Simsecret Discussion

[strangetomato]

Man, it's been a while since I've been so involved in a discussion in simsecret (about warnings for gay content, and how this contributes to homophobia vs. it being a legitimate warning for the "genre" of slash). I don't always jump into the fray of these debates, but gender and sexuality are the topics where I can't help but suit up and yell, "Okay, let's play ball!" :P Yes, you could say they are my pet isms, in the sense that they are the ones I am mostly tuned in to.

If anyone wants to toss out their two cents (or more) here, we can continue the chat. Feel free to discuss and debate among yourselves. Just keep it clean, folks.

ETA: After using the sports metaphor above, I ended up with Centerfield by John Fogerty in my head. Argh! It's like I'm stuck at a family wedding back home in The Cove (name of hometownvillage has been changed to protect the guilty). :P

And I've added a music suggestion to hopefully lighten the mood (and because my SO has amassed something of a Big Fat Gay Music Collection).

Comments

[will-o-whisper.livejournal.com]

I remember this topic coming up in your journal before, and my embarrassing efforts to defend such warnings. My opinions might have changed a little because of it.

I agree with the points about the othering aspects of such warnings, but I'd also add: when would such a warning/label even be necessary? What I mean is, if the story is focused in any way on a romantic relationship that should come up in your summary or (if we're talking fanfiction and the like) your Pairings. But if we're talking background fluff or a throwaway line, why should that merit any comment at all? Surely the only people who would care about such a thing are people whose sensibilities we don't want to appeal to?

I understand why people do feel the need to warn (I've done it in the past myself), and part of it comes from "But that's what everybody does!" I think. But...well not buts, it needs to stop.