I was feeling for Larry, that’s for sure. The flip of the society was the hard to read part. (Note, but really well written). That a society that is so hetero male would become so not was suddenly not a clever flip of today’s sexual identity standings but with the physical attack it felt like patriarchy’s biggest fear, and suddenly it felt like this story was pro-status-quo, like the ending of violence against women didn’t matter against the Leisure Suit Larry’s, ahh, needs. (Did you name him after the game?? I feel like I just found an Easter egg.) That violence was still being expressed, just in another direction. Anywho, this all feels like a jumble, but I really didn’t like the feeling of supporting the patriarchy.
I really appreciate your perspectives here. Your feelings definitely underscore that we're playing with something Twilight Zone-esque. Topsy-turvy and uncomfortable for sure. I felt the same discomfort when writing it. It's jarring and forces us to reflect and ask questions. Ideally, no one should ever feel like Larry felt, but it's curious to imagine what a different sexual/gender hegemony might look like, imperfections and all. I hoped the subversive and nonviolent nature of the "attack" would have lightened the severity of the flip, but maybe it didn't land as planned. And sadly I didn't name him in reference to the game...but WOW thanks for introducing me!
Thank you so much. Trying to find ways to reimagine the Twilight Zone vibe on Substack was one thing, but fitting it into my own storytelling style was a whole other challenge. Glad it hit the right note for you.
WOW, I love this. I honestly didn't see the definition of "planter" coming towards the end. Great commentary on both gender relations and heteronormativity.
Great writing Bryan. I started to suspect the twist as I read, a good thing, it was very satisfying to get there in the end. If you're interested in this premise (and don't know already) it reminds me of a very cool novel by Anthony Burgess called The Wanting Seed. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Wanting_Seed
Thanks for your reaction, Joseph. I agree with you. It's not a nice place at all. I hope no one ever has to feel that way in any society. Would be a real shame to be in that position.
Great take on a Twilight Zone theme!
Thank you very very (and very) much! This was a really fun challenge!
Somehow, I did not expect that twist. Woah. That was hard to read at the end.
I hope not *too* hard to read. Was it too sad for poor Larry? Too depressing? Or just too real? So curious!
I was feeling for Larry, that’s for sure. The flip of the society was the hard to read part. (Note, but really well written). That a society that is so hetero male would become so not was suddenly not a clever flip of today’s sexual identity standings but with the physical attack it felt like patriarchy’s biggest fear, and suddenly it felt like this story was pro-status-quo, like the ending of violence against women didn’t matter against the Leisure Suit Larry’s, ahh, needs. (Did you name him after the game?? I feel like I just found an Easter egg.) That violence was still being expressed, just in another direction. Anywho, this all feels like a jumble, but I really didn’t like the feeling of supporting the patriarchy.
I really appreciate your perspectives here. Your feelings definitely underscore that we're playing with something Twilight Zone-esque. Topsy-turvy and uncomfortable for sure. I felt the same discomfort when writing it. It's jarring and forces us to reflect and ask questions. Ideally, no one should ever feel like Larry felt, but it's curious to imagine what a different sexual/gender hegemony might look like, imperfections and all. I hoped the subversive and nonviolent nature of the "attack" would have lightened the severity of the flip, but maybe it didn't land as planned. And sadly I didn't name him in reference to the game...but WOW thanks for introducing me!
I’m not sure you should be thanking me for the introduction!
So clever and well delivered, Bryan!
Many many thanks. I hope it gave you a reprieve from the *drugeries* of daily life :P
Very clever - and a killer ending.
Thanks Keith! I tried my best not to off anyone at the end of this story, but I am happy to embrace the hyperbolic use of "killer" :)
Wild! Well written! Great twist! 👏 I'm loving how different each of these stories are so far.
Thank you so much. Trying to find ways to reimagine the Twilight Zone vibe on Substack was one thing, but fitting it into my own storytelling style was a whole other challenge. Glad it hit the right note for you.
WOW, I love this. I honestly didn't see the definition of "planter" coming towards the end. Great commentary on both gender relations and heteronormativity.
Thanks! After writing the story, I felt really conflicted about using the p-word as my title...but it's just fiction, I keep telling myself...
Absolutely brilliant, Bryan. It reads like a movie ready to be filmed.
You're the sweetest, Sharron. Thank you so much! Your compliments always make me smile. Now let's find a producer and get this film made :)
Oooo! Let me do the casting!
Amazing, what a twist! Very captivating and a great read.
I'll never look at pleated khakis the same way again.
My work here is done. :) Thanks for reading!
Same.
Paced so well, Bryan, it drew me in, then delivered a twist. Super.
Glad the twist landed. Thank you for reading dearest Anne!
Oh, I loved this. I loved it!
2x the love. I love THAT. Thanks, Hanna!
A unnerving dystopian tale!
Great writing Bryan. I started to suspect the twist as I read, a good thing, it was very satisfying to get there in the end. If you're interested in this premise (and don't know already) it reminds me of a very cool novel by Anthony Burgess called The Wanting Seed. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Wanting_Seed
Thanks so much, Jon! I'll definitely check it out and add this title to my reading list.
Amazing story, Bryan. An excellent addition to the Substack Zone.
Thanks! It was a true pleasure. I'm loving these stories...reading them all slowly but surely!
Right?! @Bryan Pirolli, still thinking about your story. The Substack Zone is freaking awesome!
This story might be a bit too much on the nose. Some women don't think nicely of men.
This shows what could happen. It's not a nice place.
Thanks for your reaction, Joseph. I agree with you. It's not a nice place at all. I hope no one ever has to feel that way in any society. Would be a real shame to be in that position.