Here is an excellent and thought provoking article from K.C. Redding-Gonzalez, whose writing is always on the highest level.
As new biographies and Critical works and essays are published, more and more people are learning the awful truth about H.P. Lovecraft – the man ascribed to be the Father of the Modern Horror genre – that he was a racist, classist, arrogant bigot and misogynist.
In a world where we are increasingly affected by the consequence of such views, where do we draw the line? Where should we draw the line? And why – because of his contributions – do we seem so willing to look the other way?
What makes Lovecraft different? And how can we look to Lovecraft as a creative example with all of the things we now know about him?
The answer is complicated. But for those who recoil in disgust or offense, there are very important reasons why Lovecraft cannot be damned for his faults. And while we may wish to condemn him for…
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I think it’s the gravest and most arrogant of errors to judge people of days long past under modern societal rules. I’m not shocked that he was these things, considering the era in which he grew up. And I think most people who now recoil in disgust need to realize that, had they grown up in such times, the odds are good that they would be just as bigoted. Also you can still appreciate art without liking the artist.
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I agree, except, for me, in the rarest of cases–Ezra Pound, in particular.
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Thank you for the praise AND the reblog!
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KC, you are very welcome!
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KC makes some insightful comments about a complex individual. Thanks for passing this on.
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You are very welcome!
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