tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-959057724654014625.post2023621310757097317..comments2023-10-28T09:07:35.251-07:00Comments on Lost in My Library: The Case Against Tragic Queer Books - Discussion & Review: It Looks Like ThisClarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08014163537005483710noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-959057724654014625.post-59115092364784207462016-10-16T18:48:08.216-07:002016-10-16T18:48:08.216-07:00This definitely happens to a lot of characters wit...This definitely happens to a lot of characters with marginalized identities. I singled out queer characters because a) it was a response to this particular book and b) I can think of a LOT more happy books about characters of color; and a lot of other diversities have so little representation that I can't even divide it into sad and happy. I disagree with you on one point, though: you said that books can either be happy and hopeful or represent the world as is, but sometimes, the world <i>can</i> be happy and hopeful! The existence of happy queer books - and happy queer <i>people</i> - shouldn't require that much suspension of belief. And again, yes, balance is key.Clarahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08014163537005483710noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-959057724654014625.post-59361191046689998012016-10-16T16:56:34.657-07:002016-10-16T16:56:34.657-07:00I totally understand what you mean, because I thin...I totally understand what you mean, because I think this is true for most diversities, right? Like people of colour and people with disabilities have to go through the same thing. So should the books actually be happy/hopeful or represent the world as is? IT'S HARD. I think it's narrow of us to never imagine worlds where it's 100% average to be queer. We need to! I think these books need to exist! But at the same time, I think acknowledging the struggles queer people face is very important or else I guess it might end up as erasure? Balance, of course, would be very nice *nods*CG @ Paper Furyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14954615708675952085noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-959057724654014625.post-57505263825743263092016-10-15T12:38:56.574-07:002016-10-15T12:38:56.574-07:00Exactly - balance is key. I just don't think w...Exactly - balance is key. I just don't think we're getting enough of it yet.Clarahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08014163537005483710noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-959057724654014625.post-27026141388875338202016-10-15T12:24:42.395-07:002016-10-15T12:24:42.395-07:00I completely get what you're saying. There are...I completely get what you're saying. There are so many tragedies which the LGBT community has suffered does that really need to happen in books as well. Especially as the community is beginning to see a lot of changes for the good. There isn't the same attacks against them they are beginning to be accepted far more and are getting more of the representation they deserve. Good representation rather than a stereotype. And there are so many good books out there. That being said, it would be disingenuous for books to ignore their struggles. It's not always comfortable and nice to read but these are some people's experiences and it's wrong to gloss over it and tone it down. I think there needs to be a careful balance instead. I would much rather read the happier stories but it's good to know there are more tragic ones out there helping to educate folks of the ugly side too.Becky Bakerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14938602345709426466noreply@blogger.com