Monday, June 18, 2012

No Opposition

The chief problem with the established literary scene is that it’s like a country with only one political party. There’s no opposition. No one to investigate and speak up about corruption, cronyism, monopoly, and other abuses. Coverage of establishment writers by establishment organs of publicity end up being puff pieces. No one ever—ever—looks behind the curtain.

The Underground Literary Alliance provided such opposition for a few years, before it was shut out and shut down. Other attempts to oppose the status quo mindset are required—for the health of literature itself. This involves breaking the “I’m okay, you’re okay,” “Everything is wonderful” mentality about current lit.

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