#how they're not supposed to use it in the fulcrum because it's a slur. but this also gives them no framework for reclaiming it | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

july-19th-club · 5 months ago

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one thing that is so genius on a craft level with the broken earth books is that the derogatory for 'orogene' is - That Way - on 100% purpose. you're supposed to feel like it's not a word to say out loud, it's supposed to be uncomfortably similar to words you've already heard and know as cruel slurs in the real world. it's a direct fucking parallel designed to deliberately give the reader that crawling feeling and it works so well i dont even feel right typing it up for a post

#which leads of course into direct parallels when orogenes reclaim it and start calling themselves it as a use name #which gives ESSUN the ick . despite using it herself in a derogatory/self-deprecating way #how they're not supposed to use it in the fulcrum because it's a slur. but this also gives them no framework for reclaiming it #an orogene who's grown up with that mindset will think it's crude or self-hating to start using the r-version in earnest #and this supposed mark of propriety and politeness thus becomes yet another way for the fulcrum to exert control #'don't use that word it's a dirty word.' 'we're the only organization on earth that will treat you like people. but we both know you're NOT #etc etc #which i think this level of bare-bones just-this-close-to-reality worldbuilding #might be part of what's prevented the series from getting as big as some other similar spec fic series #it's full of fantastic elements but the main conflict/problem with the world is a 1:1 problem we already have #i imagine a lot of readers feel uncomfortable about that #but also. as illustrated by this exact 1:1 problem. it's a very Black series by a Black author that is only ostensibly about people who can #move rocks with their minds #which is unfortunately the other reaosn i think it doesn't have the audience of say. baru #and i love baru! good books. having a lot of fun with them #but jemison's ability to write about the same things has this extra toothy edge that baru just ... won't. just by nature of experience #anyway there is so much in these books . god

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