"Machete Don't Text."

[greygirlbeast]

It's Friday, kittens. Comment, as evidence that LJ isn't about to fade away.

A beautiful, beautiful sunny day out there. But I will be "good," and not run away to the seashore when I ought to be writing. My window's open, and for now that's just going to have to suffice.

Yesterday, I wrote 1,517 words on a new piece, for Sirenia Digest #65, "The Carnival is Dead and Gone." It sort of feels like it's happening in the same near future Manhattan as "A Season of Broken Dolls," and was inspired by all the talk about sideshows and freaks. So, a very good writing day. May there be another today.

---

I was just reading yesterday's coilhouse report on the assault of transwoman Chrissy Lee Polis and its aftermath. On the one hand, it's heartening to know that "Over 135,000 people have signed a petition demanding that the McDonald’s Corporation holds its employees accountable for the assault." And seeing hundreds of people show up for an anti-hate rally outside the MacDonalds where the attack occurred, that doesn't hurt, either. However, as the coilhouse article notes:

"Coverage of the story on the web has been as painful to watch as the footage itself. It was awful to witness the first wave of discussion, which appeared almost exclusively on white supremacist blogs, with transphobia piling on top of racism as details about Polis’ identity emerged. It was painful to watch mainstream, high-traffic blogs use the word 'tranny' in their coverage (the best example of this being, if memory serves correctly, Time-Warner-owned blog Smoking Gun, though their posts appear to have now been scrubbed of the slur). And it was painful to watch Polis’ own twin brother continually refer to her as 'my brother' and pointedly use male gender pronouns at her support rally. All around, a damning look at the country’s state of gender awareness, or lack thereof."

Lots of people aren't going to understand that thing about tranny. But just imagine Smoking Gun using words like nigger and faggot in articles reporting violations of African American and gay male rights. Yeah, it's like that. Doesn't mean you won't hear it used by transgender people, but...well, I'm going to assume I don't have to explain how an oppressed minority reclaims or appropriates denigrating language and, in so doing, gains strength from a thing that was meant to cause them harm.

---

Last night, we watched Robert Rodriguez' Machete (2010). We've actually had that particular Netflix envelope, unopened, since early February (!!!). Mostly, I was afraid that what made a very funny 30-second faux movie trailer couldn't be sustained for 105 minutes. But, I was wrong to worry, I'm happy to say. And fuck all, but Michelle Rodriguez just keeps getting hotter and hotter.

Later, Spooky and I finished reading Markus Zusak's The Book Thief. And what a brilliant and beautiful novel it is. Truly and genuinely. I'm lousy commenting on books, because I usually find myself relying on words that come off trite and come nowhere near expressing how I actually feel. Just because someone can write a book doesn't mean she can review or commentate on a book. It took me a while to figure that out. Regardless, yes, if you didn't read this one for the AB Book Club, please get around to it eventually. I struggle every day to achieve such simple, splendid poignancy as Zusak displays in this novel, and I think I've never yet come anywhere close. So, buy a copy or get it from the library. Listen to the audiobook. If you must, read it on your Kindle (shudder). Just read it.

Comments

[theninth.livejournal.com]

I'm really glad to see that there was so much support for the victim. I was also pleased to see that the Baltimore Sun used the correct pronouns when speaking about Polis -- at least in their original story. I didn't read any of the follow-ups. I also sincerely hope the 14-year-old is tried as an adult.

[greygirlbeast.livejournal.com]

I also sincerely hope the 14-year-old is tried as an adult.

Abso-fucking-luetly. But I sort of doubt that'll happen.

Love the icon.

[theninth.livejournal.com]

Thank you. I want to be Christopher Eccleston when I grow up.

You're right about the 14-year-old. Maryland does tend to go easier on those under seventeen. Which unfortunately leads to situations like this... the 18-year-old assaulted someone else in that same restaurant a year ago.

[greygirlbeast.livejournal.com]

I want to be Christopher Eccleston when I grow up.

I'd settle for being the companion to his doctor.

the 18-year-old assaulted someone else in that same restaurant a year ago.

I had no idea. Fuck.

[theninth.livejournal.com]

At least this time she's 18. She's being held without bail, too. Unfortunately because she was a minor at the time of the previous incident and the charges were dropped, that won't be used during the trial. I love Maryland, but sometimes it makes me sad. We get some stuff so right and other stuff so wrong.

[greygirlbeast.livejournal.com]

At least this time she's 18. She's being held without bail, too.

Another thing I'd not heard that I'm glad to hear. Now, if Hackett would only be arrested.

We get some stuff so right and other stuff so wrong.

I find that an apt description of America, as a whole.

[homewardangel.livejournal.com]

It is beautiful today but somehow I've got to get work done. I'm not feeling it at all. Also, Dewey ate an Aerobed.

[greygirlbeast.livejournal.com]

Also, Dewey ate an Aerobed.

Bad, bad Dewey.

[mme-terpsichore.livejournal.com]

I have to admit, I laughed so hard I almost choked on a peanut when I saw the title of this post. I love that film. I'm curious, have you seen Isidro Ortiz's Eskalofrio? It's a deeply creepy, very atmospheric movie about feral children and vampires, along the same lines as Låt den Rätte Komma in. The production designer, Pilar Revuelta, worked on Pan's Labyrinth. If you haven't seen it, I cannot recommend it enough.
Oh! And before I forget/pussy out, here are those sketches. (Please keep in mind: I drew them when I was a Junior in high school, so they're... rough.)
http://mme-terpsichore.livejournal.com/11615.html

[greygirlbeast.livejournal.com]

I'm curious, have you seen Isidro Ortiz's Eskalofrio?

No, but now I shall.

And before I forget/pussy out, here are those sketches. (Please keep in mind: I drew them when I was a Junior in high school, so they're... rough.)

Nice!

[whiskeychick.livejournal.com]

What is the next book? Did you say? I'm a bit behind in my reading. Stupid day job.

Yuki waves a paw at Smeagol and Hubero.

So glad that proper spring is about.

I feel bad that you are slaving away for Sirenia Digest and cannot go to the sea. Would it be okay if we all just said, "it's okay if it's late; go to the sea for today. Come back a refreshed Aunt Beast?"

[greygirlbeast.livejournal.com]

What is the next book? Did you say? I'm a bit behind in my reading. Stupid day job.

Gonna announce it on the first of May.

Yuki waves a paw at Smeagol and Hubero.

They'd wave back, but they're asleep.

Would it be okay if we all just said, "it's okay if it's late; go to the sea for today. Come back a refreshed Aunt Beast?"

It's okay. I'll write today. Tomorrow, though, we may go.

[opalblack.livejournal.com]

I'm listening.

I see you, day after day, asking for comments, and I never know quite what to say. Speak to me, ground me, distract me, interact with me, reach back. Tonight, at 4 ayem, "I'm listening" is the best I can muster.

Tomorrow I might tell you about my new job on a movie that aims to make vampires scary again, or how I found out I'd make an amazing fiction editor, but not now. I'm sorry :/

[greygirlbeast.livejournal.com]

Speak to me, ground me, distract me, interact with me, reach back.

That's pretty much it.

Tonight, at 4 ayem, "I'm listening" is the best I can muster.

That's plenty.

omorrow I might tell you about my new job on a movie that aims to make vampires scary again

Very cool.

[chris-walsh.livejournal.com]

Good of you.

There's another way that I also like, which is to respond to someone's especially difficult journal entries with "I read the whole thing" or even just "I read this." (I added the "I read this" because once I said the first phrase to someone who then got worried she'd written way too long of a difficult entry, when that wasn't what I meant at all.) I learned it from someone who, among other things, counsels people who've survived rape, so she's good at listening and hearing, and doing so gently. It's good for, obviously, less horrible but still difficult things.

P.S. Thanks for at least the hints of good, cool news. Always good to hear.

[stsisyphus.livejournal.com]

As usual, great call on the part of Coilhouse. Damn I wish I could read them without dropping into a sudden depression.

So, a very good writing day. May there be another today.

So say we all.

[greygirlbeast.livejournal.com]

Damn I wish I could read them without dropping into a sudden depression.

Now, now. They have a lot of neat and non-depressing articles.

Also, sorry you fell off whatever you fell off last night.

[stsisyphus.livejournal.com]

They have a lot of neat and non-depressing articles.

Oh, I know that. The reaction is actually something personal, which I will not go into on this public venue case that the individuals in question would be reading. It's nothing untoward. If you're curious, I'll let you know in game.

Also, sorry you fell off whatever you fell off last night.

Since I did it about eight times in a row, I think that condolences aren't really necessary. I was emulating Spooky and searching the high places for shinies. Recreational Hazard. On the other hand, Celinn now has something interesting to give FM.

[greygirlbeast.livejournal.com]

Oh, I know that. The reaction is actually something personal, which I will not go into on this public venue case that the individuals in question would be reading. It's nothing untoward. If you're curious, I'll let you know in game.

Got it.

Since I did it about eight times in a row, I think that condolences aren't really necessary. I was emulating Spooky and searching the high places for shinies. Recreational Hazard. On the other hand, Celinn now has something interesting to give FM.

Ah-ha!

Me and climbing in game, we go pretty well hand-in-hand. Like I said, I attribute it to all the years of playing console platforming games.

[stsisyphus.livejournal.com]

This reminds me, when I wasn't falling to my bloody doom, I took a screenshot of a nice spooky vista featuring a gloomy looking castle tower. Feels right out of your "The Prayer of Ninety Cats". I have to find out where Rift puts its screenshots when I get home.

[humglum.livejournal.com]

I absolutely love that you can get up to the very high places, once you find the correct path (usually not even obvious, just there). The falling, though... It sucks.

Oh, I did the underwater puzzle, with the aid of breathing potion from the lake cairns.

[mithriltabby]

I was first introduced to the term “tranny” with the meaning of “extra in the Rocky Horror Picture Show”, and still do a mental double-take whenever I see it in other contexts. I then tend to only see it used as an affectionate reclaimed term— I wasn’t even aware it was ever pejorative! I suppose this comes of growing up in the San Francisco Bay Area...

[greygirlbeast.livejournal.com]

I was first introduced to the term “tranny” with the meaning of “extra in the Rocky Horror Picture Show”, and still do a mental double-take whenever I see it in other contexts.

Interesting. I did Rocky in Birmingham, AL (a very strange affair) for three years, and never heard it. Anyway, for me tranny referred to "transmission," and I think auto mechanics still use it that way.

[mithriltabby]

I hear there’s a lot of divergence— my wife did Rocky in Eugene, OR and I learned it in Berkeley, CA, and we discovered we had a lot of different responses to the lines in the film.

[lm.livejournal.com]

I wasn’t even aware it was ever pejorative!

Me neither! Entering the queer community through the internet, and then living in SF, I've always found "tranny" to be a socially acceptable term.

That said, I'd definitely be weirded out if mainstream news media used the term, just like I am when they use "gays."

[vrykolakes.livejournal.com]

I loved every word of Zusak's "The Book Thief." What an incredible story! The first set of illustrations actually made me weep.

[greygirlbeast.livejournal.com]

The first set of illustrations actually made me weep.

Including Max's illustrations was part of the brilliance.

[fornikate.livejournal.com]

haha, my aim name is 'machetedonttext'. I really loved that movie, especially because of michelle. and danny trejo has been one of my favorite actors forever.

[greygirlbeast.livejournal.com]

I really loved that movie

It just really fucking rocks. I hope it was big in Arizona.

[fornikate.livejournal.com]

it was pure unabashed sleaze, which there is far too little of nowadays.

and lord i hope it was big in AZ. i just had to explain to a co-worker how california was part of mexico. i shit you not.

[greygirlbeast.livejournal.com]

it was pure unabashed sleaze, which there is far too little of nowadays.

Yerp.

and lord i hope it was big in AZ. i just had to explain to a co-worker how california was part of mexico. i shit you not.

Sigh....

[lois2037.livejournal.com]

I'm willing to cut the brother the tiniest bare scintilla of slack, since families are often forever clueless, no matter what. Ultimately, it's the love that counts, and he may, one day, finally get it. No slack whatsoever to stupid, heartless media! I can't imagine the special hell of being born into the wrong gender in our wonderful culture, and I'll never understand why some people find they must go out of their way and spend the great effort to beat up or kill someone for it.

Machete was truly a delightful surprise of a movie! I had great expectations, though, and it met and surpassed every one!

[greygirlbeast.livejournal.com]

I'm willing to cut the brother the tiniest bare scintilla of slack,

Perhaps I should, but having been there, I can't. Someone that close to you, those are the people need to go out of their way to get it right.

[lee-in-limbo.livejournal.com]

I am still here! Hope you're doing alright, and enjoyed the sun. *scratches out whiny next line* Ta.

[greygirlbeast.livejournal.com]

*scratches out whiny next line*

I do that quite a bit.

[ladyblue56.livejournal.com]

We survived the terrible night of tornadoes and I am relieved to read your family survived as well.
Two students we knew from the local high school in Priceville were killed in the tornadoes in Tuscaloosa, ages 22 and 23. We regained power last night b/c we're on the same grid as the gas stations at the Decatur/Priceville interstate exit. Ppl are still panicking, long lines at the gas stations and there are a few trucks set up selling generators at ridiculous prices. Price gouging is alive and well.
There is just too much to take in now that we have TV and internet again - the photos of damage, the number of deaths in our state alone, the deaths of Will and Danielle. I hit overwhelm early but quickly passed into numb.

[greygirlbeast.livejournal.com]

There is just too much to take in now that we have TV and internet again - the photos of damage, the number of deaths in our state alone, the deaths of Will and Danielle. I hit overwhelm early but quickly passed into numb.

I honestly cannot imagine. Stay safe.

[papersteven.livejournal.com]

"The Carnival is Dead and Gone." It sort of feels like it's happening in the same near future Manhattan as "A Season of Broken Dolls,"

More, sf? Can we really be so lucky?

Also, off topic, but have you seen this:
http://monsterbrains.blogspot.com/2009/12/s_29.html

[docbrite.livejournal.com]

What do you think about trans men who use "tranny" to self-describe? I'm not personally comfortable doing so, as it seems the word has been most widely used as a slur against trans women.

[greygirlbeast.livejournal.com]

What do you think about trans men who use "tranny" to self-describe? I'm not personally comfortable doing so, as it seems the word has been most widely used as a slur against trans women.

Well, like I said, I really have no problem with transwomen or -men using the word. The support group I was in for years in Atlanta, we all used it, along with "transie," which seems to have vanished from use.

[jdack.livejournal.com]

I saw the video of the beating last week. I couldn't finish watching it. I wanted to throw up and start sobbing and kicking things.

As if life isn't fucking hard enough to get through as it is, people have to go and do shit like this.

[sovay]

"The Carnival is Dead and Gone." It sort of feels like it's happening in the same near future Manhattan as "A Season of Broken Dolls," and was inspired by all the talk about sideshows and freaks.

Sounds lovely. I look forward to it.

I was just reading yesterday's coilhouse report on the assault of transwoman Chrissy Lee Polis and its aftermath.

I am glad someone is covering the story. There should be hate crime charges. There should be charges for all the people who stood around and watched.

[alumiere.livejournal.com]

It's a beautiful day here in LA too; I've been laying in the sun watching the cat run around the patio. And prepping a huge lamb shoulder for tomorrow's grilling. I'm glad things are finally spring like there.

[poesillchild.livejournal.com]

Machete was good fun.

I like Kyle's ideas for the Drowning Girl. Should be interesting.

Presently, I'm reading Swamplandia by Karen Russell, her first novel. The story concerns a family of everglades alligator wrestlers attempt to save their business from a new theme park called the World of Darkness. As if that isn't enough to get your attention, the underworld and ghosts are included. The book has great characters.

[chris-walsh.livejournal.com]

Bless Rodriguez's splatter-and-sweat-loving heart. That flick was heaps of fun; it was one of the few films I saw first-run in a theater last year. With you there on the Michelle Rodriguez love. I also love that one of the original faux-trailer's signature shots STILL wasn't in the film, which is probably a good sign that RR fully intends to make a second of these deranged-ities. (It's the shot where every surface of the inside of Machete'e cloak is covered in knives.)

Now I'll change the subject to a friend of RR's: did you hear Quentin Tarantino's gonna make a Western (http://www.hitfix.com/blogs/motion-captured/posts/quentin-tarantinos-new-western-has-a-title-django-unchained)?

[spank-an-elf.livejournal.com]

Machete was glorious. Danny T. and Robert R. make a damned fine pair. I need to buy it for the "hey, we're pissed off" collection. Kill Bill, which we just watched again (I believe you also just watched it) dominates the "pissed off" collection. Movies for when you need to unwind.

[gargirl.livejournal.com]

The footage of Chrissy's beating broke my heart. She was hurt so badly that she had a seizure... and for what? The information I saw was unclear, but it sounded like she just used the ladies room. I cannot understand why anyone would attack her for that., It was good see some of the customers trying to break it up but why on EARTH didn't the employees or the manager or someone throw those mean, violent people out? The only coverage I saw came in an email from change.org so I didn't see any slurs.

I want a world where everyone can be safe from hatred and violence. I fear I may need to start looking off-planet.