I haven't written a story about the Dobbs decision in which the American Supreme Court overturned Roe vs Wade. This isn't because I don't care and certainly isn't because I support the ruling.
It's because I'm reeling. It's because what's happening here is far more horrific (believe it or not) than even this one decision. This is part of a larger, global (as in the world) crisis.
But I've said that I believe writers have a responsibility to highlight the important issues of their times. So I’m going to right now suggest that people follow Heather Cox Richardson's Letters to an American.
Dr. Richardson is an historian who lays out the course that has led us to this moment and provides both context and actions people can take to fight back. This thread is one such action.
Be informed. Don't go gently into this dark night. (Some people will get this reference.) If I can stop reeling long enough to formulate a relevant story, I will. In the meantime, I'll leave you with this clip from Christiane Amanpour.
Amanpour: I've covered repressive regimes, but I've never seen this
I know I'm in some state of shock, not only about this decision but also about so many others coming out of both Canadian and American courts right now. Loss of faith in what was once a highly respected position.
Thanks for sharing this in your newsletter. I can't help thinking that artists have to play a part in confronting the crisis--either directly or indirectly (we all need some escapism). I've been thinking a lot about what Rod Serling did with the Twilight Zone. He used sci-fi to talk about a lot of the issues of his day in a way the bypassed censors.
Writing fiction about completely unrelated topics has been the only way for me to escape/stay sane (now more than ever). I can’t help but feel like I’m caught in some absurd episode of The Twilight Zone. It’s terrifying on many levels.
I feel the same way, Dascha, regarding everything you’ve mentioned. Thank you for sharing this newsletter. 🙏
I know I'm in some state of shock, not only about this decision but also about so many others coming out of both Canadian and American courts right now. Loss of faith in what was once a highly respected position.
Thanks for sharing this in your newsletter. I can't help thinking that artists have to play a part in confronting the crisis--either directly or indirectly (we all need some escapism). I've been thinking a lot about what Rod Serling did with the Twilight Zone. He used sci-fi to talk about a lot of the issues of his day in a way the bypassed censors.
Writing fiction about completely unrelated topics has been the only way for me to escape/stay sane (now more than ever). I can’t help but feel like I’m caught in some absurd episode of The Twilight Zone. It’s terrifying on many levels.
I feel the same way, Dascha, regarding everything you’ve mentioned. Thank you for sharing this newsletter. 🙏
Heather Cox Richardson's newsletter is informative and important.