On religion-driven homophobia, and comics...

So, the whole Orson Scott Card thing at DC...

Orson Scott Card, famed writer of the Ender’s Game series of scifi novels, is an outspoken chap. In an essay in 2004 he said:

The dark secret of homosexual society—the one that dares not speak its name—is how many homosexuals first entered into that world through a disturbing seduction or rape, or molestation or abuse, and how many of them yearn to get out of the homosexual community and live normally

Personally I find his views abhorrent, but if he doesn’t use his forthcoming “Adventures of Superman” run as a platform for these views, is there an issue to answer?

Before everyone jumps on me and claims I’m an apologist for OSC’s homophobia, I’m not. As I stated above, I personally find his views antiquated and abhorrent BUT I think people signing the petition to remove OSC really need to take a look at what they’re asking DC to do.

People outraged by the appointment are saying that due to a man’s personal views and activism, he should be denied a job. To quote Phil Jimenez: 

People, like me, are decrying the appointment because of the man's political activism, which has resulted in changing laws and public policy in a way that negatively impacts thousands upon thousands of people economically and legally (look up NOM). Because he's a dangerous anti-gay, anti-woman bigot who champions instating laws that would make me a criminal (and not for being late on my taxes), and has called for the downfall of the US Government (and has said he would help in any way he could over marriage laws; a political threat, not just a "viewpoint"). And I don't decry DC for giving the man a job, as disappointed as I am about it, but I absolutely encourage people to actively boycott the work as a means of social and moral activism, and to tell the corporation that they will not consume, i.e. pay, for materials from such a politically active figure. Each is a perfectly reasonable act in a capitalist society (corporation can hire anyone they like; consumer can choose to buy or not to buy for any reason they like). Beyond that, it's Superman. Really? Just from a messaging perspective, it's a terrible, terrible choice.

Insisting someone be refused work due to their views is a slippery slope to head down and removing OSC could set a bad precedent.

However (and this is the important thing, to me at least) if he uses the opportunity of writing the book as an excuse to broadcast his personal beliefs, and have Superman championing heteronormative relationships/marriage to the exclusion of all other options, THEN we have an issue that needs addressing.

No, I won’t be buying the book, nor do I have any interest in reading it, but I do think we need to be very careful before we decide someone’s personal views should affect their suitability for a job writing about an orphaned alien fighting giant robots

If you're outraged by his appointment, vote with your wallet and don't buy the book. 

And on a final, lighter, note; here's The Gutters take on what OSC might write in his first issue of "Adventures Of Superman" Orson Scott Card's Superman?