Comments on: Sue Grimshaw Awarded the 2008 Vivian Stephens Industry Award from RWA

By: AA response

AA response — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 18:50:46 +0000

Borders treats black romance authors as Southern black bus riders were treated several decades ago. Plenty of folks said blacks shouldn’t complain because lots of blacks got to ride buses down South. Lots of folks didn’t notice blacks had to sit in the back. Some could rationalize it that black bus riders didn’t want to sit up front with the other riders anyway. And what was the black’s problem? They were on the bus too (carry a lot of segregated AA romance).

Black authors writing romance aren’t considered romance authors by Borders, but put in a racial category of fiction. The romance specialists don’t deal with the black romance authors. Blacks are not a part of Border’s romance initiatives.

Black authors writing romance are segregated from the other romance authors by policy, much like the South’s Jim Crow laws.

Since this is happening to blacks only, it is fine with the majority. Romance readers are happy with Borders as they would have been happy with the old South, and are with racism and segregation. They are happy because they are oblivious and it doesn’t affect them. The blacks are at the back of the bus. Can you imagine the uproar if any other race was treated this way?

By: Nora Roberts

Nora Roberts — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 12:54:34 +0000

Congratulations, Sue. So totally deserved!

By: Michelle

Michelle — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 21:11:57 +0000

So, what are the racist practices? I haven’t picked up on them. The Borders I go to most frequently (D.C.) seems to carry a lot of African-American romances.

By: Barbara B.

Barbara B. — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 17:21:39 +0000

Calliope said-
“In both cities I shop in, Borders has the smartest, most varied romance section and I’m really impressed that they carry everything from sweet to erotic, and large and small publishers.”

I guess variety is a matter of perspective. I can’t say that I find a racially segregated romance section particularly laudable.

By: Black romance

Black romance — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 00:42:09 +0000

Borders tolerates and puts forth some of the most racist industry practices towards black romance authors with no reason or rhyme for it coming from Grimshaw who has been directly queried about it by black romance authors.

Although we understand racism in romance towards blacks only is tolerated almost everywhere in the genre, Vivian Stephens worked tirelessly for black romance authors and held them in the same respect and esteem as any other authors unlike almost every other romance site and venue out there. In no way would she laud Border’s racist romance practices or tolerate them. Another huge slap in the face to her from RWA. It’s business as usual in the racist romance cesspool.

By: Claudia Dain

Claudia Dain — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 18:30:55 +0000

This couldn’t have been awarded to more lovely woman. I’m so happy for her!

By: Janine

Janine — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 21:07:38 +0000

Congratulations to Ms. Grimshaw!

By: Sherry Thomas

Sherry Thomas — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 17:39:18 +0000

Congratulations to Sue, an impressive and classy lady.

By: calliope

calliope — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 16:13:53 +0000

That’s great. I’d wondered why Borders does so well with romance. In both cities I shop in, Borders has the smartest, most varied romance section and I’m really impressed that they carry everything from sweet to erotic, and large and small publishers.

By: ジェーン(Jān)

ジェーン(Jān) — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 16:07:02 +0000

That’s great! Borders always has the best selection of romances around here. And the best selection of manga but that’s another story. Thank God they got a new loan.