.ANNA-LYShttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03503734017177492952noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28221839.post-621390739627397812010-10-07T12:43:09.085-05:002010-10-07T12:43:09.085-05:00Ivan, she would, although she might use even stron...Ivan, she would, although she might use even stronger language in my company.Charles Gramlichhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02052592247572253641noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28221839.post-48578382711365192162010-10-07T11:08:39.834-05:002010-10-07T11:08:39.834-05:00I think your wife Lana would describe those easily...I think your wife Lana would describe those easily offended readers as "sheeples." Easily led...So afraid of government, special interest groups and the thought police.<br /><br />I keep hearing in my head that old Beatles song, "Back in the U.S.S.R."ivanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05662075375182633162noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28221839.post-60210192006099747192010-10-07T10:14:08.998-05:002010-10-07T10:14:08.998-05:00SQT, I know a couple of folks who have approached ...SQT, I know a couple of folks who have approached Christian presses about stories and have found their guidelines to be very very strict on what can be said. I actually understand that though, since a press should have the right to define itself. I do think that worry and anxiety about the economy is probably boosting the intensity of people's reactions to things published on the web or through the media. Still, a lot of people who are behaving rabidly, to me, appear to be doing pretty well economically. <br /><br />Jess, that's just so bizarre to me. At the very least people should be able to tell the difference between reality and fiction, and between intent and accident. Craziness abounds.<br /><br />Mark, a pseudonym might be a good idea. Hadn't thought of that. I have another story that I wrote when I was pretty toasted one night that is "really" amped out there, I'd say. I haven't even submitted that one.<br /><br />Dayana Stockdale, I once wrote a vampire story that I actually thought was very supportive of Christianity. The point was that, absolutely, Jesus was God, but I've had a couple of folks tell me it was blashphemous just because it had vampires in it. I don't get that, I fear. I was raised Catholic btw.<br /><br />Gaston Studio, I have some pretty strong opinions too, and in convos with the right person I'll let it rip.<br /><br />BernardL, I am offended by that. :) (Just kidding)Charles Gramlichhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02052592247572253641noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28221839.post-14804403513240345242010-10-07T08:24:13.141-05:002010-10-07T08:24:13.141-05:00I never avoid controversial subjects because the &...I never avoid controversial subjects because the 'offended' are everywhere. I may as well give them their fix. :)BernardLhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09722619048888613647noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28221839.post-74597947607094336882010-10-07T07:52:12.351-05:002010-10-07T07:52:12.351-05:00I agree with laughingwolf except I don't ever ...I agree with laughingwolf except I don't ever blog about politics or religion; however, get me into a conversation and you'll find I'll highly opinionated on both subjects.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16813508472498593787noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28221839.post-83418936995364959122010-10-07T06:35:17.988-05:002010-10-07T06:35:17.988-05:00Sometimes I get the desire to attack people with m...Sometimes I get the desire to attack people with my words. Heheehe. <br /><br />I think that being concerned about 'Crypto' upsetting someone is not a good reason to keep it in the trunk. Maybe there's something else about it that merits trunkedness, or maybe it deserves light and fresh air? <br /><br />Obviously, only you know that answer, but I would change the criteria for the decision.<br /><br />There will be things in our books that upset people. The horny ones want sex. The prudent ones want kissing on the cheek. And so on. <br /><br />But it sounds like your story does take some hits at specific groups of people. Maybe the reason its in the trunk is because you felt that way then but don't feel that way now?<br /><br />As for me, I try to work through my beliefs and my agenda in my stories. Using, countering, questioning, but never NEVER injecting.<br /><br />I was raised Christian, but am now a new age/spiritual/fairy-loving psychic. My current fantasy WIP has undercurrents of Christianity, so even though I'm not trying to, I bet it'll make the Christians happy. Funny how that works right?Dayana Stockdalehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03732725838165251900noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28221839.post-5862715008569381732010-10-07T06:12:29.227-05:002010-10-07T06:12:29.227-05:00OH HELL NO>>>Amp that bad boy up to max v...OH HELL NO>>>Amp that bad boy up to max velocity and publish it under a pseudonym on my blog! They can all go to hell, the very same one that want us in.the walking manhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10058913927297370740noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28221839.post-77490518924929887382010-10-07T00:06:21.378-05:002010-10-07T00:06:21.378-05:00I hate to see you put any of your writing away for...I hate to see you put any of your writing away for fear of offending, but it's a crazy world out there so maybe for your own safety. :) Lots of anger these days. A writer I know got some horrible letters because a character in one of her books accidently killed a dog. Key word--ACCIDENTLY. And it's just fiction!<br /><br />We're living in a 'be careful what you say and do' world. It's a little scary.Jessica Fergusonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18320362797117599955noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28221839.post-81655653132244536262010-10-06T23:56:19.180-05:002010-10-06T23:56:19.180-05:00Charles, something occurred to me after I thought ...Charles, something occurred to me after I thought about this a bit. <br /><br />It's been said that fear and greed are the two human emotions that motivate people. And right now there's a lot of fear going around. <br /><br />The political debate is nasty on both sides right now. It isn't Steve's politics that got me going, it's the tone. I guess I'm just kind of up-to-here with all at the moment. (Sorry for picking on you Steve)<br /><br />What I wonder is how political and religious fiction sells via the social climate. Do publishers stay away from those topics when people are scared? Something tells me it would be far easier to sell something controversial when the economy is good and people have the luxury of being relaxed in their opinions.SQThttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04251030404220909306noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28221839.post-18577895749391703812010-10-06T22:48:15.248-05:002010-10-06T22:48:15.248-05:00Cloudia, that seems best.Cloudia, that seems best.Charles Gramlichhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02052592247572253641noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28221839.post-65014736283844698792010-10-06T22:46:01.872-05:002010-10-06T22:46:01.872-05:00Heff, you’re right about that. Sometimes spectacu...Heff, you’re right about that. Sometimes spectacular success, although there seems to be some trick to it that I’m not sure about.<br /><br /> Steve Malley, in some cases it can certainly be embarrassing. In many cases it appears to be nothing more than a power play. And both sides can be guilty, although right now I’m really irritated by what some of the more radical Republican candidates are saying.<br /><br /> pattinase (abbott), people seem to be steadily losing their sense of humor and accompanying that with a sense of underlying anger at any who are different from them.<br /><br /> ArtSparker, that’s true. It doesn’t really take anything to get some folks offended. I’ll check out the blog.<br /><br /><br /> Deka Black, I talk about them only with folks I know and trust. I never bring such things up in unfamiliar company.<br /><br /> Evan Lewis, I don’t understand how folks can often be reasonable in one setting and totally rabid nutjobs in another. Humans are just very strange.<br /><br /> Shauna Roberts, the gratuitous insults and personal attacks really turn me off. It happens on both sides, unfortunately. I agree with you on George Will. He says what he thinks in an organized way and I can enjoy that. Unlike Rush Limbaugh who simply goes for the outrageous insult.<br /><br /> <br /> Oscar, I’ve actually argued with a lot of readers over how you can’t make judgments about a writer’s personal opinions from the opinions of their characters. A lot of people understand that but some certainly don’t.<br /><br /> G, I’m pretty open minded about religion. Somewhat less so about politics. But I get easily frustrated with people to whom logical reasoning makes no difference. Often those are the ones who seem to go for the insult then. I was raised to think that the one who slings the personal insult first loses. That doesn’t seem how it is judged today.<br /><br /> Deka Black, definitely some good discussion, and some reasoned responses here. I like it.<br /><br /> Travis Cody, exactly so. I sometimes imagine a philosophical or religious position that I don’t actually hold and try to write from that perspective. It’s challenging and interesting.<br /><br /> Carole, very good point. I often see folks who paint religion as all bad, and others who defend it as all good. Well religion involves human beings, and nothing human is going to be that black and white. A little self evaluation is needed on both sides.<br /><br /> David J. West, I read a very wide range of folks too, with a lot of different opinions. I’ve had people ask me, how could you read so and so? And I’m more likely to say, how could I not? Reading something that isn’t exactly what you believe doesn’t mean you will suddenly lose yourself.<br /><br /> SQT, It seems to come down sometimes to who threw the first stone. But if we really start looking into that we’ll never find out who did it first. It’s more important that we try to tend the bruises and stop the next person from pitching a rock. It is not an easy thing to do, though. There are so many kneejerk reactions it seems.Charles Gramlichhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02052592247572253641noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28221839.post-70449556873670450992010-10-06T22:35:18.653-05:002010-10-06T22:35:18.653-05:00I try to build from the commonalities.
Warm Al...I try to build from the commonalities.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Warm Aloha from Waikiki<br /><br /><a href="http://comfortspiral.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow">Comfort Spiral</a>Cloudiahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05853753108637831069noreply@blogger.com