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In the Good Company of Crackpots
Guy LeCharles Gonzalez of Buzzscope, who announced this week the results of his investigation into Ronee Garcia Bourgeois’ reporting of the Brownstein/Soma incident, also participates in a blog, Comic Book Commentary. In an announcement he made there yesterday on the release of his statement, he notes the muted and somewhat chastened response it received from industry press outlets:
Our two most vocal critics, Heidi MacDonald and Graeme MacMillan, both linked to it without much comment, though the former conveniently condenses it to perhaps its least important point, while the latter curiously links to Heidi's earlier misleading screed that attempted to discredit Buzzscope while not referencing his own similarly harsh commentary on the situation. I suspect The Comics Journal's recent update might have come as a bit of a surprise to both of them, realizing the case wasn't anywhere near as closed as they apparently thought. Imagine that? A sobering observation indeed, and perhaps a good cause for reflection on the manner in which the incident has been covered in the comics media. Not only by Heidi MacDonald and Graeme MacMillan, however, but by other pivotal journalists and creators as well. The likes of Matt Brady, Rich Johnston, Joe Quesada and Jim Valentino, amongst some others, who rushed to defend the accused in the incident, and did so at the expense of the victimized woman whose primary concern is that a more tragic future occurrence is prevented. The subliminal condemnation of Taki Soma in the unbalanced statements and commentaries they gave, considerably contributed to misleading public opinion, diminishing from the traumatic results of an assault on a presumably innocent woman amongst us, who continues to suffer the tragedy.
On a relevancy, Mr. Gonzalez notes the efforts put forth here at Rabble-Rouser to help change this perception: Meanwhile, Michael Netzer is on a one-man crusade to defend Taki for his [not unreasonable] perception of the unbalanced coverage the story has received ever since Brownstein was outed by the Journal as her alleged attacker. He's particularly tough on Chris Staros and Heidi MacDonald. Apparently the guy has a reputation for being something of a crackpot, but his postings on this particular subject have been mostly reasonable, especially compared to the hysterical and/or hypocritical posts of some other uninformed and/or clearly biased spectators. Of course, in comics, being considered a crackpot is pretty good company to be in, joining the certifiable likes of Alan Moore, Grant Morrison and Frank Miller, so more power to the guy.
Though I have not always enjoyed the reputation for being something of a crackpot (at least not for the first several years of my comics career in the mid 1970's, having little cognizance of the arguably sane profession I was emerging into), I must admit that I've grown rather fond of having it. I do, nevertheless wonder at times, what exactly it is that I have earned this reputation for?
Could it be perhaps, the not completely unintentional perception I give the comics community of a prophetic role I envision (which has withstood the test of time, when considering the scope of the comics industry in the mid 1970's, at the onset of this journey), not only for myself but also for the comic book creators and the Superhero mythology within the world of pop culture? Would it perchance be the flamboyant appeal of a self-reluctant and publicly-cast comics messiah working diligently (and with noted success in the meantime) to garner support and enthusiasm for such a vision? May it conceivably be the glorious events I've foreseen, leading to the toppling of our civilizational infrastructure by a world-wide, media-driven, socio-political-economic revolution, awaiting us all around the corner? Or might one entertain the probability that it is fueled by my assertions, from nearly 30 years ago, about Titan, the moon of Saturn, (which NASA has recently released supporting evidence for) as being our next primary goal in the colonization of our solar system - a rich world sporting rivers, mountains, clouds and an ocean, along with a few additional surprises soon to be revealed?
I must confess that it all remains a great mystery to me. But until an answer begins to make itself more evident, I can only express warm gratitude to the likes of Guy LeCharles Gonzales. Not only for the encouraging support of the efforts on behalf of Ms. Soma, but primarily for taking the lead himself and for the marvelous struggle for truth and justice which Taki Soma, Ronee Garcia Bourgeois, Buzzcope, and himself continue to wage in the face of rather overwhelming opposition.
As for being placed in the company of such notables as Alan Moore, Grant Morrison and Frank Miller... well, I humbly thank you for the sentiment, Mr. Gonzalez, but I remain somewhat uncertain that it's truly appropriate.
Though it conceivably bears further consideration... if I may allow myself to admit.
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Posted: 8:32 AM EST
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