The problem is that Harris as chair makes pronouncements which make it seems like she speaks for all authors. It makes authors feel that if they faced cancellation from publishing houses or disputes over sensitivity readers or indeed were accused of cultural appropriation, their union wuld not be on their side. A lot has to do with her reaction about Salman Rushdie's stabbing. There remains a huge problem with authors wishing to be anonymous. We have had to confirm that members attending the agm on the 17th will be able to vote anonymously. If you read the Journal of Free Black Thought, Glenn Lloury last week, you will know about the spiral of silence theory which is what has happened here.
Anyway the Council (60 of the Great and Good of British literature) are meeting on Thursday (finally) and we shall see what happens then.
I see. And, no, the union would probably NOT be on their side. They would be the ones doing the accusations, more than anyone, right?
Yeah, I hadn't drawn the connection between the "spiral of silence" and the SoA. But it's there big-time for anyone to see. No wonder You all want to be able to vote anonymously. The .. what's a good word? .. The repercussions and retaliation that could descend on people who voted "wrong" would be a concern, of course.
I'm wishing You all, ALL the best on Thursday! Keeping fingers AND toes crossed for Your all's benefit. ;-)
The attack on Rushdie was condemned but most people do not want to think about the far reaching implications of the use of a deadly hacklers' veto to stifle free speech. Its use also hides the fact that there are many strands of Islam. They simply allowed the Hecklers' veto to drown out good sense. You might as well ask why isn't the ongoing revolt in Iran (mostly led by women) better covered?
Labour is so up in the polls because the Conservatives have totally squandered the good will with Partygate and other breaches -- if you are going to make the laws re lockdowns, you actually have to be prepared to abide by them. There are many local reasons such as HS2 or indeed the cost of living rises. The Conservatives have been in power since 2010. Labour has defenestrated Momentum and thus appears to be moving more towards the centre. Sunak comes across as slick. He had a hand in deposing the previous 2 prime ministers.
Long plane rides for me today. So good to have “Northumberland Calling” and “Common Sense” for the rides!
So pleased to help relieve the journey.
Ah...
*Here* You are, Michelle. Good to see Ya!
Took a moment for it to get published. Honest I did this one first.
Ah, that explains it. TY for reply, and good luck writing, Michelle!
And because I have had a small hand in this: https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/joanne-harris-jk-rowling-free-speech-trans-rights-k6g7gpxbn The Council of Authors are finally meeting. We shall see what happens. The quote from the prof of creative writing who is a Harris supporter is quite something.
And "small hand," my FOOT! So THERE! ;-)
(Just got back from v short walk. :-)
I'm glad You guys/gals are gonna get a hearing. If You're talking about the quote from Sunny Singh, I dunno what to say. What can one say?
The comments from the historian? Pffft.
What I'm not sure about is whether these views of Harris has caused certain authors to get cancelled. Or am I remembering wrong?
Yes it is the quote from Sunny Singh.
The problem is that Harris as chair makes pronouncements which make it seems like she speaks for all authors. It makes authors feel that if they faced cancellation from publishing houses or disputes over sensitivity readers or indeed were accused of cultural appropriation, their union wuld not be on their side. A lot has to do with her reaction about Salman Rushdie's stabbing. There remains a huge problem with authors wishing to be anonymous. We have had to confirm that members attending the agm on the 17th will be able to vote anonymously. If you read the Journal of Free Black Thought, Glenn Lloury last week, you will know about the spiral of silence theory which is what has happened here.
Anyway the Council (60 of the Great and Good of British literature) are meeting on Thursday (finally) and we shall see what happens then.
Keeping fingers crossed, Michelle. :-)
Oh to be a fly on the wall. It should be interesting.
Just saw this. Indeed it would be nice, and sure should be.
Sorry. Got distracted, reading.
I see. And, no, the union would probably NOT be on their side. They would be the ones doing the accusations, more than anyone, right?
Yeah, I hadn't drawn the connection between the "spiral of silence" and the SoA. But it's there big-time for anyone to see. No wonder You all want to be able to vote anonymously. The .. what's a good word? .. The repercussions and retaliation that could descend on people who voted "wrong" would be a concern, of course.
I'm wishing You all, ALL the best on Thursday! Keeping fingers AND toes crossed for Your all's benefit. ;-)
Why wasn't the attack on Rushdie more widely condemned?
Why weren't the murder of four Shia in the US by an Islamist (or Islamists . . . not sure) more widely condemned?
The attack on Rushdie was condemned but most people do not want to think about the far reaching implications of the use of a deadly hacklers' veto to stifle free speech. Its use also hides the fact that there are many strands of Islam. They simply allowed the Hecklers' veto to drown out good sense. You might as well ask why isn't the ongoing revolt in Iran (mostly led by women) better covered?
Why is Labour way up in the polls? Do you see this as a victory for global wokeness?
Why is PM Sunak so low in the polls? Your thoughts on him?
Labour is so up in the polls because the Conservatives have totally squandered the good will with Partygate and other breaches -- if you are going to make the laws re lockdowns, you actually have to be prepared to abide by them. There are many local reasons such as HS2 or indeed the cost of living rises. The Conservatives have been in power since 2010. Labour has defenestrated Momentum and thus appears to be moving more towards the centre. Sunak comes across as slick. He had a hand in deposing the previous 2 prime ministers.