FtG (01/05/83)
Have you ever met a minister/priest/rabbi/monk that swore or had other incongruous behavior? Leaves you pretty cold, doesn't it. Well, I'm getting that same cold feeling reading some of the recent discussion in this newsgroup. Here it is, a group of people supposedly interested in far out, speculative, fantasy, science fiction, doorways into other dimensions of mind and spirit, and people are arguing about what is or isn't science fiction; who is or isn't a fan; what is or isn't valid criticism. HEY FOLKS- these are the signs of CLOSED MINDS! Sci-fi is the domain of OPEN MINDS. Example- The responses to the Harper's article which are on the order of "Who cares what others think, I like it." are very narrow, and potentially dangerous, viewpoints. Suppose your favorite literature was about child molestation? NAZI atrocitities against Jews? KKK propaganda? Wouldn't you expect criticism of your tastes? You cannot just simply turn your back. You have to have an open mind and try to determine if the criticism is valid or not. Remember, how others see you is important is gauging your growth in life. Withdrawal from the world is counterproductive. Also keep in mind, that while you may not like a particular form of Sci-fi, it is not up to you to judge whether it should or should not be discussed on the net. The ruthless attacks on some people's favorite Movies, TV shows, Books, etc. has a chilling effect that goes against the very principles of speculative fiction. Use 'n' to suppress discussions you don't want to see. Let other's judge for themselves. Electronic social censorship is very bad news. FtG at Rochester. P.S. I deliberately used the term "Sci-fi" throughout since I know it'll get the more fascist SF fans agitated.