(White) Girl Power
Meet the art in manhater Amanda Marcotte's new book: the white man being rescued from the black savage by the white woman.
Black feminists were underthrilled. From BlackAmazon:
I think the point where I went fuck it , is when a law student, a couple writers, and a professor basically endorsed a book and MISSED in reading something they were ATTACHING their names to .Racist comics, about MY PEOPLE. Yeah MY PEOPLE, being KILLED and destroyed to save a white man and give a white woman the "courage" she so desperately desires .
And people fell over themselves to excuse them . Cause they're learning
You know what , fuck off.
Here's a review from Amazon by Lotte Claire "lottelita":
Please do not buy this book -- at least, not yet., April 25, 2008Amanda Marcotte is a witty writer, but she doesn't understand that feminism must embrace anti-racism as well. Her book features "retro" comic book imagery where a white woman saves a white man from dark-skinned savages, which has understandably upset a great number of feminists of color. She and her publisher claim that the inclusion of these images was a regrettable oversight, but they've also been dismissive of the concerns that were raised. This isn't the first time Marcotte has been down this road, either. Please don't support her work or her publisher until they get the message that feminism isn't just for white women.
Little light comments here:
Well, Vox, she learned that people will find fault with anything she does 'cause they're haters, right? So why settle for racist undertones with a white woman fighting a big black ape, when she can actually be beating down a spear-chucking, ooga-booga-mask-wearing, bulging-codpieced caricature of an actual black person? To save a clean-shaven whitebread man? With dancing, hooting savages and their animal companions representing all the threats to the erstwhile blonde feminist adventurer?Or, oh wait, isn't the new claim that she had no input on the illustrations of her book, and was given galleys that didn't include those pages, but even if she had seen them, they're ironic, and anyway, the only people calling out racism are haters trying to find fault because of personal vendettas?
Seal Press "apologizes" here -- the way I do, when I don't really want to apologize, with "I'm sorry I offended you," which doesn't mean I'm sorry for what I wrote, just that you got pissed off by it. An excerpt (and do go to the link and do read the bit at the bottom where they go all weasely and try to excuse themselves by saying Amanda Marcotte, whose blog has had some image issues in the past, "who did not select these images for her book":
A Public Apology To Our Readers, Our Friends, Our Critics,We are taking action immediately to remove the offensive images from It's A Jungle Out There. We are currently reprinting, and we will make these changes now. We apologize for any pain or concern these images have caused.
We do not believe it is appropriate for a book about feminism, albeit a book of humor, to have any images or illustrations that are offensive to anyone.
Some have asked the valid question, "What were you thinking?"
Please know that neither the cover, nor the interior images, were meant to make any serious statement. We were hoping for a campy, retro package to complement the author's humor. That is all. We were not thinking.
As an organization, we need to look seriously at the effects of white privilege. We will be looking for anti-racist trainings offered here in the Bay Area. We want to incorporate race analysis into our work.
In the meantime, please know that all involved in the publishing of It's A Jungle Out There, from editorial to production were not trying to send a message to anyone about our feelings regarding race. If taken seriously as a representation of our intentions, these images are also not very feminist. By putting the big blonde in the skimpy bathing suit with the big breasts, the tiny waist, and the weapon on our cover, we are also not asserting that she is any kind of standard that anyone should aspire to. This 1950s Marvel comic is not an accurate reflection of our beauty standards, our beliefs regarding one's right to bear arms, nor our perspectives on race relations, foreign policy, or environmental policy.
Hilariously, about the standard they don't think "anyone should aspire to," I can load you down with piles of research that show men go for big breasts and tiny waists. So...if you're a woman who wants a man...it would behoove you to wear a push-up bra and a dress that reveals a waist! Is this horrible to say? Or...simply prudent?
As I wrote long ago in my column: "If you want to trap a bear, don't trot off into the woods carrying a Tupperware container of salad.
"...so if you're a woman who wants a man, it would behoove you to wear a push-up bra and a dress that reveals a waste."
Hmm. What kind of slip is this?
Radwaste at May 14, 2008 2:16 AM
Girl in her Freudian slip at 2 a.m. after her deadline! Usually I catch switchies like that when I reread what I've posted before going to bed.
And thanks. Changed it.
Amy Alkon at May 14, 2008 2:20 AM
"We do not believe it is appropriate for a book about feminism, albeit a book of humor, to have any images or illustrations that are offensive to anyone."
Nonsense. A book or picture that offends no one - if this is even possible - will be so bland as to be of no interest whatsoever.
People may be "endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights", but I don't think "the right to never be offended" is one of these.
bradley13 at May 14, 2008 2:24 AM
A book or picture that offends no one - if this is even possible - will be so bland as to be of no interest whatsoever.
They're used to this sort of thing in feminist textery. Much of this shit is unreadable.
I remember taking a women's studies class in the early 80s at the University of Michigan. I just kept thinking over and over, "Men aren't like that." I guess the key is actually thinking instead of marching in lockstep with the wymyn, or whatever it is they call themselves.
Amy Alkon at May 14, 2008 2:35 AM
Please know that neither the cover, nor the interior images, were meant to make any serious statement. We were hoping for a campy, retro package to complement the author's humor. That is all. We were not thinking.
Don't these "black feminist" people have anything better to do than be offended at some stupid comic book? As if anyone else reading it is going to cause irreparable damage in their lives. ooooops, I feel an earworm coming on:
well I can't get from the cab to the curb
without some little twerp on my back
It's just a comic book people, get over yourselves, already.
Heh. Now I'm just going to have to buy it! o_O
Flynne at May 14, 2008 5:35 AM
I try to bend my mind around this one. Let's see if I got this right; it is a great offense for a white woman to hit a black man to save a white man of a horrible death? When you boil it down to this, we can see the ridicule of the whole thing.
We got a crowd of over-sensible people out there who got offended by very little (or non-existent) factors. Maybe those people needs to find themselves a new cause like substance abuse, teen pregnancy or education in the African-American community. It's a lot less fun than the "Blame Whitey!" game but it's a lot more constructive.
Toubrouk at May 14, 2008 5:46 AM
We got a crowd of over-sensible people
Did you mean "overly-sensitive"? Either way, you're 100% right.
Flynne at May 14, 2008 5:57 AM
Did you mean "overly-sensitive"? Either way, you're 100% right.
Yup, that's what I meant. My grammar needs more coffee right now. On the subject, I think we need to start a campaign about neutering the idea that any material can be seen as offensive when you discard the intent behind it. Of course, a leaflet of the KKK or the Nation of Islam is offensive, but not as much as a cartoon drawn in good faith.
When the need to find something to be offended about override reason and common sense, we are landing in the field of Psychological pathology, not equalitarian bliss.
Toubrouk at May 14, 2008 6:16 AM
"A book or picture that offends no one - if this is even possible - will be so bland as to be of no interest whatsoever."
Amen. In the library where she was the director, a friend of mine put up a sign that read:
"If nothing here offends you, please complain."
Axman at May 14, 2008 6:41 AM
Oh, and regarding whether it actually makes any sense to be offended, well, this is classic in group/out group, our group/other group stuff. It's not like she's saving the guy from a black man in a business suit. The reality is, some of those tribespeople are dangerous, and maybe want to eat you. I don't believe the Apaches were too sweet and gentle, either.
Amy Alkon at May 14, 2008 7:30 AM
I find this hilarious. Marcotte has made a living off of male priveledge and now people are calling her out on white priveledge. Personally, I think they're both a bunch of bull shit but it is funny that it's being turned back around on her. But what do I know? I'm part of the conspiracy.
Scott at May 14, 2008 7:32 AM
Marcotte seems to be a one-woman destruction machine. Remember how close she was to derailing the Edwards campaign?
And Seal Press has a big race issue--they published Peggy Seltzer's fake gangbanger memoir. Obviously, Krista and Brooke don't know any actual black people.
KateCoe at May 14, 2008 7:37 AM
Here, Grogan's experience:
http://books.google.com/books?id=mcgMAAAAIAAJ&pg=PA370&lpg=PA370&dq=Balekas++Grogan&source=web&ots=saeszPr8Qv&sig=QK6fDSLueF0fb2OLPWG1-HRqTrs&hl=en#PPA150,M1
Amy Alkon at May 14, 2008 7:37 AM
My error--Seal Press published the work of Inga, Peggy Seltzer's "friend" who then said she wasn't, not really, but took down all her comments when challendged on her blog.
Still, clueless is as clueless does.
KateCoe at May 14, 2008 7:42 AM
Ah, the intolerance of the Left. Glad some things never change.
snakeman99 at May 14, 2008 7:46 AM
While taking no particular stance on this issue, which I'm too asleep to comprehend and isn't really my cup o' tea anyway (nothing hones the edge of ferocious passion and crippling boredom more than talk about race relations).... I'm glad not to be the quoted commenter who imagines a vast sector of humanity out there to be "my people." That's just askin' for trouble.
Crid at May 14, 2008 8:10 AM
Hi Flynne
At first i was going to type that it isnt a comic book, just retro illustrations when BAM! a flash of blinding light made me blink for a few.
Ohhh, comparing the light fluff horsepuckey in hr book to the comic genre. hahaha good one. Although there are many comic loving people who would beg to differ i bet.
Damn I hate when i am that slow.
rsj at May 14, 2008 9:18 AM
People get het up over the silliest things, rsj, doncha know? o_O
Flynne at May 14, 2008 10:20 AM
I'm still trying to figure out the problem. Am I missing some important bit of history where there were white, voodoo mask wearing natives in Africa, Central or South America capturing and torturing adventurous Europeans and Americans?
And is it just me or does the rant at BlackAmazon lose coherence shortly after the end of what Amy quoted? I guess that's what happens when you let a "crack ho" near a computer. Oh yes, I'm going to special kind of hell for that joke!!
moreta at May 14, 2008 10:53 AM
The week prior Amanda was accused of well, not quite plagiarism, but of failing to acknowledge a "brownfemipower's" contribution to feminist thoughts regarding immigration I think. And that caused the initial flare up that these illustrations tossed gasoline into.
I thought that was amusing, because of how both sides were basically wrong and idiotic in their points of view.
But I can now point to the following groups of people all upset with Marcotte for her smears, lies, and distortions....
straight people, gay people, bi people, transgendered people. liberals, libertarians, conservatives. men. women. people of color. sex workers. sex-positive feminists.
It turns out that the core group of people that enjoy and support Amanda are:
a) young (in college or recent grads)
b) predominantly white
c) mostly women
d) often young, predominantly white, male professors or grad students
This group finds a great deal of relevance in Amanda's shouting and fighting against "the privileged patriarchy" that is oppressing her and them and fighting for all human rights for all peoples.
Sigh.
jerry at May 14, 2008 10:55 AM
As a staunch anti-feminist (because I am so fond of women, generally), I am SO grateful for sweet, sweet Amanda M. If she (and her shrieking sisters and blubbering brothers) ever stopped spewing nonsense and gender hatred, how would I fill my time?
There are some guys who make you embarrassed to be a guy. I would think women like Marcotte make reasonable women embarrassed to be a woman ....
Jay R at May 14, 2008 11:59 AM
They made it easy for me to realize that I would not call myself a feminist, as I'm for fair treatment for all people, not special treatment for women and other groups, under the guise of equal treatment. And also, I don't want to be seen as a flaming idiot and whiny, runny-nosed, perpetual victim by association.
Amy Alkon at May 14, 2008 12:06 PM
Amy,
You're sorry when people get pissed? Are you getting soft? :-)
DaveG at May 14, 2008 1:00 PM
Not a chance! I'm only sorry THAT they were offended, and then, almost always because there's a possibility that their taking offense might jeopardize my column continuing in a paper. But, I don't apologize for what I write. I think a lot and read a lot before my stuff goes to press, and it's no accident that I say things the way they do. I am, however, very sorry that America can be so humorless (as is reflected in some of the absolutely ridiculous complaint letters and e-mails I get from people around the country).
Amy Alkon at May 14, 2008 1:11 PM
IMHO, humorlessness comes from feeling powerless while being unable or unwilling to face reality, which would explain Islam (life sucks, so let's blow stuff up!), among other things.
In this context, Rock and Rap are effective self-referential pressure valves.
We could cheaply and effectively win the "war on terror" if our leaders had the brains and balls to nullify their culture. Teaching their youth to rebel in more traditional ways might help. Or turn 'em into junkies. Just saying.
DaveG at May 14, 2008 1:59 PM
Why is there even a BlackAmazon anyway? What, aren't the books black people read available on the regular Amazon, or do they just want a forum where no whites are allowed?
Pirate Jo at May 14, 2008 2:53 PM
I can't even figure out what the BlackAmazon site is supposed to be - I assumed it was posing as an Amazon.com (books being reviewed, etc.) alternative for black people.
Oh well ... if I had that much time every day to spend being offended, I wouldn't be able to hold down a job.
Pirate Jo at May 14, 2008 2:56 PM
Oh well ... if I had that much time every day to spend being offended, I wouldn't be able to hold down a job.
As teh kidz say, QFT.
jerry at May 14, 2008 5:50 PM
They lost me at "witty." She's about as witty as a cinderblock.
Jim Treacher at May 14, 2008 5:54 PM
I would think a black amazon would be where the black racists and white "intelligensia" focus their brainwashing materials for blacks. Keep blacks from the mainstream, keep them pissed off and ignorant, then draw from their mob mentality and numbers whenever needed to advance someone's (one of the overlord classes mentioned above) bank account or socialist agenda.
I am a total Reaganite; I believe in the melting pot, not the salad bowl. But pure vile shize doesn't work in either.
Smarty at May 25, 2008 7:02 PM
Black Amazon's posts are ALWAYS incoherent. I think she believes that gives her authenticity as an 'artist.'
She seems to thrive on creating drama. Read just a few pages of her blog. Every entry is either an attack on a feminist blogger(s) or else it's an entry about why she's shutting down her blog (against her will?) and leaving the internet. Of course, such an attention seeker can't stay away for long....she will always return, explain why she had to come back (also against her will?) and ask for donations.
She rarely posts news stories of women with real problems, except in the context of berating someone else for not posting about a particular story. Mostly she wants people to pat her on the back, agree with her and feel sorry for her, which is easier to get when demonizing someone else.
bernie at September 17, 2010 2:19 AM
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