Science Fiction Writer Ursula K. Le Guin Movingly Warns Against the Dangers of Capitalism

[marmar]

from truthdig:

“I think hard times are coming when we will be wanting the voices of writers who can see alternatives to how we live now and can see through our fear-stricken society and its obsessive technologies to other ways of being, and even imagine some real grounds for hope,” said Ursula K. Le Guin as she accepted the Medal for Distinguished Contribution to American Letters at the 65th annual National Book Awards ceremony.

The fantasy and science fiction author “stole the show” Wednesday as she warned the literary crowd against the dangers of capitalism, which has turned writers into producers of market commodities rather than creators of art.

“We will need writers,” Le Guin continued, “who can remember freedom. Poets, visionaries—the realists of a larger reality.”

When her short speech was loudly applauded, the bespectacled writer thanked her audience, calling them “brave,” ostensibly for cheering her on in her scathing criticism of the publishing world despite the fact that the literary business constitutes the livelihood of many of those present at the ceremony. .................(more)

The complete piece is at: http://www.truthdig.com/arts_culture/item/science_fiction_writer_ursula_k_le_guin_warns_against_capitalism_20141122

[oldandhappy]

1. Excellent

She is an amazing writer. Read her in the eighties. Will go back and reread her again. Her cross cultural communication stuff is the best I have read. She is a scientist and a writer. Be sure to watch this!

[Stryst]

3. The Left Hand of Darkness

is still one of my favorite novels.

[LWolf]

2. I was a fan

long before I knew anything about the woman behind the stories that captivated me. As I grew older and went back to them, I marveled at the craftsmanship she brought to them. When I had a chance to hear her speak in person, I drove through the winter dark, after a very long day of work, to sit entranced again, and then inspired, as she spoke, and stood in a very long line for an opportunity to shake her hand and thank her for her body of work.

This doesn't surprise me at all. It is very much HER.

[Spitfire of ATJ]

4. Dead on with her comparison...

People do treat the system that demands profit above all else for their own tribute the same way as "The divine right of kings".

They have linked "Capitalism" with "America" so deeply that they have convinced themselves that their GREED is patriotic and a virtue to the point that they actually believe they are closer to God than the rest of us.

To speak out against them is considered to be not only treason but ungodly.

And above all, requires courage.

And yes,....causes nervous applause.

[Electric Monk]

5. k&r