The conversation you are about to listen to was prompted by a TikTok snippet from Dietrich Stogner that Rodney sent to his co-hosts. The video in question was the creator’s response to a fan query about why he doesn’t recommend Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card when making sci-fi recommendations to viewers. The reasoning is simple (and obvious if you know anything about Orson Scott Card): the author’s problematic stance on homosexuals.
This video struck a nerve for the cast of Just In Case We Die. Almost every book that has been featured on this show in the first year of broadcast has been problematic in some way, either for the personal life and politics of the author or because of the content of the book involved. Rodney’s favorite novel is written by a man notorious for a volatile stance against homosexuality. Aaron’s favorite novelist is pretty obviously homophobic despite the overarching message in his works that the human race should be kinder to another. One of Rebecca’s favorite writers revealed himself in word and action to be an elitist snob that doesn’t want you to read his books because he doesn’t believe that you are smart enough to understand them.
How do Aaron, Rodney, and Rebecca reconcile problematic content in the books they recommend? What are their responsibilities as podcasters in this regard? It’s an interesting discussion that lays some groundwork for what listeners can expect in the upcoming year of episodes.
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