Prisoners of Gravity: Voice/American Artform (Part 1 of 3)

Airdate: January 31, 1991

Orbiting the planet in his communications satellite, Commander Rick (with the aid of his trusty computer - Nancy) wonders whether there is truly a Canadian voice in science fiction and comics, or whether these artforms have become Americanized. Rick's guests include SF writers Spider Robinson, Harlan Ellison, Guy Gavriel Kay, Nancy Kress, Gregory Benford, Candas Jane Dorsey, Tanya Huff, Dave Duncan, Judith Merril, and Garfield and Judith Reeves-Stevens, with Will Eisner, Moebius, Bill Sienkiewicz, Denys Cowan and Chester Brown from the world of comic books.

Category:

Entertainment

Tags:

• Prisoners of Gravity
• TVO
• TVOntario

[almanacofsleep]

Got much love for americans, but I can't stand it when americans get to self congratulatory, like that Gregory Benford, made me cringe

[Teddog3000]

Gregory Benford is especially bad, though. I remember when he turned up on Fandom Wank waaaay back in 2006, complaining about how fantasy novels were going to doom western civilization.

I wish I was joking.

[Forysan]

I wish I was into SF when this series aired. It is such a great show! It reminds me of a show that used to air in the States on the Sci-Fi Channel called "Sci-Fi Buzz" (something I wish I could find on YouTube as well). My question is was there ever an episode of "PoG" that discussed--even briefly--anime' or Japanese sci-fi at all? I'd definately appreciate your help. :)

[Teddog3000]

There's an episode from season one that discusses Gunbuster and another anime that I THINK might have been Akira.

I have a copy of it and can upload it, but I will warn you that it's a season one episode. The level of quality from later in the show's run isn't there and the discussion is very brief. I've heard someone claim once that it might have been the first time that at least Gunbuster was shown on North American TV in any form. Is that why you're looking for them?

[almanacofsleep]

@Elric33239 Maybe I was a man back then? Look this started by you replying to a post I made about Benford's comments seeming a little jingoistic, and in each of your replies you get increasingly self righteous about treating this man with "respect". Maybe hes a C.U.N.T, maybe I'm S.C.U.M(manifesto) so what?

my name is Monty Cantsin btw

[Elric33239]

@almanacofsleep I also won't take a commentator at their word when they make comments like "Maybe England's more forgiving" and assume that the person writing it is English anymore than when they say "I'm a man you idiot!" Congratulations for invalidating everything you've typed on this and other threads and from this point onward consider yourself officially ignored!

[Elric33239]

@almanacofsleep "Why should I clarify myself? Is it that important?" Normally when I engage in a civilized conversation, I tend place a high importance on clarity when someone decides to throw an insult at someone based solely on what they say. I made the false assumption that if someone made a statement that would force someone else to use an extreme ephethet to describe them, there must be a logical reason for it. I apologize. I won't make that mistake again!!

[almanacofsleep]

@Elric33239 Why should I clarify myself? Is it that important? And don't get so hung up on language, political correctness has proved that trying to change the superstructure doesn't effect the base. I'm not british btw I'm from Slovenia.

P.S I am Karren Elliot

[Elric33239]

@almanacofsleep My point was that you didn't clarify your opinions! You resorted to more name calling and using a part of a woman's body to describe a man that you don't like. I don't know who said "America and Great Brittain: two countries separated by a common language" but he was spot on! And I wasn't defending a "Sci Fi" (another term I don't like and neither does Harlan Ellison BTW) talking head but requesting clarification of your hatred of him! P.S. David Smith, as in "Yes, my real name!"

[almanacofsleep]

@Elric33239 I could be transgendered, I could be any thing because I'm anonymous, as are you. My point was and still is if you get offended by my opinions then its your fault for asking me to clarify them. That way you don't have to worry about pulling a Christopher Reed while galloping to defend some Sci Fi talking head.

P.S I am Luther Blissett

[Elric33239]

@almanacofsleep And if asking a simple question and questioning your choice of "course words" (this BTW is from a man who was criticized for using the word "B-I-T-C-H" to a woman who went out of her way to prove that she was one!), then the next time I happen to see one of your comments, I'll ignore it. Especially since it's possible that you once felt the need to hide your gender for some mysterious reason. Excuse me while I mount my white horse!

[Elric33239]

@almanacofsleep First of all, I seem to recall you angrily stating that you were a man and you even threw an insult at me that was meant for someone else. If that was a lie, I'm offended! I don't know how common the epithet you used is on "your side of the pond," but it's generally viewed as highly insulting in the US of A, especially when a man uses it. And I'm not "White Knighting it for Old Greg." I was unaware of the POG segment that ticked you and Cmdr Rick off, that's all. Still am BTW

[almanacofsleep]

@Elric33239 I have to say through you have really been forcing this issue, you picked a fight with me over some benign comment that I left over a year ago, henpecking me in a extreme politically correct way. For all you know I could be a woman, and my use of the word cunt could be transgressive. If it offends you then maybe you shouldn't engage me in conversation, I'd be more than happy to leave it because if I'm honest I don't really care that much , you can stop white knighting for Old Greg

[almanacofsleep]

@Elric33239 Reactionary means to reinforce the status quo, and Harlan politically seems to be very progressive (civil rights), Benford on the over hand has said on this very program the reason he doesn't write good female characters is because there is so much over things going on when you write a sci fi story (which Rick Green rightfully scorned him for).