In addition to being an extremely
offensive book in its own right, there’s also some really offensive things that
come with Out in addition to its homophobic content. And I’m not just
talking the author and her “this is not how it’s intended!” excuse (Bingo! I
got Bingo!)
See, it’s not only appropriative homophobic bigotry that would make the FRC salivate, but the way Preble is trying to sell this book just makes it worse
She cannot talk about this book without talking about
GSAs and PFLAG. When she launches her sales pitch for this book, this straight
woman grabs our fight for equality to piggy back attention for her book. She’s
not just appropriating the victimisation of gay people in her book and casting
us as villains, but she’s constantly using the reality of anti-gay oppression
and the gay rights movement as a tool in her marketing; which is especially
damaging when you consider both the homophobia of the book and that it’s
presented as YA – Young Adult. Others have already said how
terrible that can be (most certainly do read the comments).
In response to criticism from GBLTQ people about her
homophobia she has not only waved PFLAG and GSA around like a banner, but also
been quick to hide behind her gay friends and family.
She isn’t the first
straight person to feel they can profit –
through attention or money, or otherwise
benefit – from the struggles of GBLTQ people, not even remotely, but it
doesn’t make it even slightly palatable. Our rights and struggle for human decency
are not marketing tools so you can increase your profile and/or your bank
balance. Our battle for equality isn’t something you can just take and use to shill
books; show a crumb of respect for the struggle you’re supposed to care so much
about rather than use it for a platform
from which you can announce to the world how wonderful you are (and hopefully
sell shit in the process).
I’ve already spoken
about the whole “I have gay friends/relatives/etc etc” excuse which I’m
sure we’ve all heard so often before.
And you’ve got to love the Goodreads’s ratings. Several
brand new accounts are created to give Out 5 stars. That’s all they’ve read –
not one other book on their profile, but Out? 5 stars. Oh then there’s 2 more
that decide they’re going to read classics – maybe 2 or 3 like Animal Farm and
the Great Gatsby – Then give Out a huge rating. Because y’know, I’m sure that
describes many reading lists: Animal Farm, Great Gatsby, Out. Yes yes it does
and totally is not fake or a random friend or family member.
Of course, extra bonus points for countering criticism of
homophobia by having one of the brand-new-with-no-other-books-but-totally-real-accounts-honest
have a NOH8 picture in their profile. Well, it’s not like appropriation bothers
these people is it?
