Posts related to the feminist science fiction convention Wiscon.
Panel Description: While James Cameron’s film Avatar contains a strong anti–imperialist message, it is yet another movie where a white character joins an indigenous people (the Na’vi) and then becomes the “most awesome” member of that group. Adding to this dynamic, most of the Na’vi are portrayed by actors of color, and much of the Na’vi culture seems to be...
Panel Description: Love it, hate it, love/hate it, Joss Whedon’s Dollhouse definitely has feminist and racial issues worth talking about. What were its good points? Its bad points? Does the good outweigh the bad, or vice versa? Was it canceled too soon or not soon enough? Panelists: Kater Cheek, Sigrid Ellis, Anastasia Salter, Charlie Jane Anders (moderator), K. Tempest Bradford Rundown of...
Panel Description: In some ways, the gaming industry is the last glass ceiling of geekdom; in spite of its increasing diversity, gaming culture has largely assumed white, male, able–bodied, and heterosexual biases. Gaming communities like XBox Live, MMORPGs, D&D groups, and even retail stores can be noninclusive or even hostile environments to women, people of color, gay people, or the...
Panel Description: Back for a second go–round, by popular demand! Writers of color working in F/SF face unique challenges, it’s true. But, at the end of the day, being a “person of color” is only one aspect of what makes up our identities as writers and, while it’s very flattering to asked to be on panels, most of these panels never crack the ceiling of Race 101. With that...
Panel Description: There is a perception that there weren’t many women in Doctor Who fandom before the New Series was launched. This is patently false. Women have had a major role in Doctor Who fandom since the inception of the show. Do women approach and experience their Doctor Who fandom (or other media fandoms) differently than men? This panel explores different approaches to media...
It’s been nearly a month since WisCon 34, so it’s high time I posted my con report and panel notes. Once again, it was a stimulating and overwhelming experience, with the one big difference from previous years being that my feministsf.org co-conspirators Laura and Liz both couldn’t make it. I missed them and hope they can make it next time! This post is a narrative of what I did...
It’s a couple of days into WisCon, and I’m struggling to keep up with all the programming, people, and basic physical needs like eating and sleeping. But I’m hanging out with Liz and John and getting reconnected with lots of other folks and blogging, and it is good. I plan to write something up after the convention, but in the mean time I’ve been posting to Feminist SF...
I was just trolling my bookmarks list looking for other people’s reactions to WisCon, and this one from Eleanor Arnason made me burst into laughter: I am slowly digesting Wiscon, like a python which has eaten a really big goat. The feeling of uncomfortable fullness is gone and now I am beginning to fondly remember. I have moved from “that goat was way, way too big, how could I have...
Wow, what a great time. I met tons of cool, smart people, bought the largest number of books ever in a three day period, went to awesome parties, and attended some really interesting panels. And the wiki workshop was, indeed, fine.
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Tomorrow morning I’m catching a flight to Madison for the 31st WisCon. WisCon may no longer be the only convention focusing on feminist science fiction, but it’s still the mother of them all, and it’s going to be an impressive turnout of authors and fans. The Guests of Honor this year are Kelly Link and Laurie J. Marks, and the convention will once again be hosting the awards...