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.
Acceptance. A universally relatable theme that we, as a culture, will likely forever grapple with in some way or another. This was a fascinating take with a very unexpected ending. Nicely done, Bryan.
Bryan — just a fantastic premise! And, depending on how you enter the story, queer/cis/etc, it bends those expectations, upending them in some ways with a funhouse mirror.
The change in perspective is genius. It proved the point, and it is historically valid. The early Christians were vilified and many were killed. As the church became established, Christians vilified and killed non-Christians. As long as human beings believe they are alone and on their own in this world, they will fear anything they view as a threat to their existence. Different is an unknown, and the unknown is a threat. The type of abuse heaped upon Larry surprised me, but humiliation is often more brutal than physical violence. Wonderful photo for the story.
Really interesting premise!... wasnt sure where it was going at all. Crafty, very clever.. I have only one observation of a critical nature...I did think that the homosexual men "beating him up" by putting make up on him was a bit... mmm... i don't quite know what it was but I think that a straight bashing should have been the same as a "good 'ol fashioned" queer bashing ... .and not a camped up version. I think it would have been a perfect TZ back in the day but today... the make up didn't work for me. aside from that personal impression, really well written!
Thanks, and I really appreciate the feedback! I'm of two minds about it, myself. On one hand, those in power have evolved in this futuristic world where formerly suppressed groups are able to maintain power without actual violence, which is maybe another snub at culture today. On the other hand, the systematic erasure of Larry's kind (via a catalog, no less) is arguably more sinister than the queer bashing of yesteryear (or of today, in many places...). Either way, I vote for a world with no bashing of anyone at all, if possible...
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!
Acceptance. A universally relatable theme that we, as a culture, will likely forever grapple with in some way or another. This was a fascinating take with a very unexpected ending. Nicely done, Bryan.
Bryan — just a fantastic premise! And, depending on how you enter the story, queer/cis/etc, it bends those expectations, upending them in some ways with a funhouse mirror.
The change in perspective is genius. It proved the point, and it is historically valid. The early Christians were vilified and many were killed. As the church became established, Christians vilified and killed non-Christians. As long as human beings believe they are alone and on their own in this world, they will fear anything they view as a threat to their existence. Different is an unknown, and the unknown is a threat. The type of abuse heaped upon Larry surprised me, but humiliation is often more brutal than physical violence. Wonderful photo for the story.
such an interesting premise--that ending is masterful
Thanks so much, Will! It was fun (and at times harrowing) to play with this concept. I'm glad it landed so well with so many people!
Really interesting premise!... wasnt sure where it was going at all. Crafty, very clever.. I have only one observation of a critical nature...I did think that the homosexual men "beating him up" by putting make up on him was a bit... mmm... i don't quite know what it was but I think that a straight bashing should have been the same as a "good 'ol fashioned" queer bashing ... .and not a camped up version. I think it would have been a perfect TZ back in the day but today... the make up didn't work for me. aside from that personal impression, really well written!
Thanks, and I really appreciate the feedback! I'm of two minds about it, myself. On one hand, those in power have evolved in this futuristic world where formerly suppressed groups are able to maintain power without actual violence, which is maybe another snub at culture today. On the other hand, the systematic erasure of Larry's kind (via a catalog, no less) is arguably more sinister than the queer bashing of yesteryear (or of today, in many places...). Either way, I vote for a world with no bashing of anyone at all, if possible...
I hear you... yes... i see what you were getting at more clearly now 😎