Sometimes I just don't think I have anything to post and eh, possibly get tempted to spend the day reading yaoi manga & avoiding productive things, but then I stumble across this @ fandom_wank: Gregory Benford against fantasy readers :D :D :D :D
Basically, I do think this is a real issue in the sci-fi/fantasy community, as wankily as he expressed it-- I mean, y'know, I do think fantasy is becoming more popular, people are more escapist, not as interested in futurist stuff, not as fascinated/impressed by 'ooh science' (and therefore geeks! geeks! geeks who're no longer in/reading Robert Heinlein novels as they're too busy writing code and making $$). On the one hand, I'm glad, 'cause obviously I'm a fantasy reader/writer more than a sci-fi person, but. Still.
I think the implication of 'intellectual cowardice' or laziness... I dunno, maybe of a sort. I think people aren't so much overwhelmed by the current world problems as kind of... all over the place? So many directions, so little real leadership or purpose, I think. Not a lack of intelligence or drive, even, just a lack of centralization or maybe it's that the overall globalization of the world community is just in a transitional stage. I think it's a temporary situation, kind of tentative and dangerous in its own way, but really... it's almost like the world is confused :>
I was trying to talk to INTP (um: the stereotypical 'sci-fi geek'-type) people about solving world issues at their community yesterday and I think I sort of put my foot in my mouth with the religiosity thing, but. I still think it's funny this person was stereotyping 'bleeding heart' emotional (& fantasy-obsessed, probably) people as not being willing to listen to 'real solutions' when she later admitted she was meeting them in a church o_0 o_0 o_0 (And... nothing against religious folks! Um. I just think organized faith != cold reason by definition even if you're a thinky type. Unless you're a rabbi, but. That's actually an in-joke.)
I think it's so funny and cute how they run around trying to make sense of and fix everything and take that even to the level of 'educating' the masses through sci-fi. Oh geeky-thinky types, HOW I LOVE YOU ♥♥♥. *HUG* (MUWAHAHAHAHAH.)
PS. I agree it seems Greg Benford doesn't read enough, which actually makes him unlike most sci-fi geeks I know, who consume nearly equal measures of sci-fi and fantasy. I also love this comment what with the sci-fi/fantasy luvluv smexing. ♥. I miss living on my engineering/computer floor. Teeeehee. I think I could never be a fag-hag 'cause I'm already a geek-hag :D :D :D
(Um, disclaimer if found necessary: I'm actually a Real Geek Girl, all parts included, no refund necessary, see further attached disclaimer for details, and have a nice day.)
Also, vaguely offensive(?) but amusing & possibly true (but probably not) quote from comedian Mike McDonald: "Anybody who can take it up the ass must have a sense of humour."
Hahah, it just makes me wanna utilize it -somehow- :D But I actually found this article by a self-professed 'fag-hag' to be kinda offensive. Dude. DUDE. Jeez, stereotype much? -.-
Basically, I do think this is a real issue in the sci-fi/fantasy community, as wankily as he expressed it-- I mean, y'know, I do think fantasy is becoming more popular, people are more escapist, not as interested in futurist stuff, not as fascinated/impressed by 'ooh science' (and therefore geeks! geeks! geeks who're no longer in/reading Robert Heinlein novels as they're too busy writing code and making $$). On the one hand, I'm glad, 'cause obviously I'm a fantasy reader/writer more than a sci-fi person, but. Still.
I think the implication of 'intellectual cowardice' or laziness... I dunno, maybe of a sort. I think people aren't so much overwhelmed by the current world problems as kind of... all over the place? So many directions, so little real leadership or purpose, I think. Not a lack of intelligence or drive, even, just a lack of centralization or maybe it's that the overall globalization of the world community is just in a transitional stage. I think it's a temporary situation, kind of tentative and dangerous in its own way, but really... it's almost like the world is confused :>
I was trying to talk to INTP (um: the stereotypical 'sci-fi geek'-type) people about solving world issues at their community yesterday and I think I sort of put my foot in my mouth with the religiosity thing, but. I still think it's funny this person was stereotyping 'bleeding heart' emotional (& fantasy-obsessed, probably) people as not being willing to listen to 'real solutions' when she later admitted she was meeting them in a church o_0 o_0 o_0 (And... nothing against religious folks! Um. I just think organized faith != cold reason by definition even if you're a thinky type. Unless you're a rabbi, but. That's actually an in-joke.)
I think it's so funny and cute how they run around trying to make sense of and fix everything and take that even to the level of 'educating' the masses through sci-fi. Oh geeky-thinky types, HOW I LOVE YOU ♥♥♥. *HUG* (MUWAHAHAHAHAH.)
PS. I agree it seems Greg Benford doesn't read enough, which actually makes him unlike most sci-fi geeks I know, who consume nearly equal measures of sci-fi and fantasy. I also love this comment what with the sci-fi/fantasy luvluv smexing. ♥. I miss living on my engineering/computer floor. Teeeehee. I think I could never be a fag-hag 'cause I'm already a geek-hag :D :D :D
(Um, disclaimer if found necessary: I'm actually a Real Geek Girl, all parts included, no refund necessary, see further attached disclaimer for details, and have a nice day.)
Also, vaguely offensive(?) but amusing & possibly true (but probably not) quote from comedian Mike McDonald: "Anybody who can take it up the ass must have a sense of humour."
Hahah, it just makes me wanna utilize it -somehow- :D But I actually found this article by a self-professed 'fag-hag' to be kinda offensive. Dude. DUDE. Jeez, stereotype much? -.-
no subject
Date: 2006-02-28 10:29 am (UTC)Now I love sci-fi, but oy. Please, it exercises the mind as much as a Fabio novel. I don't know why people have the need to destroy entertainment by pretending it's more than entertainment.
The sadness of the fag hag comes not from the lack of consummation in her relationship with her gay friend, but rather from the fact that everything in the world has to be reduced to sex.
Um, somebody should tell her it's possible to have straight male friends, and that the sadness she complains of is all hers.
no subject
Date: 2006-02-28 11:08 am (UTC)Yeah, man. Well, I guess it really is sad when you truly think All Straight Men Are Pigs. Possibly it's saddest that there are so many straight women like her. Oy, indeed :(