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May 14th, 2009

sqbr: Torchwood spoilers for various episode numbers: Jack dies (torchwood spoilers)
Thursday, May 14th, 2009 08:03 am
On the whole, as a white Australian, I feel uncomfortable making independent statements about racism which is specific to America. But this rule has been so consistent I feel it's worth noting:

The New Orleans Rule
Any fictional story set in New Orleans will involve witch-doctors/Voodoo/zombies.
There may be some superficial guff about how it's a perfectly respectable religion and maybe you'll meet a nice Voodoo priest or something but in the end it will turn out to be Evil And Scary and chances are the nice non-threatening Voodoo practicing black girl who helps the white protagonist will turn out to be a Dangerous Evil Slut.

Recent stories will mention Hurricane Katrina for regional colour, but really it'll be about the Scary Voodoo.

EDIT: May apply more to movies/tv/games than books.
Read more... )
sqbr: Alien city skyline (atlantis)
Thursday, May 14th, 2009 08:35 pm
A fic rec: Male Enhancement (The Soul and the Company Store Remix), Stargate Atlantis, Shepphard/McKay, rated sexitimes, by Leah.

Some thoughts: The thing with this story, is it started out as a remix of a sex-robot slash pwp but by the first sequel had turned into mostly gen science fiction about sentient robots and it continued in that vein until by the last story (of..four?) I was sniffling in happy tears at the heartwarming story of humanity and belonging.

So if you like porn but not thinky gen stick with the first story (or be prepared to skim a LOT :D), and if you like thinky gen but not porn just skim the sex scenes. It's a pity about the premise or I think Cam might like it, but the whole sex robot thing was apparently too off putting :)

The premise bugged me too: I have HUGE problems with any sort of power differential in relationships, as well as any romance where a love interest starts out being nice because it's their job and there's no clear distinction made of when they start being sincere, no point when it feels like they seriously considered not being yielding and perfect. Pretty Woman type scenarios Skeeve Me Out, and the fact that the robot has only been sentient for five years hits my age-gap squick in a weird way.

These issues are at least largely acknowledged, and it wasn't so squicky I didn't enjoy the story, but I think could have been handled in a more nuanced and indepth way. I guess I'll have to write my own fic :)

Stupid SGA fandom and your engaging fic, you keep making me want to watch the show and then I remember how irritating and dull it was.