I think this petition to replace the World Fantasy Award Lovecraft bust with one of Octavia Butler to be a ridiculous idea. This is a completely politically correct move that doesnt enrich anyone, but impoverishes all of us in the genre(s) by claiming that its a needed update of the new worldview that we should be enlightened about. Why punish a giant of literature JUST because we dont like them in some way? Should we strip Hemingway of his Nobel because he was a murderous ass? Or dismiss the works of Poe because he was a drunkard? Where does this end, and to what end are we being led there? Its stupid and unneeded, I say. Butler was primarily an SF writer; in addition, she was NOT NEAR as influential as Lovecraft is, was, and will continue to be. This is driven by an aspect of HPLs persona that rightly upsets folks: His racism. But that was only a component of his character, albeit a flawed one. We cannot continue to define the world by exceptions; there is a great deal to RECOMMEND HPL, as well. I mean, he never personally attacked or injured anyone, and he did soften some near the end of his life (though not enough in my personal opinion, especially given his intellect and forward-thinking in other areas). I would rather see a NEW award in her honor (and/or Mary Shelleys, who is actually MUCH MORE deserving than Butler, and more influential). Leave this as is, and begin a different tradition. Nonfiction would be a good category, for example. Or perhaps a special award under the WFA banner.
Posted on: Mon, 11 Aug 2014 01:27:22 +0000
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