It's Thursday, somehow it's only February, let's get some comics-y superhero-y goodness!
Everything is once again in the 'other stuff' category (dammit Loki!)
Other Stuff
[CW: bullying, sexism, racism]
Avengers director, and producer and director of a butt-tonne of geek/nerd media, Joss Whedon, has been criticised yet again for alleged bullying and/or abusive (including sexist and racist) behaviour on set.
You can check out a brief timeline of the allegations here, which if, like me, you're struggling to keep up with this, is probably helpful!
[CW: Homophobia]
Check out this video essay on Homophobic tropes and poor LGBTQ+ representation in the TV series Gotham from YouTuber Media Buzzkill.
Honestly? I love Gotham, and I disagree with most of these points to a greater or lesser degree.
So why am I sharing this video?
Well because, aside for the fact that I'm total trash for video essays, it makes some excellent points.
It's valid and well-thought-through, and I can see how the creator came to the conclusions they did, I simply reached a different conclusion in a lot of places *shrugs*
Still, exploring criticism of media, especially media we love, is a healthy and responsible way to turn ourselves into participants in culture instead of simply 'consumers.'
(Although, I do think some of the criticism of the writing in particular is unduly harsh!)
(Also, check me out with my fancy sentences! Lol.)
Warning:
SPOILERS, flashing images, Homophobia, ableism, severe mental health problems, poor mental health care, murder, violence, blood and gore (GRAPHIC,) grief, and probably some other stuff.
Be careful!
Run-time: 47.24
The wonderful Biblio Nyan has a review of graphic novel Black Magick Volume 1: Awakening.
Chris M Arnone @ Book Riot wrote this list of 10 of the best fantasy comics
Last week's Friday Fics Fix saw me rec a beautiful Umbrella Academy fic that warmed my little Queer heart.
And to end with more shameless self-promo, you can catch up on all my comics posts (and all my other posts too!) with my January wrap-up
Do you think we should be more open to criticism that we disagree with?
What's your take on the Joss Whedon situation?
Talk to me! 😀💬
Previous Comics Wrap-Up Posts:
Sharing and commenting is hyfryd/lovely! 😊
'Bite the lightning and tell me how it tastes' is from Don't Sit Down 'Cause I've Moved Your Chair* by The Arctic Monkeys
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The Joss Whedon stuff is very upsetting. I am a huge Buffy fan, and hearing the things he did to some of the stars on that show is so sad. Now I'm a bit conflicted over whether or not to watch the show. I know he's not a star, but seeing how he created it and receives money from it is very stressful for me to handle. I think I'll focus on uplifting the actors' voices and maybe watching the show illegally but... idk. It's complicated for sure!
ReplyDeleteI think it's all v. much a matter of balance, and it's such a personal thing that it's pointless me trying to dictate to you what to do - since I already own The Avengers DVD (for example) I know I can watch that without him gaining from it, but I think you need to follow your conscience and do whatever feels right *to you* - if that means watching Buffy, then watch Buffy, if it means not watching Buffy, then don't.
DeleteAlso, remember that what you decide isn't set in stone! You might be OK watching it now, but decide in the future that it just makes you way too uncomfortable - and that's OK.