I had two stories scheduled to be published this month from the same publisher. I really liked them both and was excited for the rest of the world to read them. Two days ago, the publisher said shockingly racist things on the Internet. The books were initially going to be pulled from publication, then yesterday it was announced they would be held for six months. Last night I requested the stories be pulled from publication.
It would have been easy to say that what the publisher said wasn’t my fault, and neither I nor the other writers should be punished for something we had no control over. I could have left my stories there for quiet publication, accepting the credits but not promoting them. But I couldn’t be someone who says Black Lives Matter in one breath and then give my approval of racism through my silence in the next. Losing two story credits pales in comparison to the implicit and explicit pain that racism has caused and will continue to cause people of color across America.
Some say that people should be forgiven and allowed to learn from their mistakes. I completely agree. At the same time, I’m not the one whose race was denigrated. It’s not up to me to decide in this case if penitence is sincere and forgiveness has been earned. I genuinely hope this person does regret their actions and continues to better themselves and relationships between themselves and non-white people, but it’s not my place to decide if they have.
I don’t intend for this to be a moment of self-righteousness or to put a spotlight on my wokeness. All it is, is an explanation about a decision I made this week and why stories I have championed no longer have homes. I hope they do soon. But if they do not, I still know this was the only decision I could make.
Be well.