How could they? How could anyone?

That's the question going around about That J2 Haiti Fic®.  I'm taking a stab at answering it. 

A few points first.

1.  The following is my opinion, and I don't think any of this is revelatory or particularly hopeful. I think it needs to be said in plain language, and I'm not pulling any punches here.  I don't think the author's feelings warrant much consideration at this time.

2.  I haven't read all of the fic.  I'm not apologizing for that, nor do I think that fact negates my right to say what follows.  I read the opening scenes, skimmed sections, and I read half of the pull quotes collected by bossymarmalade here.  I cannot be directly hurt by this story.  I am in a position of privilege that allows me to read things this dreadful and not be harmed, and still I could not force myself to read all the pull quotes.  I do not believe that this story is merely a mistake, a poor choice, a bad idea or even a series of bad ideas.  It is offensive in concept and in execution. 

3.  I'm pretty much setting aside the author is dead idea for this post.  I'm not claiming to be able to see inside this particular author's mind, but I am stating bluntly what I believe are the prerequisites for the existence of this story. 

4.  I absolutely believe that the author did not know this story was offensive.  I absolutely believe that the author did not know they wrote racist depictions of Haitian people.  I absolutely believe the artist did not realize that using pictures of Haitian people was offensive.  I absolutely believe that the artist did not know that was a racist act.  I just don't think any of that matters.



How? How could anyone?

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