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Re: "bitterness and purity"
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From: Sarah Hamburg <srhf92_at_hampshire.edu>
Date: Sat, 22 Feb 2014 20:37:26 -0500
Marc--
I am quite conflict-averse, so I know I will regret writing this. And others have already pointed out that this goes to a place where a response is probably not even productive. But I feel compelled to say that I find the arguments outlined here to be deeply disturbing.
If you want to use the example of the Holocaust (which even and *especially* because of a family history I find overused in this type of context) there are many, many thoughtful critiques of both fiction and non-fiction put forth by non-Jews concerning the Shoah. For example, the film Life is Beautiful. Or even the Newbery- winning novel Number the Stars. There are those who have argued that there's a tendency to concentrate almost exclusively on the valiant efforts of non-Jewish "saviors" in those works, (and other works for a non-Jewish audience) or to create "beautiful" stories out of a place where there is no beauty. Mel Brooks wrote an amazing, scathing review of Life is Beautiful on those grounds. Whether or not one agrees with those critiques, to have them dismissed as "bitterness" or a generalized inability to forgive, or "reverse racism" (whatever that means) or a desire for "purity" would be seen as offensive. Because it is.
Beyond that, as others have said, I don't even really see where there have been "bitter" arguments made in favor of excluding white people from writing outside their race. In fact, I don't remember anyone saying that at all. The fact that there is a *perception* that this has been the case, that this is what's happening when people say they're not being heard, and that this is the most salient aspect of the conversation, speaks volumes.
Sarah
Date: Sat, 22 Feb 2014 20:37:26 -0500
Marc--
I am quite conflict-averse, so I know I will regret writing this. And others have already pointed out that this goes to a place where a response is probably not even productive. But I feel compelled to say that I find the arguments outlined here to be deeply disturbing.
If you want to use the example of the Holocaust (which even and *especially* because of a family history I find overused in this type of context) there are many, many thoughtful critiques of both fiction and non-fiction put forth by non-Jews concerning the Shoah. For example, the film Life is Beautiful. Or even the Newbery- winning novel Number the Stars. There are those who have argued that there's a tendency to concentrate almost exclusively on the valiant efforts of non-Jewish "saviors" in those works, (and other works for a non-Jewish audience) or to create "beautiful" stories out of a place where there is no beauty. Mel Brooks wrote an amazing, scathing review of Life is Beautiful on those grounds. Whether or not one agrees with those critiques, to have them dismissed as "bitterness" or a generalized inability to forgive, or "reverse racism" (whatever that means) or a desire for "purity" would be seen as offensive. Because it is.
Beyond that, as others have said, I don't even really see where there have been "bitter" arguments made in favor of excluding white people from writing outside their race. In fact, I don't remember anyone saying that at all. The fact that there is a *perception* that this has been the case, that this is what's happening when people say they're not being heard, and that this is the most salient aspect of the conversation, speaks volumes.
Sarah
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Received on Sat 22 Feb 2014 07:37:53 PM CST
