The Leaky Pipeline

[ysabetwordsmith]

Here's a thoughtful analysis of how publishing underrepresents women, not just at one point, but throughout the process.   On the bright side, this means you can pick any of the leaky points to address, depending on where you have access.

Comments

Re: Well...

[ysabetwordsmith]

>> I'd also argue that it "breaks" even the people who seem, on the surface, to survive, since it leads to the notion that abuse is not only "okay" but is the default state of human relationships. <<

I'd say "damages" rather than "breaks" for those who are still functional enough to support themselves.

>> ...And when the profession in question is writing fiction (especially genre fiction like sci-fi and fantasy), this may lead to a preponderance of stories in the pipeline with a cynical and/or violent tone. <<

Yes, that's a problem.

>> Which I believe is another layer of evil, because these genres help us imagine the possible. <<

I've noticed that the more divisive, insecure, and dysfunctional society gets ... the more I focus on better alternatives. I wind up fantasizing not just about stardrives and unicorns, but healthy families and communities where people actually take care of each other.

Re: Well...

[capri0mni]

"I wind up fantasizing not just about stardrives and unicorns, but healthy families and communities where people actually take care of each other."

*nod* Indeed. I like to think that dystopias are just as impossible as utopias.

Re: Well...

[ysabetwordsmith]

Sadly there are far more examples -- historic and current -- of really horrible societies than really great ones.

Re: True...

[capri0mni]

But even within the really horrible societies, there are people who are trying to change things for the better -- either on the big scale of the world at large, or on the small scale of creating a kind, soft, place within their personal circle (family or chosen friends).

And it's those stories I prefer to read/watch/write.

Re: True...

[ysabetwordsmith]

True.