To See, Or Not To See?
That is the controversial question.
As many of you know, this fall brings the much anticipated Ender's Game movie to the big screen. Like many Card fans, I have been waiting (not so) patiently for this moment to arrive. Unfortunately, Card's homophobia is getting in the way.
Now, I've known about his views on homosexuality for a long time. When I found out about his beliefs, I still continued to read his books, but I no longer purchased them. I admire his writing very much, and I couldn't stand the idea of denying myself the pleasure of reading it. I also continued playing AnsibleMOO, a text-based RPG that takes place in Battle School. I was simply unable to dismiss the wonderful world that Card created in the Ender Saga.
Now that the movie's release date is approaching, I am faced with a tough decision. I haven't given Card a penny in more than a decade, but I have been waiting for this movie since 1997. Not only that, since I began cosplaying, being Petra Arkanian has been a strong desire of mine. I already put together her outfit. Since there are no licensed costumes, I felt comfortable purchasing the items.
So. To see, or not to see?
Honestly, I don't know. I strongly disagree with Card's views on homosexuality, but I support his right to have his beliefs and to be vocal about them. Goodness knows I'm vocal about mine. However, just because I support his right to speak his mind, doesn't mean I have to monetarily fuel his fire. Then again, Ender's Game has nothing to do with homophobia, is a brilliant work of fiction, and the actors and crew that worked on the film are incredibly talented. Should I not acknowledge that with a ticket purchase?
As I battle with these thoughts I am reminded of someone else I boycott. Mel Gibson. Being Jewish, I have an intense hatred for Gibson's blatant anti-semitism. I hate him because he hates me. Does this mean that I am inclined to hate Card less simply because I am straight? That doesn't sit quite right with me.
I think, that in the process of writing this blog I have come to a decision. I love Ender's Game. The whole world is an incredible creation of an incredible mind. It has been my dream to cosplay Petra for years now, and I am going to do it. I'll be Petra the Poet at Otakon in August. Hell, I'll be Petra on November 1st at 12:00am. But it won't be at the theater.
Where will you be on November 1st?
As many of you know, this fall brings the much anticipated Ender's Game movie to the big screen. Like many Card fans, I have been waiting (not so) patiently for this moment to arrive. Unfortunately, Card's homophobia is getting in the way.
Now, I've known about his views on homosexuality for a long time. When I found out about his beliefs, I still continued to read his books, but I no longer purchased them. I admire his writing very much, and I couldn't stand the idea of denying myself the pleasure of reading it. I also continued playing AnsibleMOO, a text-based RPG that takes place in Battle School. I was simply unable to dismiss the wonderful world that Card created in the Ender Saga.
Now that the movie's release date is approaching, I am faced with a tough decision. I haven't given Card a penny in more than a decade, but I have been waiting for this movie since 1997. Not only that, since I began cosplaying, being Petra Arkanian has been a strong desire of mine. I already put together her outfit. Since there are no licensed costumes, I felt comfortable purchasing the items.
So. To see, or not to see?
Honestly, I don't know. I strongly disagree with Card's views on homosexuality, but I support his right to have his beliefs and to be vocal about them. Goodness knows I'm vocal about mine. However, just because I support his right to speak his mind, doesn't mean I have to monetarily fuel his fire. Then again, Ender's Game has nothing to do with homophobia, is a brilliant work of fiction, and the actors and crew that worked on the film are incredibly talented. Should I not acknowledge that with a ticket purchase?
As I battle with these thoughts I am reminded of someone else I boycott. Mel Gibson. Being Jewish, I have an intense hatred for Gibson's blatant anti-semitism. I hate him because he hates me. Does this mean that I am inclined to hate Card less simply because I am straight? That doesn't sit quite right with me.
I think, that in the process of writing this blog I have come to a decision. I love Ender's Game. The whole world is an incredible creation of an incredible mind. It has been my dream to cosplay Petra for years now, and I am going to do it. I'll be Petra the Poet at Otakon in August. Hell, I'll be Petra on November 1st at 12:00am. But it won't be at the theater.
Where will you be on November 1st?