DC Hires Anti-Gay Writer on Superman

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

DC Comics has hired the science fiction writer Orson Scott Card to write for a Superman comic book, spurring outrage because of his outspoken views against gay marriage and homosexuality. Card, known for the science fiction novel Ender's Game, is a board member of the National Organization for Marriage who has written essays against gay marriage and homosexuality. In a 2008 essay, Card wrote, "Regardless of law, marriage has only one definition, and any government that attempts to change it is my mortal enemy. I will act to destroy that government and bring it down, so it can be replaced with a government that will respect and support marriage, and help me raise my children in a society where they will expect to marry in their turn." An online petition opposing the hiring has received 13,000 signatures. It states, "By hiring Orson Scott Card despite his anti-gay efforts you are giving him a new platform and supporting his hate. Make sure your brand stands for equality and drop Orson Scott Card now."

Posted by Corky at 05:09 PM | 105 COMMENTS | permalink | Comment on This Entry |

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Corky

Joined 2005/05/24
Visited 2013/05/18

Status: user

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Noah Berlatzky of The Atlantic writes, "It's disturbing to have Orson Scott Card writing Superman, then, in part because Superman is supergood, and the supergood shouldn't hate gay people. But it's also disturbing, perhaps, because Superman is a violent vigilante -- and because violent vigilantism in the name of good is often directed not against injustice, but against the powerless. Indeed, Orson Scott Card has actually made an explicit plea (in a now-deleted post) for the violent homophobic overthrow of any government that supports gay marriage."

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"Look, up in the sky! It's a Bird...It's a Plane... It's Super Homophobe Man!"

Announcer: "Yes, it's Superman, strange visitor from another planet who came to Earth with gaydar and phobias far beyond those of mortal men.

Superman, who can change the sexual preference of mighty Drag Queens, bend gay in his bare hands; and who, disguised as Glen Beck, mild-mannered reporter for a great metropolitan cable show, fights a never ending battle for same sex marriage, straight cowboys, and the American no way, gays." "

And now, another episode in the exciting Adventures of Super Homophobe Man!"

#1 | Posted by Corky at 2013-02-19 12:52 PM | Reply | Flag:

I somehow doubt the editors at DC, recently responsible for two major characters "going gay," will allow Card to inject his crap into the character. I'm bummed to hear this about Card, btw. He's a great writer.

#2 | Posted by pragmatist at 2013-02-19 12:57 PM | Reply | Flag:

Card is one of the best sci-fi writers we've had, but his beliefs are hardly a surprise, given that he's a mormon.

#3 | Posted by Alexandrite at 2013-02-19 01:02 PM | Reply | Flag:

should have been "against same sex marriage".

I've always been a big sci-fi fan, but for some reason I never appreciated Card's books, the couple I tried to read anyway. I had no idea he was so anti-gay.

#4 | Posted by Corky at 2013-02-19 01:15 PM | Reply | Flag:

Enders Game is an absolute classic piece of science fiction.

#5 | Posted by Alexandrite at 2013-02-19 01:18 PM | Reply | Flag:

Enders Game is an absolute classic piece of science fiction.

#5 | Posted by Alexandrite

If you're thirteen year old, I guess. Hardly what anyone would call "hard" science fiction. More like a juvenile video game fantasy.

#6 | Posted by moder8 at 2013-02-19 01:19 PM | Reply | Flag:

I didn't say it was Asimov or Niven.

#7 | Posted by Alexandrite at 2013-02-19 01:21 PM | Reply | Flag:

6: Nobody said it was "hard" science fiction. There's great sf that's not about space travel etc. It is a damned fine novel in many ways, not just for young adolescents. I'd just say "great novel" and leave the sf out of it. The first three Alvin Maker books are also really impressive. He's a damned fine writer all around--idea for idea, sentence for sentence.

#8 | Posted by pragmatist at 2013-02-19 01:28 PM | Reply | Flag:

If you're thirteen year old, I guess. Hardly what anyone would call "hard" science fiction. More like a juvenile video game fantasy.

#6 | POSTED BY MODER8

Alexandrite is correct. It is widely regarded as one of the finest science fiction novels ever written, and won both Nebula and Hugo awards. If "juvenile video game fantasy" is what you got out of the novel, you missed the point of it entirely. It's about morality.

#9 | Posted by MUSTANG at 2013-02-19 01:32 PM | Reply | Flag:

I didn't really buy the Superman = vigilante = fascist take the article author had, btw. Sure there may have been some of that at the start but not anytime recently that I know of.

#11 | Posted by Corky at 2013-02-19 01:35 PM | Reply | Flag:

Every immature science fiction buff I have ever known has sung the praises of Enders Game. It is relatively short, not real complex, lots of adolescent rivalry action. It's a book for high schoolers. I'm glad you enjoyed it. I did too. When I was about 15 y/o.

#12 | Posted by moder8 at 2013-02-19 01:36 PM | Reply | Flag:

7th son was good, the other alvin maker books kinda stunk for me. I stopped reading card at about 16 or so.

#13 | Posted by Alexandrite at 2013-02-19 01:37 PM | Reply | Flag:

Ender's Game (2013)

www.imdb.com

Hans Solo is Col Graff?

#14 | Posted by Corky at 2013-02-19 01:37 PM | Reply | Flag:

Since zat is here, i'll ask him this question:

I recently lost quite a few older sci fi books to water damage. Can't remember one particular authors name, but his book had a space marshal type with a "god" in his shoulder for protection.

Help a brother out?

#15 | Posted by Alexandrite at 2013-02-19 01:40 PM | Reply | Flag:

Sounds like you're in the minority then. "In 1999, it placed #59 on the reader's list of Modern Library 100 Best Novels." Like I said, it's deeper than you recall from when you read it as a giggly 15-year old pubescent.

Back on thread: I've read quite a bit of Card's work, and if his novels contained any overt homophobia or even an undercurrent of it, I must have missed it. Makes me think he is probably capable of writing a Superman novella without making Superman sounds like a Kryptonian Jerry Falwell.

#16 | Posted by MUSTANG at 2013-02-19 01:41 PM | Reply | Flag:

It is "deep" in the same way the movie "Life Of Pi" was deep. Like a high school or freshman year college philosophy survey class.

#17 | Posted by moder8 at 2013-02-19 01:43 PM | Reply | Flag:

Ironically, the sequel, Speaker For The Dead, actually was pretty decent from a strictly science fiction point of view.

#18 | Posted by moder8 at 2013-02-19 01:44 PM | Reply | Flag:

Alan Scott isn't a well-known name, the character is being completely "reset" and in a different universe than the main characters.

#19 | Posted by redlightrobot at 2013-02-19 01:51 PM | Reply | Flag:

#15 | POSTED BY ALEXANDRITE

Sounds like The Chaos Weapon by Colin Kapp (had to look his name up, to be honest). I love those old pulp sci-fi novels. They had the best cover art...

#21 | Posted by MUSTANG at 2013-02-19 01:57 PM | Reply | Flag:

#15 | POSTED BY ALEXANDRITE
Sounds like The Chaos Weapon by Colin Kapp (had to look his name up, to be honest). I love those old pulp sci-fi novels. They had the best cover art...
#21 | Posted by MUSTANG at 2013-02-19 01:57 PM

Real-world Legion Of Doom! I'm torn between the clever Zuckerberg and that brilliant Bin Laden.

#23 | Posted by redlightrobot at 2013-02-19 02:04 PM | Reply | Flag:

Thanks, mustang! I love how the "god" gives him wishes because he knows he'll be taking off in fear of his life...as the protagonist is going to plug up a giant probability cannon with a giant planet. The science is a bit light in places, but it's a fun and original read.

"The Wizard of Anharitte" is much better, and takes place in the same universe.

Owe ya one, buddy.

#24 | Posted by Alexandrite at 2013-02-19 02:04 PM | Reply | Flag:

I had no idea he was so anti-gay.

#4 | Posted by Corky at 2013-02-19 01:15 PM

Ignorance is bliss, eh?

#22 | Posted by Corky at 2013-02-19 01:58 PM | Reply

Talk about the ultimate self-retort.

#26 | Posted by matsop at 2013-02-19 02:07 PM | Reply | Flag:

No worries. One of those books I picked up for two bits at a used book store, probably. I was always judging books by their covers......

#27 | Posted by MUSTANG at 2013-02-19 02:08 PM | Reply | Flag:

#26 I wasn't advocating ignorance, you were.

#28 | Posted by Corky at 2013-02-19 02:08 PM | Reply | Flag:

But the perverted agenda crowd will now do their twisted contortions to disparage Card and Superman.

Nobody forced card to write his anti-gay screeds, calling for the overthrow of a government that would allow same sex marriage.(really wish I just made that up)

laist.com

How long before married people answer the dictators thus: Regardless of law, marriage has only one definition, and any government that attempts to change it is my mortal enemy. I will act to destroy that government and bring it down, so it can be replaced with a government that will respect and support marriage, and help me raise my children in a society where they will expect to marry in their turn.

Orson Scott Card took a big hateful steamy dump on the public floor. Pointing out that it smells is not a twisted contortion.

#29 | Posted by Alexandrite at 2013-02-19 02:11 PM | Reply | Flag:

I was always judging books by their covers......

#27 | Posted by MUSTANG at 2013-02-19 02:08 PM | Reply | Flag:

Alan Dean Foster books always ended up in my basket because of their art.

#30 | Posted by Alexandrite at 2013-02-19 02:12 PM | Reply | Flag:

Ender's Game is an exceptionally acclaimed science fiction novel.

Orson Scott Card isn't just opposed to homosexuality because of his religious beliefs. He's exceptionally worked up about it. In 2008, he spoke approvingly of the days when adulterers could be put to death and advocated the overthrow of the government if gay marriage was legalized:

"Regardless of law, marriage has only one definition, and any government that attempts to change it is my mortal enemy. I will act to destroy that government and bring it down, so it can be replaced with a government that will respect and support marriage, and help me raise my children in a society where they will expect to marry in their turn."

I'm disappointed DC would hire him. But Marvel hired him a few years back and it wasn't this enormous controversy, so I'm wondering if DC was hoping for this firestorm [1] so it could sell more comics.

1: Not to be confused with the nuclear powered fusion hero Firestorm.

#31 | Posted by rcade at 2013-02-19 02:14 PM | Reply | Flag:

"Help a brother out?"

What makes you think I read that imbecilic crap?

#32 | Posted by Zatoichi at 2013-02-19 02:19 PM | Reply | Flag:

Beat ya by 3 minutes, rcade...

#33 | Posted by Alexandrite at 2013-02-19 02:20 PM | Reply | Flag:

"advocated the overthrow of the government if gay marriage was legalized:"

Not that i know the guy or his beliefs but to call it that is blatantly taken out of context. You have to remove the sentence previous that asks how long others until the people say that, as included by the full quote provided in #29. Regardless of his beliefs he is a sifi writer and that is exactly how that genre works, take a concept to its theoretical limits. Either way if you are going to accuse him of advocating an overthrow of the government you may want to cite a quote that actually supports it.

#34 | Posted by salamandagator at 2013-02-19 02:21 PM | Reply | Flag:

What makes you think I read that imbecilic crap?

#32 | Posted by Zatoichi at 2013-02-19 02:19 PM | Reply | Flag:

I thought you were into old sci-fi.

Pardon me for asking, you cantankerous dinosaur.

#35 | Posted by Alexandrite at 2013-02-19 02:22 PM | Reply | Flag:

I thought you were into old sci-fi.

Pardon me for asking, you cantankerous dinosaur.

#35 | Posted by Alexandrite at 2013-02-19 02:22 PM | Reply

Rcade, that's pretty insulting. Of course, Zat is pretty knowledgeable about global warming and dinosaurs are extinct and possibly because of high CO2 levels so it may not be as insulting and pejorative as it appears on the surface.

#36 | Posted by matsop at 2013-02-19 02:32 PM | Reply | Flag:

Either way if you are going to accuse him of advocating an overthrow of the government you may want to cite a quote that actually supports it.

The "how long before married people answer the dictators thus" construction is Card's poetical way of endorsing the belief that follows. In the preceding paragraphs he talks about himself being heterosexually married and how that establishes a "keep off" sign around his wife's private parts.

#37 | Posted by rcade at 2013-02-19 02:57 PM | Reply | Flag:

#30 | POSTED BY ALEXANDRITE For me it was Fredick Pohl novels. Seems like his books always came with great cover art. It didn't hurt that he was a pretty damned good writer.

#38 | Posted by MUSTANG at 2013-02-19 03:12 PM | Reply | Flag:

Pohl was a good read.

#39 | Posted by Alexandrite at 2013-02-19 03:22 PM | Reply | Flag:

"Ender's Game (2013)"

One of the worst ideas I've ever seen--the movie, not the book. How in the world do you do it justice?

"Back on thread: I've read quite a bit of Card's work, and if his novels contained any overt homophobia or even an undercurrent of it, I must have missed it. Makes me think he is probably capable of writing a Superman novella without making Superman sounds like a Kryptonian Jerry Falwell."

Ditto. On all parts.

"Alan Scott isn't a well-known name, the character is being completely "reset" and in a different universe than the main characters."

Alan Scott isn't well-known? Well, to general readers, no, but to comic book readers who know anything about Green Lantern... And he's a classic, if not fully iconic. And, um, Batwoman? My point stands.

And btw, some of what we call pulp is damned good storytelling. Philip K. Dick, for instance, is not a great writer (sentence for sentence), but he's a damned fine concept guy.

#40 | Posted by pragmatist at 2013-02-19 03:25 PM | Reply | Flag:

And btw, dissing Ender's Game for being popular among adolescents and therefore limited to them is like dismissing The Hobbit as "just a children's book."

#41 | Posted by pragmatist at 2013-02-19 03:26 PM | Reply | Flag:

Pohl was a good read.

He still is. At age 93 he's still writing novels and blogging:

www.thewaythefutureblogs.com

#42 | Posted by rcade at 2013-02-19 04:02 PM | Reply | Flag:

" construction is Card's poetical way of endorsing the belief that follows."

It is asking what the response will be, it does not establish his intent while it does not rule it out but it certainly cannot in any reasonable reading of it equate to an endorsement of that response. If you only go as far as to look at this site you will find that there are many times where similar language has been used. How often in the gun debates have you herd something along the lines of how son until some teacher goes nuts and shoots up a school? Would you consider that an endorsement as well? It may be a dumb comment but to call it advocating for violence is disingenuous at best. If there is a larger context or he has spoken about people violently revolting before and supports it then you could legitimately claim that but without that it can only be your own projected fantasies.

#43 | Posted by salamandagator at 2013-02-19 05:05 PM | Reply | Flag:

Read this essay Card wrote for his fellow Mormons on why they should never accept homosexuality:

www.nauvoo.com

There is no doubt in my mind that he favors the overthrow of government if it supports gay marriage. He is an extremist on the issue of gay rights. The idea they'll be allowed to legally marry makes him nuts.

#44 | Posted by rcade at 2013-02-19 06:23 PM | Reply | Flag:

"He is an extremist on the issue of gay rights."

That's a pretty hard sell considering what he wrote in the essay you provided. That is unless you consider a differing and more traditional view then yours to now be extreme. Funny how that works, he speaks of compassion towards the individual and he is the extremist. It does not make you hateful or an extremist to refuse to embrace an action you find immoral, we all do that and we all should.

"There is no doubt in my mind that he favors the overthrow of government if it supports gay marriage."

That is fine as long as you understand that it is in your mind and is not supported by the quotation or the essay you provided. You are free to hold whatever imaginative views you wish.

The funny thing is that i would be closer to what you think he said then he is by his comments. It is not irrational to believe that a rule over society by the government is something that would be fought and rightly so. Society is supposed to rule the government not the other way around.

#45 | Posted by salamandagator at 2013-02-19 07:03 PM | Reply | Flag:

That is unless you consider a differing and more traditional view then yours to now be extreme.

I don't think all anti-gay marriage views are extreme. I think he is extreme because of the things he says about gay marriage and homosexuality. He was once in favor of the laws against homosexuality remaining on the books.

#46 | Posted by rcade at 2013-02-19 07:17 PM | Reply | Flag:

laws against homosexuality

That's like laws against green eyes.

What next? Declare pi=3? Tomatoes vegetables?
Owning a box with a spring in it is worse than murder?

#47 | Posted by Zatoichi at 2013-02-19 07:20 PM | Reply | Flag:

exactly what did he say that was extreme? granted I am only going off the quote and essay but he did not advocate violence and specifically spoke against it, he did not say they should not be treated with compassion he said that they should be welcomed if they repented so what was it? its his morality against yours that does not make him an extremist. so why bother trying to paint him as such? not to get to down on you but it is just obnoxious how often people are called bigoted or extreme just because they don't line up perfectly with someone's views as if somehow validity is subject to a single opinion.

#48 | Posted by salamandagator at 2013-02-19 08:11 PM | Reply | Flag:

So its fine to descriminate against someone for their stance on gay marriage? What is next are we going to discriminate against black people? I am afraid something got lost in translation.

#49 | Posted by Olivenhain at 2013-02-19 08:36 PM | Reply | Flag:

So its fine to descriminate against someone for their stance on gay marriage? What is next are we going to discriminate against black people? I am afraid something got lost in translation.
#49 | Posted by Olivenhain at 2013-02-19 08:36 PM

Card is an anti-gay author writing a gay super hero.

#50 | Posted by redlightrobot at 2013-02-19 08:56 PM | Reply | Flag:

Good.

Let him channel that into his writing, just like he thinks homosexuals should channel their homosexual urges into something positive.

#51 | Posted by snoofy at 2013-02-19 09:09 PM | Reply | Flag:

It is not irrational to believe that a rule over society by the government is something that would be fought and rightly so.

That's funny, because Ender's Game presents exactly the opposite message. That fascism is necessary to fight an existential threat.

I suppose if he sees gay marriage is an existential threat, then OSC is being consistent...

#52 | Posted by snoofy at 2013-02-19 09:11 PM | Reply | Flag:

not to get to down on you but it is just obnoxious how often people are called bigoted or extreme just because they don't line up perfectly with someone's views as if somehow validity is subject to a single opinion.

#48 | Posted by salamandagator at 2013-02-19 08:11 PM | Reply | Flag:Another valiant defender of pluralism.... except when that pluralism extends to marital or sexual choices with which said defender happens to disagree....

#53 | Posted by DirkStruan at 2013-02-19 09:16 PM | Reply | Flag:

Good.

Let him channel that into his writing, just like he thinks homosexuals should channel their homosexual urges into something positive.

#51 | Posted by snoofy at 2013-02-19 09:09 PM | Reply | Flag:

I think that this is what people are worried about...

#54 | Posted by DirkStruan at 2013-02-19 09:19 PM | Reply | Flag:

Orson Scott Card is a well known writer.

Are we to burn at the stake anyone who doesn't agree with all our opinions?

#55 | Posted by Tor at 2013-02-19 10:10 PM | Reply | Flag:

"DC Hires Anti-Gay Writer on Superman"

Bummer, since DC has been "evolving" along with Obama.

#56 | Posted by KBM at 2013-02-19 10:18 PM | Reply | Flag:

"Card is an anti-gay author writing a gay super hero."

Superman is gay? Call the Planet!

#57 | Posted by pragmatist at 2013-02-19 10:59 PM | Reply | Flag:

Superman is gay? Call the Planet!

Forget calling his boss. Somebody better call Lois Lane.

#58 | Posted by CalifChris at 2013-02-19 11:04 PM | Reply | Flag:

Orson Scott Card is a well known writer.
Are we to burn at the stake anyone who doesn't agree with all our opinions?
#55 | Posted by Tor at 2013-02-19 10:10 PM

DC Comics probably would be confronted to allow same-sex couples benefits, so Card is the perfect choice rather than hiring a gay author.

#59 | Posted by redlightrobot at 2013-02-19 11:14 PM | Reply | Flag:

DC Comics probably would be confronted to allow same-sex couples benefits,

#59 | Posted by redlightrobot at 2013-02-19 11:14 PM | Reply | Flag:

Why would that be a bad thing?

#60 | Posted by DirkStruan at 2013-02-19 11:33 PM | Reply | Flag:

60: And maybe they already do.

#61 | Posted by pragmatist at 2013-02-20 12:03 AM | Reply | Flag:

"DC Comics has hired the science fiction writer Orson Scott Card to write for a Superman comic book, spurring outrage because of his outspoken views against gay marriage and homosexuality."

Translation: left wing swarming to censor someone is okay. This man has views shared by millions and to intimidate him is to attempt to intimidate them all.
This is a disgusting protest. He is being hired to write science fiction, which he does well, not make political policy.

#62 | Posted by Diablo at 2013-02-20 12:21 AM | Reply | Flag:

Enders Game, and his HomeCOmming Series were both really good. Never got a "I hate [...]" vibe from any of his writings though.....HIs personl essys and wrtiitngs. Ya he is a traditional Mormon. I do not agree or like is Personal Politics or Thoughts on Religion; I DO like most of his Fiction though. He also wrote the story of the XBOXLIVE game Shadow Complex(which played alot like Castlevania: SOTN) and it was realy good.

#63 | Posted by GotTruth at 2013-02-20 02:45 AM | Reply | Flag:

Translation: left wing swarming to censor someone is okay.

Censorship would be when Obama bans Superman comic books for gay-bashing, or some school board bans a book for promoting the gay lifestyle

That is very far from what's happening here.

This is a public outcry about a business decision. Comic book fans are telling comic book makers to steer clear of this guy because they think he's gross. At most this becomes a boycott, and if you oppose that then you oppose free market principles without even realizing it

And that's either hilarious or tragic, depending on how you slice it.

#64 | Posted by snoofy at 2013-02-20 02:47 AM | Reply | Flag:

A person's views on social and political matters should not matter (usually, there are exceptions) in whether they can have a job or not. I mean, if you disagree with me, Snoof, then blacklisting Commies in the 50's was okay.
We can not have it both ways.
This guy has a proven record of writing sci-fi. That's all that should matter unless he has been espousing violence against gays and such.

#65 | Posted by Diablo at 2013-02-20 02:56 AM | Reply | Flag:

When some modern-day Senator McCarthy goes on a witch-hunt for heterosexist sympathizers in Hollywood, I'll agree with you.

Operative word being "Senator."

Until then this is just the rabble speaking their mind. They have that right. DC has the right to ignore them. People have the right to not want to put money in OSC's pocket when they buy comic books.

There's a difference between a boycott and a blacklist.

#66 | Posted by snoofy at 2013-02-20 08:13 AM | Reply | Flag:

This guy has a proven record of writing sci-fi. That's all that should matter ...

If DC's customers don't want Card to write for the company because they find his views offensive, that's their right just as much as it's yours to boycott a publication you view as anti-Catholic.

#67 | Posted by rcade at 2013-02-20 10:07 AM | Reply | Flag:

"This guy has a proven record of writing sci-fi. That's all that should matter ..."
If DC's customers don't want Card to write for the company because they find his views offensive, that's their right just as much as it's yours to boycott a publication you view as anti-Catholic.
#67 | Posted by rcade at 2013-02-20 10:07 AM

The singular issue is that DC is pandering to someone, but not to the gay audience who have been interested in gay characters since forever.

I mean, could you imagine the nomenclature for gay characters the same as what they pulled out from their ass for "culturally sensitive" moves like Black Eagle, Black Lightning, Black Racer, The Black Spider, Black Vulcan or Blackwing?

Anyhow, I still feel Card is as homophobic a choice as you can get. It's as if Rick Berman were running things.

#68 | Posted by redlightrobot at 2013-02-20 12:50 PM | Reply | Flag:

Someone disagrees with homosexuality????

oh noooooooes!

#69 | Posted by Tor at 2013-02-20 01:44 PM | Reply | Flag:

The singular issue is that DC is pandering to someone, ...

I think DC is trying to foment controversy to sell more comics.

Gay Lightning would be an awesome superhero name.

#70 | Posted by rcade at 2013-02-20 01:44 PM | Reply | Flag:

"Gay Lightning would be an awesome superhero name"

I hear they're planning to stick with Green Lantern.

#71 | Posted by Tor at 2013-02-20 01:54 PM | Reply | Flag:

so if you hate a gay jew are you an anti-gay semite or an anti anti gay semite? I can't keep up!

#72 | Posted by AuntieSocial at 2013-02-20 02:32 PM | Reply | Flag:

Gay Lightning would be an awesome superhero name.

Gay Lightening Rod is awesomer.

#73 | Posted by Whizzo at 2013-02-20 02:52 PM | Reply | Flag:

WHIZZO don't be silly.

Ace and Gary .... fit.....perfectly.

#74 | Posted by Tor at 2013-02-20 03:24 PM | Reply | Flag:

"The singular issue is that DC is pandering to someone, ..."
I think DC is trying to foment controversy to sell more comics.
Gay Lightning would be an awesome superhero name.
#70 | Posted by rcade at 2013-02-20 01:44 PM

I hadn't taken that into account. A very Passion Of The Christ move that perhaps will reveal a Mel Gibson moment yet to come. Fingers crossed!

Gay Lightning would be an awesome superhero name.
Gay Lightening Rod is awesomer.
#73 | Posted by Whizzo at 2013-02-20 02:52 PM

WINNER! That I would buy a poster-sized cover to frame for my very heterosexual best friends bedroom. The perfect gift that keeps on.. giving every waking moment.:]

#75 | Posted by redlightrobot at 2013-02-20 03:37 PM | Reply | Flag:

Hey it's 2013, of course a writer needs pro-ghey creds to get hired. But isn't that considered "straight" discrimination? It's 2013 - who cares about the straight?

#76 | Posted by phesterOBoyle at 2013-02-20 04:52 PM | Reply | Flag:

Hey it's 2013, of course a writer needs pro-ghey creds to get hired. But isn't that considered "straight" discrimination? It's 2013 - who cares about the straight?
#76 | Posted by phesterOBoyle at 2013-02-20 04:52 PM

What the [bleep] do you know about Alan Scott?! He was straight - and now he's isolated in a separate universe from the other DC superheroes like he's a plague-carrier.. all because a Mormon writer was hired to write a gay character which he won't care about.

#77 | Posted by redlightrobot at 2013-02-20 05:53 PM | Reply | Flag:

What the [bleep] do you know about Alan Scott?! He was straight

The headline says this so you can BMB:
"DC Hires Anti-Gay Writer on Superman"

#78 | Posted by phesterOBoyle at 2013-02-20 06:07 PM | Reply | Flag:

This headline is downright idiotic. Card is famous for a LOT more than just not liking gay people. Furthermore, check this out: THERE'S NOTHING WRONG WITH DISLIKING GAY PEOPLE, just like there's nothing wrong with disliking redheads, cat lovers, survivalists or just plain guys who wear their hats sideways.

#79 | Posted by soheifox at 2013-02-20 07:35 PM | Reply | Flag:

The world has vegan activists.

I may not agree with them but I don't want to see them lose work.

The world has peace activists.

I may not agree with them but I don't want to see treated like criminals.

The world has healthcare activists.

I may not agree with them but I don't want to see treated like nazi's.

Civil people deserved to be treated with civility.

#80 | Posted by Tor at 2013-02-20 07:36 PM | Reply | Flag:

Folks, comics geeks are outspoken people. They shout about what they care about.

Folks, consumers are often outspoken people. They speak up when they care.

I don't like knowing that Card is some sort of loud and proud homophobe, but it doesn't change my opinion of him as a writer (he rocks), nor does it lead me to buy or not buy the Superman comics he writes. I don't like the character all that much, and I seldom buy comics these days (though I am a comics geek).

But here's the thing: People can create boycotts for whatever reasons they wish. Others can listen or not, as they wish.

#81 | Posted by pragmatist at 2013-02-20 08:02 PM | Reply | Flag:

THERE'S NOTHING WRONG WITH DISLIKING GAY PEOPLE, just like there's nothing wrong with disliking redheads...

There's a reason. Redheads are renowned for their extra large manparts...many a brown-haired man has felt the shame of his own puniness upon setting his eyes on our ginormous [...] for the first time...not to mention what the ladies think.

☺

#82 | Posted by madscientist at 2013-02-20 08:06 PM | Reply | Flag:

redheads

Neanderthals were redheads.

#83 | Posted by Zatoichi at 2013-02-20 08:08 PM | Reply | Flag:

Civil people deserved to be treated with civility.

#80 | Posted by Tor at 2013-02-20 07:36 PM | Reply | Flag:

Is a person who supports institutional discrimination against a group of people seeking legal recognitions that will harm no one "civil?" Is someone who feels that discrimination is sufficiently important to justify rebellion against a government that abandons it "civil?" Is the expression of opinion (up to and including boycotting and open criticism) regarding a writer's publicly expressed political views "uncivil?"

It is all very easy to endorse a "let's all just believe what we want and not argue" sort of philosophy when you agree with the status quo.

#84 | Posted by DirkStruan at 2013-02-20 08:09 PM | Reply | Flag:

"Neanderthals were redheads."

Happy extinction! : )

#85 | Posted by pragmatist at 2013-02-20 08:16 PM | Reply | Flag:

He was straight - and now he's isolated in a separate universe from the other DC superheroes like he's a plague-carrier..

Alan Scott and the other JSA members have been in their own universe before. There's nothing new about that.

#86 | Posted by rcade at 2013-02-20 08:17 PM | Reply | Flag:

"What the [bleep] do you know about Alan Scott?! He was straight"
The headline says this so you can BMB:
"DC Hires Anti-Gay Writer on Superman"
#78 | Posted by phesterOBoyle at 2013-02-20 06:07 PM

DC have splintered into over 52 universes according to my informant.. And imagine, now there is a gay man in one of them!

#87 | Posted by redlightrobot at 2013-02-20 08:48 PM | Reply | Flag:

"He was straight - and now he's isolated in a separate universe from the other DC superheroes like he's a plague-carrier.."
Alan Scott and the other JSA members have been in their own universe before. There's nothing new about that.
#86 | Posted by rcade at 2013-02-20 08:17 PM

That entire post was written as satire, and still my points are valid.:]

#88 | Posted by redlightrobot at 2013-02-20 08:50 PM | Reply | Flag:

THERE'S NOTHING WRONG WITH DISLIKING GAY PEOPLE...
#79 | POSTED BY SOHEIFOX AT 2013-02-20 07:35 PM | REPLY | FLAG:

There's something wrong with not liking a person because they are gay.

You generally dislike people for their actions, not the life they were born into.

Unless you're one of the people that believe being homosexual is a choice...

Now, if a gay person walked up and punched your mom in the face and laughed about it as he walked away, then yes, dislike that person with all your heart's desire.

#89 | Posted by ClownShack at 2013-02-20 08:50 PM | Reply | Flag:

redheads
Neanderthals were redheads.
#83 | Posted by Zatoichi at 2013-02-20 08:08 PM

As were Atlantians.. and their flag colors were black, white and red - same as a certain German organization who stole sacred symbols for their own nefarious purposes..

#90 | Posted by redlightrobot at 2013-02-20 08:51 PM | Reply | Flag:

Mega Dittos!

Prag,

Did you ever think you might grow up to be just like Rush? I only ask cause you just got your first dittohead.

Love ya, in a totally platonic way of course.

Interesting note Chrome doesn't believe homophobe is a word.

#91 | Posted by TaoWarrior at 2013-02-20 08:55 PM | Reply | Flag:

"Mega Dittos!
Prag,
Did you ever think you might grow up to be just like Rush? I only ask cause you just got your first dittohead."

I, uh, don't know what to say.

"Love ya, in a totally platonic way of course."

Well, you know what those Greeks were like.

#92 | Posted by pragmatist at 2013-02-20 09:04 PM | Reply | Flag:

As were Atlantians..

Here's a clue Archimedes, Neanderthals actually existed.

#94 | Posted by Zatoichi at 2013-02-20 09:06 PM | Reply | Flag:

As were Atlantians..

Here's a clue Archimedes, Neanderthals actually existed.

#94 | Posted by Zatoichi at 2013-02-20 09:06 PM | Reply

Funny.

#100 | Posted by matsop at 2013-02-20 09:19 PM | Reply | Flag:

@DIRKSTRUAN

There are vegan activists who claim that by eating animals we are engaging in murder.

Doesn't mean they're right.

#115 | Posted by Tor at 2013-02-20 09:57 PM | Reply | Flag:

There are vegan activists who claim that by eating animals we are engaging in murder.
Doesn't mean they're right.
#115 | POSTED BY TOR AT 2013-02-20 09:57 PM | FLAG:

Of course they are right. Unless you're in the habit of scavenging for your food and only eating carrion.

#116 | Posted by ClownShack at 2013-02-20 09:58 PM | Reply | Flag:

Wow, so if your house is burning down do you ask the fireperson that shows up if they are gay or not? WTF. Or if they don't like gay people? Everyone has a job to do. Let them do their job? I would like someone who can do their job. Regardless of anything they believe in or what sex they are. Hell or believe they are.

#126 | Posted by Federalist at 2013-02-20 10:10 PM | Reply | Flag:

"Of course they are right. Unless you're in the habit of scavenging for your food and only eating carrion."

mmmmm...carrion.

it's usually good but clown tastes funny.

#144 | Posted by Tor at 2013-02-20 11:34 PM | Reply | Flag:

Tor, your sentence is in need of punctuation.

I cannot tell if you are telling me that carrion tastes funny: it's usually good but, clown, tastes funny.

or if you're telling me that clown meat tastes funny: it's usually good, but clown tastes funny.

#145 | Posted by ClownShack at 2013-02-20 11:37 PM | Reply | Flag:

@ #145

www.youtube.com

#146 | Posted by Tor at 2013-02-20 11:55 PM | Reply | Flag:

Well done sir, well done.

#147 | Posted by ClownShack at 2013-02-21 12:23 AM | Reply | Flag:

THERE'S NOTHING WRONG WITH DISLIKING GAY PEOPLE, just like there's nothing wrong with disliking redheads, cat lovers, survivalists or just plain guys who wear their hats sideways.

If you had written that sentence this way -- THERE'S NOTHING WRONG WITH DISLIKING GAY PEOPLE, just like there's nothing wrong with disliking blacks, Jews or women -- it would be more obvious why it's offensive.

But even if you think disliking gays is OK, there's a lot wrong with using your dislike for a class of people as justification for denying them rights, which is what Orson Scott Card is doing.

#149 | Posted by rcade at 2013-02-21 08:24 AM | Reply | Flag:

@DIRKSTRUAN

There are vegan activists who claim that by eating animals we are engaging in murder.

Doesn't mean they're right.

#115 | Posted by Tor at 2013-02-20 09:57 PM | Reply | Flag:

What does this have to do with my post or the topic of the thread?

#150 | Posted by DirkStruan at 2013-02-21 11:21 AM | Reply | Flag:

#126 | Posted by Federalist at 2013-02-20 10:10 PM | Reply | Flag:

Stop being obtuse. The man is being hired to be a writer in a genre in which social and political questions are routinely addressed. Of course his opinions on social and political questions are relevant to his performance of such a job.

#151 | Posted by DirkStruan at 2013-02-21 11:25 AM | Reply | Flag:

#149 | POSTED BY RCADE AT 2013-02-21 08:24 AM | REPLY |

Since you insist:

f you had written that sentence this way -- THERE'S NOTHING WRONG WITH DISLIKING GAY PEOPLE, just like there's nothing wrong with disliking blacks, Jews or women.

No everyone is going to like everyone, and no group deserves some magical protection against being disliked. That's what equality _means_, and some people are terrified of it. Discrimination in hiring, housing practices are illegal and damned well should be, but in a real adult world sometimes people will generalize and dislike other groups of persons and there's nothing wrong with it.

To my main point, referring to a legend in the sci fi field as an "anti gay writer" is complete idiocy. That's like referring to Obama as a "dog eater". Is it something both of them have done? You bet. It remains stupid to refer to anyone by a minor facet of their body of works and actions; especially when they;re totally irrelevant to the topic at hand.

#152 | Posted by soheifox at 2013-02-21 04:42 PM | Reply | Flag:

#151 | POSTED BY DIRKSTRUAN AT 2013-02-21 11:25 AM | REPLY | FLAG:

You're the one being obtuse, or possibly downright delusional. Comics rarely "tackle" social issues, and when they do, they do it in a stupidly hamfisted manner. Most of the time when someone high up at Marvel or DC get a bug up their butt about some social topic, the fans cringe, roll their eyes and wait for it to end so they can get on with the other storylines.

They're comic books. Go read one.

#153 | Posted by soheifox at 2013-02-21 04:44 PM | Reply | Flag:

no group deserves some magical protection against being disliked. That's what equality _means_, and some people are terrified of it. Discrimination in hiring, housing practices are illegal and damned well should be, but in a real adult world sometimes people will generalize and dislike other groups of persons and there's nothing wrong with it.
#152 | POSTED BY SOHEIFOX AT 2013-02-21 04:42 PM | REPLY |

No group deserves special protection? So you're for abolishment of civil rights?

There are more people everyday that recognize discrimination against homosexuals based on them being homosexual is wrong. They deserve equal rights and justice just like everyone else receives.

Does the KKK have the right to their beliefs? Yes they do.

Do I have to right to call them out on their intolerance? Yes I do.

Do you have the right to discriminate against Homosexuals? Yes you do.

Do I have to right to call you out of your intolerance? Yes I do.

Deal with it.

#154 | Posted by ClownShack at 2013-02-21 06:43 PM | Reply | Flag:

"You're the one being obtuse, or possibly downright delusional. Comics rarely "tackle" social issues, and when they do, they do it in a stupidly hamfisted manner. Most of the time when someone high up at Marvel or DC get a bug up their butt about some social topic, the fans cringe, roll their eyes and wait for it to end so they can get on with the other storylines."

You must be joking. Comic books tackle social issues constantly. X-men is basically an extended civil rights allegory. DC made a habit of pairing ideologically opposed characters with one another (Green Arrow/Green Lanter, Icon/Rocket, even the less than creative Hawk/Dove). Comics have long tackled issue such as race, drugs, feminism, and, recently, homosexuality. To put an anti-gay writer at the helm of one of the world's most popular comic books is a notable move.

#155 | Posted by DirkStruan at 2013-02-21 07:38 PM | Reply | Flag:

Gay Lightning would be an awesome superhero name.

The Gaped Crusader?

#156 | Posted by Jak_Se_Mao at 2013-02-21 10:29 PM | Reply | Flag: