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FOC_U

  • May. 15th, 2009 at 6:32 AM
North

Cross-posted.

Please spread the word about this.

As RaceFail 09 continues, it has become clear that there are those who are hellbent on marginalizing and silencing people of color. In the past few months, minorities have been denigrated by bigoted authors and publishers who have also asserted that Fen of Color are rare and pratically non-existent. Despite numerous discussions and attempts to enlighten on the fact that POCs are fans, writers, artists and just as integral to this genre as our white counterparts, we are continuously dismissed.

On Monday May 18, 2009, we are asking anyone who identifies as a POC/non-white to post this banner, their speculative short stories, artwork, poetry or simply write a post on their favorite fandom on their blogs as an act of protest to show we will not be silent or invisible. The day of protest is entitled Fen Of Color United or more aptly, FOC_U.

White allies can also show solidarity for this event by posting this banner and expressing the need for diversity and speaking out against the bigotry in the genre, through posts and/or their creative work as well.

In addition, a new community entitled FOC_U has been created. It's designed to be a safespace for POCs/non-whites and white allies to discuss the issues pertaining to RaceFail and a place to counteract its destructive effects. And it's also a fun place for everyone to also discuss their favorite fandoms. While memberships and posts are under moderation for the time being (until the community gets more established and input is welcomed), everyone is encouraged to join and make this a home.

You can help out by spreading the word and reposting this banner on your personal blog or creating one of your own if you'd like.

The gauntlet's been thrown and I for one think it's past time for us to take a stand and let our voices be heard, whether some people want to hear them or not.

If you have any questions or suggestions, feel free to contact me personally or stop by FOC_U.

  • Mood: hopeful
  • Music:Steve Earle- The Revolution Starts Now

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Comments

( 22 comments — Leave a comment )
[info]nonspecific wrote:
May. 15th, 2009 12:25 pm (UTC)
Fen?
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[info]neo_prodigy wrote:
May. 15th, 2009 12:38 pm (UTC)
Fen is plural for fan or fans.
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[info]nonspecific wrote:
May. 15th, 2009 12:39 pm (UTC)
That makes more sense than a swamp.
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[info]friendofjack wrote:
May. 15th, 2009 08:05 pm (UTC)
I was wondering what that meant, too.
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[info]neo_prodigy wrote:
May. 16th, 2009 02:47 am (UTC)
I had to look it up the first time I heard the term too.
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[info]friendofjack wrote:
May. 16th, 2009 01:00 pm (UTC)
At the risk of hijacking the post's topic, I can't help but wonder why the word "fans" wasn't considered sufficient. Why create a new word when there's already a perfectly serviceable one available? There is so much I don't understand about sci-fi/fantasy geekdom.
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[info]neo_prodigy wrote:
May. 16th, 2009 01:05 pm (UTC)
Well fen is actually a legitimate (though lesser known) word in the dictionary.

And I have seen fans and fen used interchangeably for the FOC acronym.

I surmise it's simply a case of slang that emerged from it. Sort of the way pallor has been used.
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[info]unusualmusic wrote:
May. 15th, 2009 02:52 pm (UTC)
LOVE the banner
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[info]chipmunk_planet wrote:
May. 15th, 2009 06:08 pm (UTC)
IAWTC ... this is incredible!
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[info]neo_prodigy wrote:
May. 16th, 2009 02:47 am (UTC)
Thanks beautiful.
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[info]neo_prodigy wrote:
May. 16th, 2009 02:48 am (UTC)
Thank you so much.
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[info]glass_icarus wrote:
May. 15th, 2009 03:35 pm (UTC)
MADE. OF. WIN. *\o/*
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[info]fifi_bonsai wrote:
May. 15th, 2009 05:06 pm (UTC)
&this;
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[info]neo_prodigy wrote:
May. 16th, 2009 02:50 am (UTC)
*blushes*
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[info]alundra001 wrote:
May. 15th, 2009 05:52 pm (UTC)
I can't believe you just launched a protest on LJ. Everyone's been talking about. I'm so proud of you. You are the definition of badass!
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[info]alundra001 wrote:
May. 15th, 2009 05:54 pm (UTC)
*talking about it. ;D
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[info]deepseasiren wrote:
May. 15th, 2009 10:15 pm (UTC)
Very interesting...one of the many reasons I admire you, D, for bringing up these subjects I may not always be aware of. Sadly though I'm not too surprised about it. I was laughing my ass off when I read your comment earlier about " Chattanooga slack-jawed yokels."
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[info]neo_prodigy wrote:
May. 16th, 2009 02:50 am (UTC)
LOL! Yeah I try to throw a zinger in about Chattanooga any chance I get.
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[info]tigerbright wrote:
May. 16th, 2009 01:06 am (UTC)
I will likely write a story based on the wonderful lunches I had with nonwhite friends in high school - is that okay?
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[info]neo_prodigy wrote:
May. 16th, 2009 01:50 am (UTC)
Go for it. But add some aliens to keep with the speculative theme. LOL. ;D
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[info]susanreads.dreamwidth.org wrote:
May. 16th, 2009 09:10 am (UTC)
Questions from a noob
Hi,

I wanted to ask some questions at the comm (I followed links from AngryBlackWoman and naraht), but afaict only LJ users can comment. Is that deliberate?

Most of my questions were also asked by other people, as it turns out, so I think I know how to put terajjin's banner on my (new and little-read) DW journal. Is it OK for people of pallor* to just post the banner and say "Go read"? I'm not a creative artist, just Woman with Opinions on Internet.

*I love that phrase, and ought to find out who to credit it to.
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[info]neo_prodigy wrote:
May. 16th, 2009 11:02 am (UTC)
Re: Questions from a noob
Hi Susan,

And welcome.

Unfortunately I've had to put the community on moderated status where only LJ members of the community can comment at this time.

With RaceFail being such a hot topic, we've had a few trolls already try to derail the discussion. And I've had to deal with some nonsense here.

However that doesn't mean you can't participate and be active.

And yes it is certainly okay for people of pallor to just post the banner and say go read. And since you're a woman with opinions on the internet, you can also help by explaining why this is an important issue, if you so choose.

I know not having an LJ can be a bit cumbersome but if you have any other questions, please don't hesitate to contact me.

-[info]neo_prodigy


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( 22 comments — Leave a comment )