Critique & Proposals
In this editorial for American science-fiction fan and professional author James Blish’s (1921-1975) Tumbrils, published in the United States in the years following WWII, American fan Chandler Davis, (1926-2022) argues for larger roles in science-fiction writing for marginal and minority groups as central characters. “I hope the recommendations I’ve made will be taken seriously - especially by those of you who are editors &/or writers. To go along with the tradition that Negroes, Jews, & Italians can be admitted into fiction only in minor roles as stereotyped comic-relief is to reinforce in readers’ minds the prejudice, which I assume is abominable to all of us, that Negroes, Jews & Italians can’t be admitted to equal positions in American life. It’s not enuf to refrain from expressing bias; it’s necessary to counteract the bias present in practically every page now read by Americans.”
Chandler Davis, “Critique & Proposals,” Tumbrils, ed. James Blish, No. 23. (undated).