Because I'm a lazy bastard, I'm reposting my latest Facebook rant on here -
http://www.newstatesman.com/culture/2014/03/jonathan-ross-and-hugo-awards-why-was-he-forced-out-science-fictions-self-appointed
Jonathan Ross has had to step down as host of the Hugos - a science fiction awards ceremony - after rabid nerds protested on Twitter. Wow, two stories on Internet bullies in one day, nice work keyboard warriors. Here is the low down, the main bods in charge of the Hugos wanted someone high profile with a link to science fiction, comic books, fantasy and movies and chose Ross. However, the other committee members weren't consulted, among them a feminist...dum, dum, dah!
Farah Mendlesohn warned that if Ross hosted the event, a writer called Seanan McGuire would refuse to appear because she was frightened he'd make a fat joke. Mendlesohn promptly resigned after her warnings were ignored, probably because the people who run the Hugos prefer money and publicity to right on politics and vegetarian lasagne. But here's where it gets really interesting, a hoard of feminist sci-fi fans ran to Twitter to complain, fearful that JR would call them lardies, make them cry and that they wouldn't feel 'safe'.
Some complained that it was damaging diversity, having a successful, white, male media personality as host - I'm sure they would have said exactly the same thing if Benedict Cumberbatch agreed to head proceedings - whereas others have branded him the epitome of 'lad culture' and misogyny. But more importantly, the geeks didn't want their tiny little insular shut-in world encroached by journalists - real ones, not bloggers - by having such a mainstream host.
The irony is that out of fear of receiving negative publicity, the Hugo committee members have shot themselves in their lefty feet by showing just how closed minded and intolerant they are to anyone who doesn't fit their 'diplomatically sensitive' presenter profile. One woman refused to appear out of an unfounded fear of being unfairly criticised, a man will now not appear after being actually unfairly criticised.
Come to the Hugos, meet Seanan McGuire (who?) and have a miserable time with a load of moany PC bigots who can't take a joke. Set phasers to: F**k You.
