Sometimes you have to remember that people, are just that, people.

I read John Scalzi’s blog. A few days ago (yesterday?) he started posted about how he had nothing to do with something and then that folks hated him. Today a post showed up that led me down the rabbit hole of clarification.

The pit included a lot of people I knew online, respected, talked to, and a few who I count as friends. Wow, it’s like the entire SF/F community imploded on race and writing.

But then it wasn’t everyone.

People do silly things in the heat of the moment. Saying questionable things then erasing them is just one of those silly things. The issue at hand has been on the minds of people for decades if not on their lips. You want a continuous fair-minded perspective on it try Steven Barnes blog.

I probably shouldn’t post any of this….but the people in this current iteration of the issue are people I talk to, listen to and respect. And some of the things they’ve said (yes I’ve come weeks later, but let me tell you…just cause you delete something doesn’t mean it’s gone), are absolutely horrendous.

Part of being in a community means several things.

1. You have to keep the conversation alive even if it hurts or there is anger involved. Quiet makes things more angry.
2. Even intelligent people can be stupid.
3. If it bothers you talk about it.

Either way I don’t know what to say except that it’s a conversation that probably shouldn’t be closed.