State Of...
Thursday, December 31, 2009
It has been a year and oh what a year; exhausting, draining, somewhat (or more) depressing, definitely illuminating. And all through it I had no impetus whatsoever to tap signed hosts or look for new ones, and get things rolling on The PoC in SF Carnival.
I felt no need to get anyone involved in collecting links to the, quite frankly, bullshit white privilege that coated the entire year. And for a good part of the year LINKSPAM took on that role, while conversations happened in public and in private; wearying and sometimes repetitive.
I gave myself till December to see how I was feeling, cause quite frankly looking at the Carnival, after looking at those conversations made me cry. Yes, I'm admitting it - I saw white people (acting the fool) and they made me cry.
And while I was recovering from those injuries (what, did you think Strong Black Women Feel No Pain?), my focus shifted. I am no longer comfortable just trying to be a presence, just trying to prove PoC; have conversations about SF; are consumers and creators.
As stated before: I Want To Have A Conversation.
A certain type of conversation, this is true. It's THE CONVERSATION I WANT TO HAVE and the PoC In SF Carnival, as it was in 2008, doesn't quite fit.
I could, it is true, hand the Carnival over and if someone really wanted to gather links under that title with added commentary and seemed sincere and contacted me, I believe I would hand it over.
What I would like to do, what has occurred to me to do, is drop the CARNIVAL part of the title.
PoC in SF
As a blog centered in and promoting THE CONVERSATION I WANT TO HAVE. With regular bloggers and guest posts.
Not something that happens once a month, but something, somewhere to go to on any day. Somewhere to have the conversation, versus mainly/only pointing out where parts of the conversation have been happening.
Something more inclusive of the myriad voices that are Non White Peoples.
Something more inclusive of the myriad Non English Speaking (or at least English Secondary) voices.
So now I understand what I want, why the Carnival was not enough, to be used in 2009. All that's left is figuring out how I will go about creating the space I want for the community I want - and where.
Additional Note aka Some Harsh Truths: The PoC In SF Carnival was started because of my frequent pointing out at how other carnivals with related issues consistently left out non-white povs. The response to which was essentially - go make your own. To which I did. And I will always be grateful that Ragnell put that idea into my head, even if it was because I couldn't put intersection of issues into hers.
But I don't want to even unconsciously follow that mold anymore, because part of following that way of doing things involves exclusion; a certain navel gazing and kind of grubby space guarding.
I want to create my own space, my own institution, my own node and I don't want to do it alone. Moreover, I want it to actively include those non-white romance writers, for example, who're trying to write something that doesn't fit the mold of 'What Their People Are Supposed To Write About'; which in terms of Blacks in the US would be ghetto lit and Christian Romance (occasionally).
The story of MillicentMillenia Black has never left my mind (Sorry Penguin Books, you can't purge people's memories).
And 2009 has shown me and shown me and shown me that such a space for discussion is needed. Actually more than one space for such discussion is needed, because one singular space cannot be everything to a varied group of people.
PoC & Non White Peoples In Genre Fiction.
Not a monolith.
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Author: Avalon's Willow » Comments:
Issue #12
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
The 12th Carnival Is Up @ Hathor Legacy/Books. Got Brown ? Reflects on aspects of a recent six year online conversation on race in SF.
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Heads Up! New Sheriff!
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Click click, the falling dominoes; the ripple affect of inspiration, continues.
There's a new Carnival about to carve a place for itself. The first Asian Women Blog Carnival. [Deadline: April 3 2009]
And there will be so much to talk about, I think. Kelly Hu promoting Obama, and how other Asian Pacific, specifically Asian Hawaiian women feel about the new President springs instantly to my mind. But there's also Asian Women in works of Joss Whedon; Asian Women right now in DOLLHOUSE - so ok, maybe my pov is a little SF specific, aside from current politics.
But I'm not an Asian Woman - I'm just interested in what they have to say about themselves, to themselves, with themselves. So I invite any who may currently be reading SA to check out the link and see if it's something they (you) would consider contributing to and reading.
I plan to shut up and listen when I'm not actively promoting, cause I applaud those who hack out the space and say "This is the conversation I want to have!".
Now I leave you with a piece by a group pointed out to me by an Asian Female Acquaintance (whom I hope in the future becomes a good friend).
Yellow Rage: Def Poetry Jam
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Author: Avalon's Willow » Comments:
Submissions Needed For Next Carnival
Friday, February 13, 2009
The *stops to count* 12th POC in SF & F Carnival is being hosted at BOOKS @ Hathor Legacy. The theme and submission requests are up, so please go take a look and spread the word.
Got Brown?Deadline: 2/27/09
RaceFail 09's eaten into lots of people's time and energy, so the Carnival Issues might be a little jumbled this year, not in the order originally intended, maybe a
little a lot late - but we'll take a breath and keep on ticking.
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Author: Avalon's Willow » Comments:
PoC in SF Carnival - IBARW Special Edition
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Like last year, this year has a Special Edition Carnival devoted to recapping International Blog Against Racism Week, started by Oyceter @ Livejournal.
The issue notes a generalized percentage of 50% POC participation this year. As someone also involved in bringing awareness that there are POC and POC issues online, in geekdom and specifically SFdom, those numbers are heartening.
Oycter notes she needs better outreach to Latin@s and that her goal for next year is more input from non-Western, non-American participants to get their points of view. And it's a reminder to me that I should keep up Faces of Colour as a visual reminder that the people involved in creating and promoting Speculative Fiction come from all countries, skin colours, ethnicities and cultures.
Go and check it out. I'm sure there are things missed during the week back in August. I know I still have some tabs bookmarked to get back to and I saw a few links I'd missed entirely.
The next Carnival will be hosted in December by Delux_Vivens @ DeadBroWalking. The theme "Men of Colour in Speculative Fictions.". There's more than enough time for you to write something and submit for the carnival with a link via her livejournal address or to my email for me to forward it.
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Author: Avalon's Willow » Comments:
On Upcoming Carnivals Editions & Hosts
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Schedule:
2 0 0 8
- October - IBARW Annual Special Edition via Oyceter
- Novemberish - No one's volunteered
- Decemberish - Delux Vivens @ DBW "Men of Colour in Speculative Fictions"
2 0 0 9 ___________________
Random Notes: I'd like if those with mirrored journals also mirrored the Carnival to get as many people involved as possible.
I'd also be thrilled if those with google accounts considered "
following the blog" via Blogger's new feature. I'm always surprised to be contacted out of the blue because while I love this project, I know as a little starter awareness will be small for a while.
I'd put in a widget but the blog's style isn't new blogger and I've yet to find a new blogger style I don't hate. If you're css and blog template minded and would like to help, please email or comment.
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What Do I Do As A Host?
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
As I hunt through the net to find hosts for the Carnival, I get asked this question a lot. I finally found myself giving an answer today that seemed sufficient to put in a separate post.
Hosting the People of Colour in Scifi & Fantasy Carnival, at the root consists of just two things; finding / collecting links to articles and hosting said links on your journal. That is hosting at the most basic level.
In broader terms, adding layers of conception, the host of the Carnival usually thinks of a theme for the Carnival. Prior themes have been: PoC YA Literature, Sankofa in Space and the IBARW Special Edition (hosted by Oyceter). Feel free to check out the archive here that lists links to prior Carnivals.
Next the host solicits essays and entries (art, drawings, poetry, etc) by promoting the upcoming Carnival. People can submit links to pieces they think are relevant and the Host also looks for relevant articles online.
Finally there's the write up. I prefer that the hosted Carnival be in the form of an essay with commentary about the links and what they lead to / what the articles say and how it all meshes with the theme of the Carnival itself. But my main interest is in getting as many people as possible thinking about PoC in SciFi / Fantasy Settings; making them aware that there is an on going conversation and inviting them to participate.
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Author: Avalon's Willow » Comments:
ANOUNCEMENT: 9th PoC in SF Carnival!
Thursday, May 1, 2008
ANOUNCEMENT: 9th PoC in SF Carnival!
Go see the Carnival!. Read! Be educated! Become aware!
There's an interplay between art and speculative fiction and how we, poc, see ourselves vs how we are seen that makes me think thinky thoughts about that application in fiction.
There's also a history lesson about Bengali SciFi. BENGALI! If your mind is blown with yay, go find :)
NB: I have had a problem using the term NW for individuals. I've discovered I'm more comfortable saying NWP - it feels less like I'm shouting some equivalent of n***** and more like I'm discussing a huge swathe of the earth's population. But I, like the current, host invite everyone to define themselves how they wish in comments to the Carnival
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Author: Avalon's Willow » Comments:
Issue #7
Friday, January 25, 2008
It's the 7th People of Colour in Science Fiction / Fantasy Carnival.
We've been going for half a year. I'm amazed and happy and awestruck and other sap.
Thank you for participating (don't forget to contact me to host) and reading and promoting.
Anyone want to make icons for the livejournal / insanejournal people among the readers? :)
I'm hoping we continue as successfully as possible during 2008.
And now, the carnival: ENOUGH @ SEEKING AVALON
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Author: Avalon's Willow » Comments:
Issue #6
Monday, December 17, 2007
The 6th People of Colour in Science Fiction / Fantasy Carnival is up at deadbrowalking @ livejournal.
The theme - Sankofa in Space.
Truth be told I haven't even finished reading all the great links from the 5th Carnival. But I urge you to bookmark this one if you can't go read, skim and interact immediately.
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Author: Avalon's Willow » Comments:
Reminder
Thursday, December 13, 2007
The 6th PoC Carnival has a Friday the 14th of December deadline for submissions. Take a moment to see if you can find articles or artwork to submit.
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Author: Avalon's Willow » Comments:
Issue #5
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
The 5th People of Colour in Scifi & Fantasy Blog Carnival is up @ Shewhohashope's livejournal. It's a little late, but given the holiday season, the flu season and near end of year exhaustion, we can all handwave that.
This issue is really embracing the multiculturalness behind the phrase people of colour. There's Maori legend, Chinese legend, Anime, Manga, Bollywood and more, in areas all over from film to fandom essays.
Please head over, read, and thank Shewhohashope. She's done a lovely job of gathering links. Now you can bring the commentary.
Next Carnival will be the 6th and will be held by Delux-Vivens' @ livejournal's DeadBroWalking. The 7th will be held at Seeking Avalon.
If you're interested in hosting in the New Year 2008, please contact me.
PS: Don't forget to promote the carnival in your journal or blog. The more readers the better!
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Author: Avalon's Willow » Comments:
Carnival Deadline Looms
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Last chance to submit articles for the upcoming Carnival. Deadline is the 26th of November.
If you're currently sniffly, like myself, and you don't think you can make it, the next Carnival is for December and will be hosted by Delux_Vivens @ Livejournal (on DeadBroWalking). Her theme is Sankofa in Space. But she's open to anything good.
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Author: Avalon's Willow » Comments:
Issue #4
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
It's short but sweet. The 4th People of Colour Scifi & Fantasy Carnival is UP!
October seems like it was one thing after another and some have commented that the rock has been pushed over and now we see what was wriggling underneath.
But I'd like to think that it says something important and powerful that there are so many raising loud voices to point out ignorance and idiocy.
Please go have a look. There are copious link lists.
5th Carnival to be hosted by Shewhohashope @ Livejournal
6th Carnival to be hosted by Delux Vivens @ Livejournal
If you're interested in hosting in 2008, please contact Willow.
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SPECIAL EDITION #1: PoC SciFi & Fantasy Carnival
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Special Edition: The IBARW Edition hosted @ lj on The IBARW Community.
Links, links, links and more links. If you missed some of the wonderful discussion of IBAR2 the first time around, find it now. Read. Browse. Self-educate.
There's been a lot going on recently; discussions, trolls, flames. The links here might lead to better conversations seeing as how 2007 seems to be the year we discuss how to discuss racism so that we're all on the same page when it comes to addressing it.
Coming near the end of the month, a regular edition, hosted at Willow_dot_com @ Lj IF I don't hear back from assigned hostess Starkeymonster / Julia's Livejournal.
Submission deadline 10/20. Post goes live 10/24.
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Author: Avalon's Willow » Comments:
Issue #3
Friday, September 28, 2007
The third People of Color in Scifi & Fantasy Carnival will be up @ Bellatrys Livejournal in a matter of hours.
Please, please go take a look. I was lucky enough to get a preview and it's a very interesting collection of links and commentary, noting everything from Victorian attitudes on the Dark Continent to the treatment of Characters of Color in Boy's Love Manga.
And she mentioned Coptic Art!
I'll edit in a link once everything is It's live.
October has a host but I haven't heard back from the people who said they'd be interested in November & December. So, any takers?
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Author: Avalon's Willow » Comments:
Issue #2
Saturday, August 25, 2007
The Second Carnival is up.
It's been an interesting month for People of Colour.
Everyone please go check it out and thank Wychwood for all her hard work. Read and tell your friends and get them to tell their friends.
Tiny Note: In recent discussions there has been conflict over the general use of the term 'people of colour' and the lack of the use of the term 'non-white'. If my choice disagrees strongly enough with someone that they choose not to participate then I'm sorry for the loss.
Usage Note: Dissatisfaction with the implications of nonwhite as a racial label has doubtless contributed to the recent popularity of the term person of color and others, such as woman of color, with the same construction. In effect, person of color stands nonwhite on its head, substituting a positive for a negative. It is interesting that the almost exclusive association in American English of colored with Black does not carry over to terms formed with "of color," which are used inclusively of most groups other than those of European origin. See Usage Notes at colored, nonwhite. 1, 2
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Author: Avalon's Willow » Comments:
Carnival Deadline: August 20th
Sunday, August 19, 2007
Tomorrow 'round 8pm or so is the deadline for the August Issue of the People of Colour in Scifi & Fantasy Blog Carnival.
I know a goodly number of people have contemplated moving LJ or have moved etc. Which is yet another reason I'm glad that there's a blog-spot central place where I can post this.
Last minute links for the Carnival should be sent now.
Also random damning of livejournal
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Author: Avalon's Willow » Comments:
Bulletin: When Upset PoC "Wank"
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
The News Is:
Daily_Deviant has changed it's opinion and removed the term miscegenation.
I'm not trying to rain on WYCHWOOD's parade. Who, I believe is including some if not many links on the subject of Daily_Deviant @ Livejournal and
miscegenation in August's Carnival. I look fwd to her commentary.
Liviapenn on LJ began compiling a list of links which prompted me to remember the Carnival has a
Delicious.
I've put as many posts as I could find while not going out of my ever loving mind up on Del.ico.us.
You'll find it under the headers HPFandom and Racist Terminology
Daily_Deviant has left up their original reply up with one edit, which is a link to their new position.
I've saved the html of both pages.
I encourage everyone (all 27 of you) who feed this journal to encourage the mods of Daily_Deviant to apologise to Witchqueen for
claiming she was slandering and defaming them. They've left comments open on their new admin post.
carnival pimping: If you have a delicious, please don't hesitate to use it to fwd links. Sometimes something might not be perfect for an issue, but fits just right for using the delicious to compile a list of links, old and new.
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Author: Avalon's Willow » Comments:
Thank You - Have Hosts
Monday, July 30, 2007
Thank you all for your prompt response. August has a host. Wychwood @ LJ; the still point of the turning world has kindly agreed to host our second issue.
Submission deadline: August 21st. Issue posted (hopefully): August 25th.
Please submit articles here. It's easiest if there's one known location for submissions.
September also has a host. Bellatrys @ LJ;
Nothing New Under The Sun.
And there might quite possibly be a special issue "International Blog Against Racism Week" Carnival, courtesy of Oyceter.
Once again, thank you all. Though it would be nice to get October and November squared away (hint hint).
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