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Don't forget, we're talking about an historical figure, here. So, it happens all the time. How many movies have there been about Lincoln? Other Civil War figures?
I don't really think that's the point of discomfort.
The screenplay for Malcom X was co-written by Spike Lee and Arnold Perl - an old white guy that Spike brought onto the project. I can only conclude that:
Spike Lee is a racist and had no right to bring Perl on. Perl is a racist. Malcom X, therefore, was a horrible film.
None of these things are true of course. I will never tolerate this level of intolerance. I still say screw em. There are no forbidden subjects for writers to write about and the market will tell them if their efforts were worthwhile.
Anthony McCarten wrote The Theory of Everything - AND HE DIDN'T HAVE ALS! He also wrote the Darkest Hour - AND HE'S NOT A BRIT and he wrote Bohemian Rhapsody - AND HE'S NOT GAY - and he wrote The Two Popes - AND HE I NOT CAHTOLIC.
The nerve of that hack.
Again - screw them.
I'm starting to lean very hard on the screw them. The comic will succeed or fail. Either way I finally get to move on.
My intention wasn't to create a direct analogy to Shaka or whatever.
Often in this sort of discussion, things operate at the level of abstraction -- here we started with, "what are your thoughts on one race telling another race's story?"
But I think it's also important to try to connect with this in a personal sense, which means a different question: what are your thoughts on someone else telling your story?
If you support writers in telling whatever stories they choose, you support the right of other people to tell your story. We may feel like those are big stakes or meaningless ones, but it's worth considering from the viewpoint of the "written" and not the writer. That's all I was getting at.
I think this cancels out a lot of stories written by a lot of people.
There is always going to be someone else telling someone else's stories, this has literally happened forever. Isn't that what story telling is?
Waz, are they genuine haters or just trolls? Everything on the Net these days forms two sides it seems. You’ve created something you had passion for and good for you! Ignore the keyboard warriors, mate. They’ll soon find some other thing to whinge about.
Ironically I’m nearly finished my Civil War script. I’m just a bogan Aussie yet I’m writing about a battle in 1863 in Texas while dealing with rascism, anti slavery etc. I’m telling a story without taking sides because it interests me.
For anyone interested in seeing what all the fuss is about.
You'll also see that the vast majority of feedback is overwhelmingly positive.
It also begs the question, do I cave and throw in the towel because I might hurt a few feelings or do I listen to the majority and continue on course...
Waz, are they genuine haters or just trolls? Everything on the Net these days forms two sides it seems. You’ve created something you had passion for and good for you! Ignore the keyboard warriors, mate. They’ll soon find some other thing to whinge about.
Ironically I’m nearly finished my Civil War script. I’m just a bogan Aussie yet I’m writing about a battle in 1863 in Texas while dealing with rascism, anti slavery etc. I’m telling a story without taking sides because it interests me.
Thanks mate, not sure to be honest.
Well, according to some you shouldn't be allowed to tell that story. I think it's all a bit crazy.
It's been interesting to see people's thoughts on the matter.
In no way was I going to change course, I've come too far at this point, but it's still good to hear what people have to say on the subject whether I agree or disagree.
Don't forget, we're talking about an historical figure, here. So, it happens all the time. How many movies have there been about Lincoln? Other Civil War figures?
I don't really think that's the point of discomfort.
I agree. They don't like that Warren wrote this because he is white.
For anyone interested in seeing what all the fuss is about.
You'll also see that the vast majority of feedback is overwhelmingly positive.
It also begs the question, do I cave and throw in the towel because I might hurt a few feelings or do I listen to the majority and continue on course...
I think you do exactly what you've done. Because you're a good and thoughtful person, you looked internally and externally at the question. You gave it an honest assessment.
Now, having done your due diligence, you go forward, confident in the knowledge that you're doing right by the project.
And, because you've done the work in examining the complaints honestly, you are now free to enjoy the process of rolling the project out. You didn't ignore the complaints, but since they WILL persist, I think it's perfectly acceptable to move past dealing with them.
Enjoy this moment.
PaulKWrites.com
60 Feet Under - Low budget, contained thriller/Feature The Hand of God - Low budget, semi-contained thriller/Feature Wait Till Next Year - Disney-style family sports comedy/Feature
Many shorts available for production: comedy, thriller, drama, light horror
For anyone interested in seeing what all the fuss is about.
You'll also see that the vast majority of feedback is overwhelmingly positive.
It also begs the question, do I cave and throw in the towel because I might hurt a few feelings or do I listen to the majority and continue on course...
Would I care if someone wrote a story about my ancestors from the 1800... not in the least. I'd want to read it or watch it. I could then form some opinion on it.
And this literally happens all the time. I got to be honest, I don't think you really thought this one through.
Haha. That's good! Some people feel differently (like myself, as stated). Here in Canada, for instance, the question of Indigenous stories and representation is a massive, never-ending fight.
Now that I'm done my work week, I'd happily wade into a big argument here -- I think some of the arguments made above are very silly -- but unfortunately I happen to agree with the majority view. Of course anyone can write about anything. Of course you should ignore anyone who calls you racist before even reading the work. Of course you should follow the stories you're passionate about wherever they lead.
Luckily, this has been the standard for a long time and continues to be the standard now. People can and do make whatever they want in every possible storytelling medium.
I kinda feel like what everyone actually means when they say so-and-so isn't "allowed" is just that it's harder to get funding from mainstream companies on projects where the identity optics are bad. Well, the market's never fair. Writers can play it safe or follow their passions -- that's always been the deal.
It also begs the question, do I cave and throw in the towel because I might hurt a few feelings or do I listen to the majority and continue on course...
Quit! No, I'm kidding. I just wanted to be on the emotional side for once.
Obviously, stick with it. Remember: you're telling a story about a particular historical figure, not the definitive story. If people don't like yours, they'll go and like someone else's.
I think you do exactly what you've done. Because you're a good and thoughtful person, you looked internally and externally at the question. You gave it an honest assessment.
Now, having done your due diligence, you go forward, confident in the knowledge that you're doing right by the project.
And, because you've done the work in examining the complaints honestly, you are now free to enjoy the process of rolling the project out. You didn't ignore the complaints, but since they WILL persist, I think it's perfectly acceptable to move past dealing with them.
Haha. That's good! Some people feel differently (like myself, as stated). Here in Canada, for instance, the question of Indigenous stories and representation is a massive, never-ending fight.
Now that I'm done my work week, I'd happily wade into a big argument here -- I think some of the arguments made above are very silly -- but unfortunately I happen to agree with the majority view. Of course anyone can write about anything. Of course you should ignore anyone who calls you racist before even reading the work. Of course you should follow the stories you're passionate about wherever they lead.
Luckily, this has been the standard for a long time and continues to be the standard now. People can and do make whatever they want in every possible storytelling medium.
I kinda feel like what everyone actually means when they say so-and-so isn't "allowed" is just that it's harder to get funding from mainstream companies on projects where the identity optics are bad. Well, the market's never fair. Writers can play it safe or follow their passions -- that's always been the deal.
Yeah I agree with that. Identity politics are playing an ever growing role in entertainment these days, there is no denying that. It's inflitrated film, tv and comic books in a very big way. I think it's so unfortunate but that's the world we live in.
Speaking of which, anyone seen Marvels latest hero's Safespace and Snowflake? No I didn't make that up, yes that is a real thing that exists in the world.
Quit! No, I'm kidding. I just wanted to be on the emotional side for once.
Obviously, stick with it. Remember: you're telling a story about a particular historical figure, not the definitive story. If people don't like yours, they'll go and like someone else's.
Thanks for the advice, I've burned all copies of the book and deleted all master files.