because I feel like starting a riot in the comments

[kellinator]

Note: I have never read Harlan Ellison nor Connie Willis (and you can't make me feel guilty about it, so don't bother) and therefore I have no dog in this fight. But I just couldn't resist.

[Poll #810313]

Comments

[football-swan.livejournal.com]

Who's Harlan Ellison? (Seriously, I have no idea. And it might add to your riot attempts.)

[tattermuffin.livejournal.com]

I'm so not clear on what Connie Willis has to do with this poll ... but you really should read her. No guilt-laying intended, just a recommendation. :)

[reannon.livejournal.com]

None of the above. I'd do exactly what Connie Willis did: Maintain my dignity and professionalism onstage, and backstage tell him never, ever to lay hands on me again. Even though I worship his books and admire his absolute refusal to cater to the lowest common denominator, the stupidity of the modern reader and inability to tolerate fools, nothing makes grabbing a woman's breast appropriate. Nothing.

I'll add that Harlan has apologized, and is seemingly sincere. I imagine his wife told him exactly what she thought of his behavior.

[bossieboots.livejournal.com]

You have a bowel disruptor? Lucky bastard.

[renaissancekat.livejournal.com]

Whu . . . ?

[paradisacorbasi.livejournal.com]

I'd probably, in addition to slapping him say, "Hey. Those are privilege only." And then, "Hey! I am sick and tired of this motherfuckin' snake on this motherfuckin' stage!"

[podling]

I'd probably say "Hey, ask first!" and then calmly go about my business and then take it up with him afterwards, honestly.

[scarcrest.livejournal.com]

If Harlan's apologized to Ms. Willis, then it's really a matter between them -- and between Harlan and his wife. Seeing him carry a running gag (as reannon called it -- I guess there was some ass-grabbing going on or something?) too far isn't entirely unexpected.

This is the guy who, when a woman smarted off to him in no-smoking area, pulled the cigarette from her mouth and dropped it into her purse, causing it to light the contents on fire. He followed a guy through an airport once telling everyone the guy met not to shake his hand because he hadn't washed in the bathroom.

Harlan's a bit of a nut, in other words. Taking a gag too far -- and I agree that WAS too far, make no mistake -- isn't inconceivable for him. He's also the writer without whom there likely would be no Warren Ellis and no Garth Ennis, so he'd have my respect as a writer irregardless.

[jp7.livejournal.com]

I don't know...no one has ever grabbed my boob.

But I do know

that I want a bowel disruptor. I have an employee review coming up. :)

[whitecrow0.livejournal.com]

I've read both Harlan Ellison and Connie Willis. I think Harlan is an awesome writer but I prefer Willis's (also wonderful) work.
However just 'cause I think someone's talented does not give him grabbing rights. My husband doesn't even have grabbing rights (not that he realizes this. However, since he's my husband, he doesn't get beat up for it. Much.)

[zebrapix.livejournal.com]

I have read Harlan, but not Connie. But it really doesn't matter. Both have weighed in on the subject. From what I understand, they haven't talked to each other yet, but Harlan's taken the position that he knows it was stupid to do and that he's waiting to hear back from Connie to see how he can make amends. As far as I'm concerned we can all be as outraged as we like and demand a pound of flesh, but it comes down to how Connie responds to Harlan's attempt to resolve the issue with someone he considers a good friend.

And if Connie wants to press charges or rake him over the coals, Harlan's willing to accept it because he was the offending party. I hope they can work it out and preserve their friendship.

[mizdandylynn.livejournal.com]

give him my teacher look and freeze his little balls off

Re: Harlan...

[wolfieboy.livejournal.com]

I thought about options 2 & 3 but he might be into CBT...

This is all of course if it were mine. I have no right on him grabbing anyone elses.

[ardentdelirium.livejournal.com]

did you know Harlan Ellison^TM trademarked his name? you're violating trademark laws, missy!

this is how I feel about it

[smibbo.livejournal.com]

From the blog of Patrick Neilson Heyden:

Just as with George W. Bush's now-famous uninvited shoulder-rub of German Chancellor Angela Merkel, the basic message of Ellison's tit-grab is this: "Remember, you may think you have standing, status, and normal, everyday adult dignity, but we can take it back at any time. If you are female, you'll never be safe. You can be the political leader of the most powerful country in Europe. You can be the most honored female writer in modern science fiction. We can still demean you, if we feel like it, and at random intervals, just to keep you in line, we will."

[lyneidas.livejournal.com]

I'd prefer a verrry sweet sympathetic look, followed by a slightly too-loud whisper of "Would you like a moment to get your medication before we continue with the ceremony?"