Ender’s Game Extra
In Episode 7, we discussed Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card (OSC). There is significant controversy surrounding this highly acclaimed, award-winning book. Author Cody Wagner joined us for the discussion, and all three of us were torn about the book. On the one hand, OSC has a significant record of making statements about homosexuality that are troublesome to many people. But all three of us also believe Ender’s Game to be one of the most compelling and important books we’ve ever read.
If you’re not aware of the issues, we’ve gathered here some information so that you can make up your own mind. We’d love to know what you think.
Can we/should we separate the author/artist/creator from the art? Can you love one while possibly reviling the other?
Have you read Ender’s Game? If so, what do you think about it? Did you see within its pages evidence of homophobia and/or racism (as some have alleged)? Or is it much ado about nothing?
For OSC’s thoughts about homosexuality, and his defense of his statements, in his own words:
“Laws against homosexual behavior should remain on the books, not to be indiscriminately enforced against anyone who happens to be caught violating them, but to be used when necessary to send a clear message that those who flagrantly violate society’s regulation of sexual behavior cannot be permitted to remain as acceptable, equal citizens within that society.”
— The Hypocrites of Homosexuality, Sunstone Magazine, 1990
“The dark secret of homosexual society — the one that dares not speak its name — is how many homosexuals first entered into that world through a disturbing seduction or rape or molestation or abuse, and how many of them yearn to get out of the homosexual community and live normally.”
-“Homosexual ‘Marriage’ and Civilization,” in The Ornery American, 2004
“Regardless of law, marriage has only one definition, and any government that attempts to change it is my mortal enemy. I will act to destroy that government and bring it down.”
-Opinion piece in the Deseret News, 2008 (source)
And for your consideration, here is Hank Green, author, artist, and entrepreneur (and brother of award-winning, bestselling author John Green), with his take on the OSC and Ender’s Game controversy:
