Comments on: What Would Happen If Comic Convention Panelists Demanded Parity?

By: James Schee

James Schee — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 16:46:36 +0000

Yes and for some of the SF/comic fans, this is the one thing they feel they fit and have influence or even some measure of control (or dominance?) over.

You’d think their experience of being excluded, or marginalized in other things would give them empathy for others. For some it doesn’t seem so though.

By: Johanna

Johanna — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 13:07:56 +0000

It’s hard for people to give up the privilege they’ve had, some without even recognizing it.

By: Faith

Faith — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 12:40:38 +0000

One of the comments I saw on one of the many sites that posted this idea, complained that it would “unfairly penalize young male writers.” Um … it’s suggesting that the panel be 50% women. 50%. Not 75%, not 100% women. 50%. Y’know, like the overall population of the world?

Dear lord, some people they are so WORRIED about the sexism against men!!!11 I don’t even know.

By: Johanna

Johanna — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 01:38:27 +0000

If DC now is anything like DC when I worked there, the company is very leery of having anyone on staff “represent” them on a panel unless they’re one of the approved marketing voices.

By: James Schee

James Schee — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 01:28:05 +0000

Interesting approach. I see this having more effect right now on SF panels than comic ones. Since Cornell, whose only current comic work is Saucer Country & Demon Knights, is likely just to not get invited to many panels.

Hopefully it raises awareness though. I feel a little bad for the women the first few times it happens though. Some folks are generally not nice about this stuff, look at comments sections when this gets discussed, and there might be some boos and animosity directed at them at first.

I always found it odd that DC has (had? since I see names leaving all the time) so many female editors and asst, editors that you don’t see more from them at panels.

By: David Oakes

David Oakes — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 23:36:22 +0000

I applaud Mr. Cornell taking a stand, even if it means I won’t be allowed to interview him a second time.

But I think of SDCC, and have images of Dan Didio having to hold Gail Simone at gunpoint in Room 6CDE for the entire convention.

By: Sallyp

Sallyp — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 21:55:11 +0000

Good for him. I don’t anticipate that much will ever happen unless people like Mr. Cornell make it happen…because it is just so much easier to go with the flow.