Homophobia?

[fifteenjugglers]

At the risk of getting flamed by fans of Orson Scott Card, I'm just wondering if his writing (or the man himself) is as homophobic as I've heard/read other people say. I've heard a lot of great things about this guy but the whole homophobic thing has put me off.

Can some true fans set the record straight for me?

[littlemissattitude]

Certainly, I've seen things of his (essays meant for a general rather than the science fiction/fantasy audience) that indicate that he does not approve of homosexual activity. That isn't surprising to me, since the church he belongs to does not approve of homosexual activity.

On the other hand, there are a number of openly gay folks who post on the forum on his website on a regular basis. While they take issue with his position on the issue from time to time, they seem to be quite welcome there, and they seem to be quite comfortable there as well.

I haven't read all of his work, but within what I have read I can honestly say that I've never noticed any evidence of an opinion one way or the other on the gay issue. If it were there, I would probably have noticed it because I am disntinctly uncomfortable with homophobia personally. Such an attitude (of homophobia) could be present in things of his that I haven't read; I have no way of knowing that.

I hope that helps. *puts on supermod hat* I also hope that there will be no flaming over this issue. Enough said, everyone? Play nice. *removes supermod hat*

[Paige Turner]

Originally Posted by littlemissattitude

I also hope that there will be no flaming over this issue. Enough said, everyone? Play nice.

No flaming? This IS still the internet, isn't it?

And you don't have to worry about me. Some of my best friends are tolerant of homosexuals.

[littlemissattitude]

Originally Posted by Paige Turner

No flaming? This IS still the internet, isn't it?

Well, we hope it's a kinder, gentler internet. One where we discuss issues calmly and rationally rather than throwing the "you're an idiot"..."no, you're an idiot" rhetoric that is so common these days, not only on the internet but on every "talking heads" news program you might care to tune into. At least here, we can't all talk at the same time so that nobody can hear anything.

[Teresa Edgerton]

I see the wheels going around in Paige's head right now, as she tries to think of a way to do simultaneous posts.

[Paige Turner]

What? Why, I resent…

Okay, what gave me away?

[Cloud]

why not read his books for yourself and make up your own mind?

[Nesacat]

I've loved Card's work since I first read Treason many moons ago. I've not come across any indication in his works of fiction that he's against homesexuality although I have heard that he personally does not approve of such.

I'd go with Cloud about reading his books and making up your own mind. He's a wonderful writer and his books derserve a read or two or even three. Treason for instance has some curious gender issues.

[steve12553]

I'm about halfway through Ender's Game and I was starting to suspect leanings in the other direction. (Note italisized words) But like I said maybe, I'm just halfway through and interactions are just starting to form. If his writings showed a prejudice it's not in this book. May I also point out that there would appear to be a difference between a religious upbringing opposing something and an irrational fear (note the suffix "phobia") of something. This is another case where I would be happier not knowing the background of a celebrity and just accept their work on face value.

[the_faery_queen]

well for me, i guess, i wouldn't want to read a book by someone who was anti something that i believe in. i know that a person's personal view points doesn't always come out in their literature or affect their books, or even have that much to do with what they're writing, but i just wouldn't want to buy a book by someone who had personal dislike/issues, with something i supported. i wouldn't buy a book from anyone pro life (in an aggressive sort of way) anti gay, or misognistic or anything like that, even if theire books had nothing to do with abortion, gays or women whatsoever. i guess i just wouldn't want to have any links with someone that was that openly against things i believed in.

[Redhawk]

Originally Posted by Teresa Edgerton

I see the wheels going around in Paige's head right now, as she tries to think of a way to do simultaneous posts.

ROFLMAO....gmta!

[Redhawk]

I guess that would indicate a trip to the library...as I strive NOT to spend my hard earned monies on individuals or companies that are in direct opposition to my own values and beliefs....assuming I am aware of their leanings.

If someone is pressing their personal opinions in connection to their product or service....like some clothing designers who are raciest and have let it be known they are...I simply spend my money else where...there are a lot of choices available after all!

I know the book I'm working on currently has the potential to pissoff EVERYONE....lmao....since my main characters are reincarnated and change gender at least three times....and are romantically and spiritually linked! If it manages to get picked up...I can hardly wait to see the reactions...<eg>

[the_faery_queen]

why would that be a problem? the book orlando had the main character change gender. and katherine kerr's devery series had reincarnated characters who changed gender (only once though i think. in her world souls tended to come back as the same gender, something that annoyed me. the last thing i'd want is to ALWAYS be female. i'd like to be male sometimes, or a cat so i like the idea of people coming back as anything)

[The Pelagic Argosy]

Eh...I dunno. I still love the movie Braveheart, regardless of Mel's drunken ramblings.

Tom Cruise is another good example of an artist who has clearly gone stark raving mad. But I still think he's a good actor, and I like his movies.

I would hate to think that I'd have to rigorously research an author's biography before I could risk liking the story of someone who is in favor of the death penalty. Or worse...doesn't recycle. I don't believe I'm making a political statement every time I pick up, or purchase, a book.

I love reading the Marquis de Sade, for example. And I hear his autobiography was a bit sketchy. However, I believe I can safely say that he was not homophobic.

[steve12553]

Originally Posted by The Pelagic Argosy

Eh...I dunno. I still love the movie Braveheart, regardless of Mel's drunken ramblings.

Tom Cruise is another good example of an artist who has clearly gone stark raving mad. But I still think he's a good actor, and I like his movies.

I would hate to think that I'd have to rigorously research an author's biography before I could risk liking the story of someone who is in favor of the death penalty. Or worse...doesn't recycle. I don't believe I'm making a political statement every time I pick up, or purchase, a book.

Wonderful sentiment. That is why I would prefer never to know if an author, or actor, or any entertainment figure is gay or homophobic or Repubican or communist or anything else. If they are not a political writer (in the broadest sense, anyone using a work to OPENLY present an agenda) I would prefer that they don't use an entertainment forum or their fame that is achieved by entertaining people to establish a means to present a political agenda. A political writer or speaker establishes their qualifications and takes the heat of their opinions.