In a message dated 3/26/01 3:21:12 AM Eastern Standard Time, avonsgirl@yahoo.com.au writes:

<< What sincerely rankles is the term homophobia being applied in this context: I, myself, am not the slightest bit homophobic but I object to slash in the B7 universe simply because this type of relationship was not a part of the B7 story(with possible notable exceptions to a couple of one off characters)I do believe that this is what Kathryn meant by character assassination - taking her outlook as a personal insult instead of airing your own views on the subject is what brings a possible discussion on this matter to a screaming halt. >>

To draw a direct parallel in the hopes of understanding, let's say you are a devoutly religious Catholic, and you choose to write B7 stories with the viewpoint that your belief is shared by some of the fictional members of the LIBERATOR crew. They aren't bible thumpers, but you write fanfic where, in the privacy of their own quarters, they exercize their spirituality. You enjoy this, because it helps you to identify more closely with these favorite characters, or because you find it entertaining....despite the fact that no such belief was shown on the show.

How would you feel if some vocal non-Catholics leaped in and declared your fanfic category 'invalid', or worse yet, distasteful and a twisting of the characters...even an assassination of them? Would you be just a wee bit insulted, if only because your *own* lifestyle had just been belittled? Even if it were only just your taste, those individuals are not showing you respect, as a fellow fan. And that's one thing everyone owes everyone on a fannish mailing list. Yes, they are entitled to their taste...to the same degree and limitations that you are. Empathy is the only way a society can function, no matter how small.

Leah