Books Quote by China Miéville
““On the World Fantasy Award: The award is a bust of H.P. Lovecraft, a notable author but also notorious racist. Nnedi Okorafor, who won the award in 2011, wrote that she approved of China Miéville's solution, who claims: "I put it out of sight, in my study, where only I can see it, and I have turned it to face the wall. So I am punishing the little fucker like the malevolent clown he was, I can look at it and remember the honour, and above all I am writing behind Lovecraft’s back.””
About This Quote
Source Speech: World Fantasy Award controversy, 2023
The award’s symbolism is problematic; the author hides it to protest racism while continuing to benefit from the institution.
In simple terms: Hiding the bust is a protest against its racist legacy.
Key Takeaway
Confront uncomfortable histories directly.
Themes
racism
protest
literary awards
Mood
critical
provocative
Type
opinion
controversial
When to use this quote
- award ceremonies
- public statements
- institutional reform
- artist activism
Key Concepts
symbolic dissent
ethical conflict
Questions to Reflect On
- Should symbols be removed or recontextualized?
- How can institutions address past injustices?
A Different Perspective
Hiding the issue may perpetuate the problem rather than solve it.
