Bah.

[jhameia]

I should be participating in the Great Steampunk Debate.

It will be interesting, at the very least. It'll be very heavily moderated. Allegra Hawksmoor of Steampunk Magazine, one of the moderators, will be watching very closely and I like her.

But I don't really want to.

When I think about the last great steampunk debate I was heavily involved in, the one surrounding Victorientalism, I feel really weary.

I don't want to enter a space where known racists dwell. And yes, I refuse to participate because the Gatehouse Gazette will probably be involved.

I don't want to participate in a conversation where I know if I cannot set the terms, my voice will be talked over.

I don't know what meaningful discourse will mean in this debate.

Are we supposed to learn that we're all different? Because we already know that.

Are we supposed to learn how to get along? Because although steampunk is outwardly very civil, there is no way we can all live with one another.

Are we supposed to define what steampunk is? Because that seems counterproductive and limiting.

I don't care much for civil discourse. You know how easy it is for bigots to be civil? Very easy, because they have nothing to lose.

Also, I will be moving around the States for half the month. And I doubt I'll have the energy.

Just had to get this out.

Comments

[zibblsnrt.livejournal.com]

Given the issues you mention with the whole process, it sounds to me like you shouldn't be participating in it if it's going to be that counterproductive. :P

[fantasyecho.livejournal.com]

Well, part of me feels this obligation to participate, because otherwise it's going to be an all-white party, since there are some actual issues that only PoC like me can speak to. I'm trying to sit on that part of me though.

[yeloson.livejournal.com]

That would be me, and the rpg scene, exactly the same way. This is why I'm more of a fan of building your own spaces.

[fantasyecho.livejournal.com]

Indeed.

[jolantru.livejournal.com]

I am with yeloson. Build your own spaces. That's the most important.

[spiralred.livejournal.com]

At first I was excited, but now as I look at the topics listed I want to play over there less and less. It's all pretty, "Duh, yes of course this is important to steampunk culture."

I am much more excited about the discussions we'll be having face to face at SPWF.

[fantasyecho.livejournal.com]

Yeah, it kinda looks... blah. The only thing I want to play in is the politics section, but even then, it's like... NO ONE is ever going to agree! I don't really see it much as something to debate as it is something to talk about, each person airing their own ideas, voices not often heard given a platform. But that's not exactly going to happen here.

[dmp.livejournal.com]

You know my thoughts on this.

It shall be the grand experiment in social dynamics that could live on in the brief blip of glory that is interwebz history. Or it could be a new angle to the use of new media in establishing subculture.

Times like this, the only thing to do is watch and beware of train wrecks.

[frabjously.livejournal.com]

Sounds like one of those things that make you feel drained and defeated before they even begin :/ I don't think participating in this debate will make a huge impact, and there are definitely other more productive places you can devote your energy to.

[schlimazlnik.livejournal.com]

To bad you made this decision, even though I can understand. I hope you had a good time moving around.

As someone who joined the debate not from the start, I have no clue who are supposed to be racists, or why, and why steampunk has to deal with racism at all. It's now like walking in a minefield, not sure who to trust... and trying to do some read-up. I'm trying to understand.

And in the end it turned out the "debate" was, even when "heavy moderated", "monopolized" by only four (or five) individuals who had a different opinion than most. It opened the eyes of some people around. Your voice could also have made a difference. Sharing your opinion can be a seed for change. Awareness can be a key to open doors. I hope you are willing to join a next time. Bring some friends. You WILL be heard - at least by some.

You wrote: "Because although steampunk is outwardly very civil" and "You know how easy it is for bigots to be civil?"
These have been issues in the debate as well. I certainly do think I missed your voice there.

I also missed the PoC in general on the debate (mostly: people with roots in another culture than the majority), I told them it was a WASP-debate (White Anglo-american Steam Punk). I still think it was. I'm going to read your blogs now to get a view from the other side.

[fantasyecho.livejournal.com]

I have no clue who are supposed to be racists, or why, and why steampunk has to deal with racism at all.

Do you mean, why we have to talk about steampunk, or why racism is a factor in steampunk? Because if the former, that is one of the reasons I did not want to join the debate. The latter is obvious: steampunk draws inspiration from one of the most racist eras of recent history.

To have to educate folks who may or may not listen to me is something I and others like me have to do on our own time and terms. I don't want to be in a space where I "could" unless I have the energy to deal with mere probabilities. Hence, non-participation.

GSD did its audience no favours by appointing a known racist as one of the moderators.

Also, GSD is only for two months. My work, and the work of others like me, is never-ending.