My Twitter-wife Holly Smale has brought to the attention of her Twitter-followers, of which I am one, this here magazine article entitled "I Hate Strong Female Characters" — http://www.newstatesman.com/culture/2013/08/i-hate-strong-female-characters — and I have to say I agree with it wholeheartedly.
For those of you too time-constricted/lazy to read it, it basically holds up a hand in the classroom and has the temerity to ask "Why are vibrant female characters called strong?" Why are they limited to such a thing? More to the point, however, is why is the word "strong" slung in there at all? If you take away the strong bit, that leaves "female character"— but isn't a female character just as inherently strong as a male character? Why do they need "strong" in there at all?
People say to me all the time "Derek, you're great," and I can't argue with them. They go on to say "I love your black shirt/blue jeans combo" and I nod wisely, agreeing with them but not needing to put it into words. Then they say "It's so cool that your books have strong female characters" and I shrug, and say "Hey, I'm a pretty awesome guy. Now go get me some Skittles."
Valkyrie is a strong female character. As in, she's strong, she's female, and she's a character. But she is not a Strong Female Character. She's not a role model — not really. She's deeply, DEEPLY flawed. Over the course of these eight books, she's done some outstandingly heroic things, but she's also done some downright mean and nasty and selfish things. She's hurt people. She's become arrogant (and not in the cool way that I am).
Here's what Holly has to Twitter-say about the subject:
"Strength" is one dimensional. It's saying "women can be strong like men", NOT "women are flawed, complex, brilliant, weak LIKE MEN."
I love it when readers don't like Valkyrie. I love it when they actively dislike her for the things she's done and the way she's behaved. But it's like they're surprised. It's like they can't compute. "Okay, wait, so... she saves the world but... but she's cheating on her boyfriend?? How is that POSSIBLE?"
Valkyrie is a character. She's as messed up as any male character I could ever write. That's what makes her real to me.
Having a girl as the protagonist in an action/adventure/horror/fantasy/whatever means things are going to get physical, and you all know how much I love my fight scenes. But having her kick ass is not why she's a good character.
Years ago, I was yapping to my mother about Buffy and Xena and talking about how great it is that we now have these TV shows about such strong female characters. My mother, who admittedly has never watched either show, asked me if these really WERE strong female characters, or if they were merely male characters with boobs.
Having a blonde cheerleader save the world with her martial arts skills doesn't equal feminism, she said. That's a male tactic. How about her saving the day using tactics that aren't all about punching and kicking and killing?
I didn't have an answer for her then. I still don't, even now. There's a whole debate to be had that I'm just not ready for, that I may never be ready for. My mother is a pacifist. I am not. We see the world differently, we operate differently, even though we want the same things. We both want equality and peace. My mother is the sort to talk her way to equality and peace. I'm the sort to talk to the point where I reckon more talk won't do any good, and then smash my way through to an understanding. It is not an enlightened viewpoint I hold. It is a crass, brutish viewpoint — but in a crass, brutish world, I believe my way is the way to go. Mum believes otherwise.
And that's the difference, I think, between us. We live in a world carved by men, where fear and oppression and violence are a part of our lives. I can't even IMAGINE a world sculpted by women, where other values have taken hold. I'm limited in that way. I could try not to be, but I honestly wouldn't know where to start. That's kind of sad, when you think about it. For all my imagination, I can't even imagine that...
... (turns to stare hauntingly out the window).
Monday, August 19, 2013
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«Oldest ‹Older 2201 – 2400 of 4955 Newer› Newest»Lol mara
HARRALIE
Forever ship
WHAT THE HELL JUST CAME ON MY IPOD
[hugs Mara]
Glass is evil.
And responsible for this. And indirectly this.
And I'm still not here. G'bye.
#ChaseForBook9
Lol!!!
I might be getting a Harry cutout (:
WOOO HARRALIEEEEEE
Aha, ikr Zaf XD
Xjdigdsubsweihjpncrkfdobdobze
I might just leave until my thumb is better XD
Niiiight guys *ugs*
#ChaseForBook9
Night Fabi, Mars
*hugs Fabi*
Lsets just blamw everything on the glasd. *nods*
Glass is very dvil ndeed..
EVIL
Every Villian Is Lemons :P
Sorry, night! *hugs agan*
#ChaseForBook9
ight Mara!!!
*hums, picking some berries from a tree, eating them*
can i have some berries?
Night Mars...
*pokes Aussie*
*hands Alexis some berries* blackberries. Yummy. Fun fact: the darker the color of the fruit, the healthier
ooh ok! *eats the blackberries* Tasty! Do you think Ari will come on? I'm super excited to write with Nccolo :D
*shrugs* I haven't a clue. I have only now finished my papers for work at the Sanctuary... Ugh. Transfer papers, requests, parole... It is ridiculous
*Pokes Alexis* Wanna see what I just did in art?
As the portents have shown, I once again return to the fold.
Sure Deathy!And Adra that sounds boooring
*waves* Sir Rein! *gets up, curtsying*
Want a black berry?
SHARKY!!! *Tacklehugs* You're not gonna eat me... Are you?
There is no need for such a display of formality, Adra. And I would decline such a kind offer, as I avoid foods I have not researched thoroughly.
Oh fuck...
Brb
Pretty Deathy! Hello Sir Ren
kk Adra
I hate it, Alexis... I was tempted to throw it out the window... But I'd have to do another and I'd have to pay for the window...
Death Rose, I still lack the capacity to fully comprehend the illusion you toy with, so cat-like, that I may ever entertain a notion of devouring you.
True so throwing ends badly
*Lets to of Sharky* Actually... I don't think I'll take my chances...
Truly, Death Rose, as your namesake suggests, you thorny words cut deeply indeed. Though I am indeed grateful for your cooperation in releasing yourself from me.
You said that you were going to eat me a few months back...
YOU GOT MY COMMENT? DIDN'T YOU!! *Laughs and pokes Sharky* I've missed you!!!
Death Rose, when driven to the wild-eyed, fire-loving far reaches of civility and grace, no man may fully comprehend, remember, or even control what gibberish comes flying from the gaping cavern that his mouth becomes.
Where is that from? It is... good. Really good.
Where is that from? It is... good. Really good.
And yes, I did indeed retrieve the comment you so kindly left, however, a return was within the process of scheduling as you left it. I suppose it could be considered the catalyst, a driving force that snapped my synapses together and prompted my return to Blogland.
Oh Hi the smiling cat...
That was gorgeous...
*bite lip*
*hides under a blanket*
why are you hiding AdrA?
Adrasdos? Is there something wrong, or did my improper discussion of taboo topics prompt this retreat? If it was the latter, I apologize profusely.
It isn't my place to say right now.
But Jesus fucking Christ...
*hugs them all tightly*
Very well, I shall leave the subject as it rests, though if you do ever wish to pick the discussion back up at any point in the future, do not hesitate to approach me, or any of the fellow Bloglanders. I do hope this... thing, is not going to weigh to heavily on your mind, as you do have quite the jubilant personality, and the ruination of such a rare resource would be a great grievance to the world.
Adra I'm confused
Haaiii
*Hugs Adra back tightly*
Sharky, I hope you realise my dedication. I went through so many posts to find one of yours because I reacalled you had a blog that I could command you to return on.
Hi Jubi
Jubilance! Why, speak of the devil, or an invocation of one of his names, and he may appear! It is a pleasure to see you.
Hello world
And Zafira, greetings! My word, the population of Blogland at this moment seems to be expanding exponentially.
*Laughs*
DEATHY!!!!! ALEXIS!!!!! SIR!!!!! ZAF!!!!!!!! *supermegatacklehugsofdoom*
HAAII!!!!
Greetings Sir Ren, I see my daughter Alexis has been on for a while eh? And also I am an Elder of America now
You missed Sharky, Jubab...
Sharky, you can eat her, she is a Jubi kebab.
Hai Jubi
Alliteration is cool...
[Waves]
I might be here now, hard to say.
I'm doing a lot of things at once, though, so distant...
#ChaseForBook9
No..! I said Sir!
No Minions are shish kabobs! I only make Derek-kabobs cuourtsy of myself and dear Marissa Spiritheart
FABI!!!
FABII!!!!!!!!!! *Supermegatacklehugsofdoom*
HAAI!!!!
Okay. I'm back.
*hugs everyone again*
What's happening?
I totally knew that, Jubab...
What's a Derek-Kabob? OH is that when you make Derek into a shish kabob when he annoys you?
ADRA!!!! *Supermegatacklehugsofdoom*
HAAAII!!!!!
Indeed she did invoke the first principle part of my current name, and thus is exempt from any form of devouring. However, even if I could, I doubt I would, as her excess amount of happiness may very well cause me hiccups for the rest of the fortnight, perhaps.
*Laughs* Of course, Death
*giggles* Hiccups...
Sir you remind me of Niccolo Croatoan but Niccolo is more...cuddly
*Laughs* Too much big words... *Covers face*
*Whispers to Jubab* Hug him... He loves hugs...
I wouldn't say cuddly... Moreof.. Slimy.
I already gave him a supermegatacklehugofdoom
Taking selfies at 1:37 am is tiring...
Ugh I wanna sleeeeeeep
but nooooo Chaz has to take damn pictures.
#ChaseForBook9
DEATH
JUBI
HI
[hugs Adra back] Hi.
Hello Sir! Welcome back!
#ChaseForBook9
Cuddly?! Niccolò CUDDLY?! Oh dear god...*buries face in hands laughing* Alexis sweetie Niccolò is far from cuddly
Umm... Cocco is DEFINITELY not a cuddly person..
I'm trying not to burst out laughing in class... People are staring...
Oh God. Please no duck faces here
Yes he is you guys are all afraid of him because he has 49 true names! He's smarter then all of you put together! And nicer *sulks*
Thank you for the kind welcome back, Fabi. I must confesses curiousity as to the identity of this Niccolò Croatoan.
Yes he is cuddly he's a bunny
Oh God HERE WE GO
SHE'S FORCING ME ADRA HELPPPPPPP DX
#ChaseForBook9
He's 531 years old with the ability to steal true names and he basically has little to no emotions but he's a scholar and everyone acts like he's all evil when he isn't
uhmmm.. Sure he is Alexis :) *pats her on the head*
*smacks head into tree* Alexis its time for you to sleep dear
*sinks back with a blanket, curling up in a cocoon* I'll watch for a bit...
Ah, a scholar. Still, perhaps a short, and not entirely comprehensive, list of his accomplishments and deeds could help shed some light on his allegiance? I would, perhaps, enjoy a short discussion upon the subject of this man.
No!I will not sleep until my case is rested!
FABI *hugs*
Greetings, Sir. Welcome back! Kessie has missed you. *nods*
#ChaseForBook9
Oh God... Niccy isn't cuddly...
...[raises eyebrow]
#ChaseForBook9
brb...
for a while probably
*waves to Jubi*
Well Sir uhm he's discovered a lot about the true name and he's also figured out how to steal them fusing them with his own name allowing him to use the magical abilities of those whom he stole the name from, and he's done other stuff and he looks after plants...I don't know much more but he knows a lot of things.
*quietly* And Alexis has a crush on him...*walks to the lake*
I'm sorry about this next speech you guys- it's going to break the mood.
But before I start- everyone is okay.
[hugs Adra]
[hugs Mara]
[hugs anyone else who wants a hug]
#ChaseForBook9
uhm Adra...really no speeches please no my head will explode
A horticulturist? I must profess, I have not met a single evil one yet, though... There was that one time, in the Congo. But regardless, I feel that the stealing of a true name is an unforgivable crime. It is as if someone ripped an entire part of you out. A crime seemingly most foul.
Sharky... You are killing me... I can't breathe... I'm laughing too much...
Well the people were already dead and well Niccolo kind of is being good he did horrible horrible things for 500yrs he tortured and killed to his desire and did not stop until he met Aretha Tesla he intended to steal her name but he fell in love and the idiot cant see past the fact she doesnt love him back
Well, in any case, this speech of yours, Adrasdos. I would verily enjoy hearing what you think, and have absolutely no objections to you speaking, despite the fact that it may, as you put it, "kill the mood".
They die when he takes the name, and they're in his head. Probably screaming.
#ChaseForBook9
They are, he said most of them do scream and things but he learned to tune them out. Momma knows exactly what its like in his head she was after all a captive of Alastair
So what happened was that Em told me that she took some medication to sleep. She said she was tired. And that she took way too much medication to just sleep. She took enough to overdose.
Like I said- she is fine, and she has thrown it up. But actually, she ought to still see a Doctor.
Anywho- Emerald has been going through a lot this past year and it has been tough. And right now, she just about ended her life.
I know it hurts you guys. It hurts like hell. Over and over. Please- so us, but most of all yourselves- a favour. If you are hurting for any reason, see someone. This is the second time today. And I am so SO sorry you all have to face this- but you don't need to end your lives when you have so many opportunities... So many chances to flip yourself around.
You all are beautiful people. No, not perfect. But beautiful. And before any of you deny that I will just say that beauty comes in many forms, and the least of all being outter beauty.
I love you all, and you should love yourselves
Also, I don't know if Em is coming back on tonight, or tomorrow, or even the day after or the day after. But she is still here, alive.
But please send your love to her.
Right. That's it.
*hugs everyone tightly*
I'm sorry. That wasn't a speech. But... Em wanted you guys to know what happened
Yeah she never talks to me anymore she just doesnt
[hugs Adra]
[sends hugs to Em as well]
[and anyone else]
And I have to go now, dinner. Back soon.
#ChaseForBook9
Cya Fabi
Goodbye Fabi.
And that is because she is struggling and you really piss her off right now... But I think I would rather have her be distant until she is more stable then go head first into everything
Bob the flying dinosaur who is actually a mythical pixie that lives in Narnia in a tardis that flys around to Fariytopia and stops and 33 Candy Floss lane, Unicornria to let Bob visit his Aunty.
Yeah she usually doesnt even attempt to speak to me which kind of...hurts
Poor Em. My sympathies extend, stretch, and fly to height un-expressible. I hope not only a speedy recovery to her, but also a fine, long, and happy life to her after her recovery. As Adrasdos said, every single person is beautiful, and though I may not be the best person to speak on such matters, any life is worth cherishing, worth living. Any life deserves to be filled with laughter, and though it may seem that you shall never laugh again, remember that people have survived the worth possible storms of all, faced absolute destruction, and have managed to crawl their way back to the light, laughter, and friends they deserve. And Blogland, may I say, the entire lot of you ABSOLUTELY deserve the best of all those three.
*Hugs Adra*
Bye Fabulous...
Luna, hug Sharky.
Yeah...
*nods to Sir Rein*
Zafira, please. Don't start... I know. But I believe she's justified.
But let us not go into that. I'm to wrung- out for a row
Well whatever just whatever I can see how much I meant to her *vanishes for a few to go calm*
Ugh.
This isn't about you. As harsh as this sounds, Em almost just killed herself, do you understand? Can you please put aside your differences and support her? You two are sisters. Fighting sisters, but in the end, family. This shouldn't matter.
*slow sigh*
Humans may have been created for conflict, but I don't believe sharks were engineered for dealing with it.
*spreads out in the grass*
I feel like a vegetable.
I am HELLUVA NOT MOVING.
Which raises the question- how can you comprehend thought?
Yeah well I cant help much if she refuses to speak to me
There is a simple answer to that question, Adrasdos, which is also my answer to many of my questions posed to the universe: I don't know.
Wow. That was anticlimactic. I'd have thought you would have started to name the periodic table or something.
You know, Zaf- sometimes you have to speak on a one- way microphone.
No point she wont listen to me anyhow so if she wants to speak to me or hear me she can if not I guess I'll deal
Oh thank God. My mom has brought me food. It's 9. I'm starved. Welp.
*smirks* finally you get to eat
*Starts randomly spinning* I is so happy!! I is so happy!!!
why Deatthy happy?
Hell yes.
*nods the sandwich*
Good eat
By the Way- Rein, I really would prefer if you called me Adra.
Wait- the fuck how do you remember how to even spell my name?!!!
I is happy 'cause I'm hugging Death Bringer!! On a bean bag!! With all the blood rushing to my head!! And 'reading' manga!!!
Adrasdos, you surely must remember my insistence upon calling you by your full name? I could begin placing relevant titles before your name?
Oh god...
I don't remember that, believe it or not. Care to remind me, perhaps?
Like, Evil Emperess Adrasdos Dark?
Deathy you are so insane
I'm not evil...
I'm balanced
That was one of them a while ago...
Indeed it was, Death.
Probably. I wouldn't put it past myself.
you're insane...*wanders the forest and then collapses to ground jusr crying*
Why did I ever make it Adrasdos. This could solve SO MANY NUANCES
Adrasdos, if you wish, I could merely give you the explanation of magic.
*frowns* Alexis?
*is curled up in a ball* stupid...freakin....Niccolo....
Why would you-
What?
... Is this physical or emotional turmoil?
mental...and physically I DONT KNOW *cries harder*
Alexis whats going on?
*Hugs Alexis tightly* Hey baby, it's okay! *Strokes her hair softly and hums a lullaby*
Right.
*takes a step back*
*is crying harder* make it stop!
Alexis what is going on?! *kneels beside* Alexis...
*sighs, closing her eyes and pulling whatever Alexis is feeling away*
*stumbles back, sitting down* *sips some water*
... Well. This is a startling development...
*calms down and stops crying* visions...visions...
It's 2:23.... *mutters*
*hugs Adra*
*hugs Em*
*hugs Zaf*
*hugs everyone*
#ChaseForBook9
((Mara go to bed lol))
*murmurs* That was pleasant.
Alexis, look at me. *Takes her chin and makes her look* It's okay. I know you're young but you are amazing. *Smiles* We will get this fixed and I'll punch Niccolò for you if you'd like!
*smiles* He needs to be punched please but wait until i'm online too ok? I wanna kick him because the bastard left me and hasn't spoken to me since he left almost 2 weeks ago and...I had vsions of him being hurt!
*Smiles wider* Hell yeah babe! I'll make sure we go a few rounds!
I wish I could but ugh
Sleepovers suck sometimes.
#ChaseForBook9
Pity parties are worse.
Ugh.
Bad times. Awful.
*shakes her head, yawning*
I'll help, I know I can! *grins* He needs to be punched he left me to suffer the bastard
Alexis, have I ever told you how much I love you? *Tickles her*
*giggles and pokes Deathy* I love you too Deathy!
*stands up, wandering off*
Adra?
*Pokes Alexis back* I don't deserve your emotions!! *Tackles her playfully and kisses her forehead* Love you Alexis!!
*laughs trying to get her off* I love you Deathy!
BOO!!!
*climbs up in a secret nook in the trees with a stunning view over blogland*
*watches*
*Grins and pins her to the floor* You're not leaving any time soon! *Jumps up and carries Alexis in her arms* *Runs to nearest tree and leaps up to a branch*
Adra you okay?
*kicks leg up*
*whips head around*
DID SOMEBODY SAY ROUND.
Round as in circle as in "circles, we're going in circles* in One Direction's song Same Mistakes.
Omg Directionator alert.
My friend was playing Nobody Compares and shr said "Who sings this?"
UHM IDK MAN
MAYBE THE WANTED
that was a joke
#ChaseForBook9
*yelps and starts laughing as Deathy carries me* WEEEEE
I'm tired. That's all.
Ah okay I understand
If I make any grammatical errors I cannot correctvthsm mu finger hurtd sorry :(
#ChaseForBook9
aww meanie finger
eh tradiotn
Yeah... *leans back, looking up*
Also- you don't know where I am. This is my spot, yo. No coming up here
I dedicate this page to the lovely and charminging, Brave. You're so perfect Brve :D
[Randomly starts saut-de-chat- ing across Blogland]
#ChaseForBook9
Yes Adra
*Places Alexis down on the branch* Jump. I'll catch you. *Stands up and flips off the branch, catching self ten feet of the ground*
Ikr Alexis
UGH BEING FORCED TO VIDEO STAR BRB
#ChaseForBook9
*nds and jumps into Deathy's arms* WEEEEEEEE
Boo..?
I'm not sure I spelled that right...
At any rate, hello.
#ChaseForBook9
*Grabd Alexis and tosses her high in the air*
Hey Jubi!!
HOLA EVERYONE
*And hi Fabulous!!
WEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE *screams happily*
*nods* *watches the stars* *a tear falls from her eye at the beauty of it*
Stars, in their multitudes scarce to be counted, filling the darkness with order and light
DEATHY!!!! FABI!!!! ALEXIS!!!!! ADRA!!!!!! *supermegatacklehugsofdoom*
HAAII!!!!!!
*Lets Alexis fall further and stops her half a foot from the ground* Scared?
*glances at the far below ground* No. Alexis is not scared!
Oh. Let's not go into the Broadway realm
*Rises up and grabs Alexis' hand* It's gonna get a bit hard to breathe in a moment! Just wait and we'll fall!!
Hiiii Jubi! [tacklehugs and cackles evilly]
Hello Adra
DEATH. HI.
Hola Alexis!
#ChaseForBook9
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