That quote from Salman Rushdie at the end sums it all up. That the SOA does not understand that makes it not fit for purpose.
I agree with your characterisation of JH's conduct on Twitter. "Tweeting in a personal capacity" is no excuse when displaying bias and mocking authors who have been subjected to appalling treatment. If nothing else, it brings the SOA into disrepute.
She can say what she likes about supporting freedom of speech but her actions belie her words.
It's incredibly difficult to have an engaging argument with someone who 1) believes you are hateful from the outset, and 2) satirizes you as someone who doesn't really exist while proposing a party celebrating your demise. But kudos to you for trying, LoobyLou.
Thanks for writing this piece. I’m a member of the Society of Authors and have written to them in the past with similar concerns. It’s interesting that the excuses I’ve been given - about only getting involved in individual cases confidentially, and not engaging in debates on social media because it “lacks nuance” have also been used to try and placate others. It doesn't make me feel they are genuinely listening.
The Society should be defending the rights of everyone to express their views, and trying to create a climate in which discussion and debate are possible. Instead it’s failed to call out bullying, and given the impression that it is taking sides. Joanne Harris’s tweets are simply not appropriate to her position as chair. Support whatever cause you want but don't call those with a different perspective names, attribute their motivations to hatred and bigotry, or "like" and retweet the people doing those things. It's inflammatory.
These issues really matters when so many authors feel under threat for expressing their own reasonable, lawful opinions.
That quote from Salman Rushdie at the end sums it all up. That the SOA does not understand that makes it not fit for purpose.
I agree with your characterisation of JH's conduct on Twitter. "Tweeting in a personal capacity" is no excuse when displaying bias and mocking authors who have been subjected to appalling treatment. If nothing else, it brings the SOA into disrepute.
She can say what she likes about supporting freedom of speech but her actions belie her words.
Exactly. Actions speak louder than words.
This is very good. Thank you.(Not an author.)
It's incredibly difficult to have an engaging argument with someone who 1) believes you are hateful from the outset, and 2) satirizes you as someone who doesn't really exist while proposing a party celebrating your demise. But kudos to you for trying, LoobyLou.
Thanks for writing this piece. I’m a member of the Society of Authors and have written to them in the past with similar concerns. It’s interesting that the excuses I’ve been given - about only getting involved in individual cases confidentially, and not engaging in debates on social media because it “lacks nuance” have also been used to try and placate others. It doesn't make me feel they are genuinely listening.
The Society should be defending the rights of everyone to express their views, and trying to create a climate in which discussion and debate are possible. Instead it’s failed to call out bullying, and given the impression that it is taking sides. Joanne Harris’s tweets are simply not appropriate to her position as chair. Support whatever cause you want but don't call those with a different perspective names, attribute their motivations to hatred and bigotry, or "like" and retweet the people doing those things. It's inflammatory.
These issues really matters when so many authors feel under threat for expressing their own reasonable, lawful opinions.
I completely agree.