Once Upon a Time When I Was Young

viciouswishes set me the following prompt:

What is something specific that you want to happen in the next 50 years? Something that will mean something to you, so not just say world peace.

To which I replied ...

Oh, oh .... This is a good question and a hard one to answer. Do I take the optimistic view and say something idealistic like "I hope that racism is no longer such a big issue" because racism means a lot to me. A day doesn't go by that I don't think about what it means for me to be who I am in terms of racial and cultural identities. Although, in a way, that is perhaps an odd response for me because I am SO not engaged in the Race Debate of Doom currently making such a frou-frou-ra in fandom. In fact, I intentionally disengaged because at a point it became SO NOT fun and SO VERY disheartening that I had to take a step back. Although, I think it's a vitally important discussion to have, fandom is also a place of creativity and relaxation for me and when it becomes work and not fun, I don't want to do it anymore.

I've also seen a trend towards over analyzing and hyper sensitivity towards depictions of race and color that I find problematic and preemptive. The recent comments concerning the nameless Chola on SCC, for example. Someone was in arms about the fact that she had no lines and was referenced in the credits as Chola. Well, that's what I thought of her as soon as I saw her and until such time as she is introduced she will remain, in my mind, Chola Homegirl. Right now, at this point in the story, I don't think she warrants a name. Many characters in text and other media don't warrant a name more descriptive than Second Tall Man and being a CoC doesn't change that. Chola Homegirls is mostly a plot device right now and like the nameless Homeboys inside the house, but with so much more charm and personality, I don't think she's a Bob and I desperately hope that she doesn't become one, but it's still too early in the game to tell. Now, if we get anymore moments with her on screen and she isn't named, well, I'll revisit the issue.

But that's all still related to fandom. In the Real World, I DO NOT play when it comes to racial stereotypes, although I still feel the same way. Race is a weapon used to empower by both groups on both sides of an issue. Fears of being politically incorrect or racially insensitive can be used by PoC like a sort of Sword of Damocles. It's a double-edged issue, requiring as much patience, tact and open mindedness as vehemence and conviction.

( Gender, Intolerance, and My Weary Hopes for a Fullfilling and Inclusive Future )

Mucho thank you's to viciouswishes for the prompt. I'm liking this meme. Yes, yes I am.

Tomorrow's prompt is courtesy of glossing and then moireach after that.

ETA: If you want to get in on the action and suggest a topic, the original post is here.