I recently read a Blog by Emily Finke on he experiences at Balticon. You can read the whole thing at: here
I actually met Emily at Balticon while she was wearing the costume mentioned in her blog. I told her how I thought it was well made very authentic. Having watched the original series, her costume was very nostalgic for me, and I appreciated the attention to detail.
Apparently, others at the event felt Ms. Finke was sending a message, and proceeded to let her know how they felt about it. The last few days, I’ve been glued to the comments section and have read some of the most bizarre statements. To her credit, Ms. Finke answers these comments in a forthright, yet non-insulting manner. I commend her for that.
This issues raises some real concerns. This is after all, the 21st century.
I have been most of my life, a feminist. I have always felt that women should get the same respect as men. Perhaps this is because my older sister had no problem beating me up when I was a kid, or keeping me in line. I never had a “weaker sex” role model in my life. My mother lived through the worst part of World War II, my grandmother eked out her existence on a small farm after both her husbands died – leaving her with nothing but a bunch of kids.
Ms. Finke’s experience seems like something better suited for the 1950’s a lá Channel 37. Generally, our stories try to have positive female role models, women who can fend for themselves. It is Major Candace Dare that frees a tied up Colonel Fitzhugh from the mad scientist as drags him to safety on a rocky road in high heels, without once twisting her ankle. It is Professor Madeleine Abbott that saves the world from alien invasion. Irene “Smitty” Smithson keeps the Pickett in one piece and functioning even after a crash landing. And so on.
Another great article I found this week is Lisa Bloom’s How to Talk to a Little Girl: here
This article could be used as a primer, teaching guys how to talk to women and girls in public places.
Guys, this IS the 21st Century. Let’s start by not acting like cavemen (my apologies to the Geico guys). Please Grow Up! And thank you Emily Finke!
Our normal schedule will resume next week. Thank you!
