I wanted to keep this week’s episode short and sweet — to encourage you all to read the Brodies candidates before voting š — but unfortunately people have conspired to write a bunch of amazing posts this past week!!
First of all, please go read Cognitive Dissenter’s gorgeous and eloquent response to the adage “no one is perfect” (with follow-up discussion). Then the voice of the single Mormon woman (again, with follow-up). Clearly such unruly singles need a stern warning from their leaders!
In other second-class categories, don’t forget the “inactives”. (Beware the love bomb!) And those Mormon feminists, agitating faithfully. And don’t forget the gay — Invictus Pilgrim has compiled a list of GA statements, showing how the LDS church’s rhetoric has evolved.
Wow, I guess the only people missing from the list now are the “so-called intellectuals”! Like the person with this theory of persuasion. (I know, Jon already highlighted this post, but if you missed it, read it — Open Mind gives a clear and insightful discussion of how persuasion works and doesn’t work.) And Paul’s post is almost a follow-up, describing a subversive force (more powerful even than evil spirits!) that challenges the social order. And, speaking of the power of love, view the results right here!
This has been a great week for stories! Beautiful Pencil has posted her exit story — and, wow, stick around for the ending!! Speaking of exits, no Answers has drafted an exit talk — looks pretty good, but perhaps you can offer some suggestions. Marcus and Hypatia have had a difficult experience with the family. And Runtu has posted a mission escape adventure!
And — for a few last topics to chew on — the precisions of Utah’s redistricting, the “CleanFlicks version” of Huck Finn, and an object lesson in privilege (or lack thereof).
Have a great week, and happy reading!
Wow. Thanks for the shout-out MSP and for the kind people who nominated and voted for my often rambling blog/posts. What a cool community this is to be a part of. Thanks, MSP, for helping us connect and find our common ground. It’s great therapy and support. You guys rock.
thanks everybody! i got SO many international (and not) hits this week. i’m over the moon. i put up part 4 of my exit story today!
This one probably deserves a post of its own, but I wanted to link it here for the moment:
http://www.salon.com/life/feature/2011/01/15/feminist_obsessed_with_mormon_blogs
Very interesting.
I have been trying to tap into the “gay Mormon” community since publishing my books, “Mormon Underwear” and “The Abominable Gayman,” but I find it is very fractured. I suppose it’s a good thing that everyone is now able to think on their own and can have diverse opinions, but at the same time, it seems that so many “ex-Mormons” spend a lot of their time disagreeing with each other and claiming their journey is the only valid one. It looks like Main Street Plaza is a bit more inclusive, so I need to follow this site more regularly. I’m also looking for anyone who might be interested in reviewing my latest book, “Mormon Fairy Tales” (it’s not a gay book, just about unorthodox Mormons in general). Progressive Mormons are a fringe group under the best of circumstances, so I’d like to get to know more of you.
Hi, Johnny. Welcome to MSP. I’m that same Alan that presented with you at Sunstone last year.
I first discovered MSP when I was doing research on gay Mormon lit and found chanson’s review of Jonathan Langford’s No Going Back. I particularly liked her reading of the novel from a progressive feminist lens. She also reviewed my novel, and I’ve stuck around as a regular ever since. I don’t know that this site is hideout for gay Mormons particularly (in my experience, not really), but queer politics/Mormon politics is a frequent topic here.
Johnny — Great to hear from you! I enjoyed your story “Almond Milk” in the collection In Our Lovely Deseret, and I’d been hoping to read/review more of your works ever since the panel on the Gay Mormon Lit Project that I attended at Sunstone. I’d love it if you could send me a review copy of your new book! Please email me: chanson dot exmormon at gmail dot com. Thanks!