I managed to get myself thoroughly wound up earlier today, although I've calmed down a bit now. It all came about after reading about the author of a controversial book in the US having been arrested on thoroughly trumped up (and, in so far as I understand the US constitution, which isn't too much, unconstitutional) charges. The subject matter of the book, of course, is the issue - it seems, from reports I've read, to be a boylove tract, written from the perspective of a loved boy. What upset, and, if I'm being honest, outright frightened me about the reactions to what's happened, though, is that this author isn't charged with any sexual crimes, or even subject to any allegations of anything of that kind, he's simply been targeted for having written about a controversial subject. Amongst the comments left by members of the public on a news website where I read about the story, left, presumably, by people who would identify themselves as Christian, are examples hoping that this man, who, let me reiterate, appears to be guilty of nothing beyond writing a book, will be raped in prison, or even subjected to 'street justice', i.e. be lynched. I can't imagine the US has any monopoly on hatred and bigotry, so I'm sure that there are people in this country who would want me to be raped in prison or killed or both, for having had the audacity to express my views on the same subject, and it's not a prospect that I approach with anything less than fear. I don't consider myself to be a coward, but there's only one of me, and I have no doubt that if any of these people had the opportunity to dispense their version of 'street justice' they wouldn't be dispensing it single-handed. Some might say I'm being excessively paranoid, and maybe I am, but having seen the depths to which some people's hatred can descend, I'm certainly going to think twice about what I put in my blog. Which means, of course, that the haters will win, if I'm going to self-censor. Damned if I do, and damned if I don't, or so it seems.
Love & best wishes to all
Sammy B
I read the story in a couple of places, and ignored all the comments, which mean pffff. I don't see how the charges can stick on constitutional grounds. Sure, what he wrote was abhorrent, but there are very few forms of speech that are allowed to be censored and that isn't one of them. The book is allegedly about how to groom children into having a sexual relationship with adults. But Florida is a very conservative state that charges people on a whim for all sorts of junk. So we shall see what happens!
ReplyDeletePeace <3
Jay
Hello Jay
ReplyDeleteI haven't read any of the book, and I suspect none of the haters have, either, but to know the haters are out there, and think they've got some divine right to take the law into their own hands, makes me extremely nervous. It's '1984'-style thoughtcrime made manifest. Anyone who forces another, adult or child, to do anything against their will deserves to be punished, but to potentially be killed for writing what might amount to nothing more than a fantasy can't fall within any sensible definition of natural justice, IMHO.
On what I would like to think is a happier note, I hope you have an enjoyable Christmas.
Love & best wishes
Sammy B