After a few days of ruminating, though, I tried to forgive myself and be honest about my intentions. Though I had made something that was not inclusive, I hadn’t intended to do so. I was just trying to explore the themes I was interested in, and had failed to be aware of my own biases.

The fact that you took the note, recognized the problem, and are taking steps to address it and prevent future misunderstandings is really all that matters here. It also demonstrates some rare creative humility.

I admit now I’m really curious about the implications and marginalization you referenced. And the fact that they were genuinely unintentional makes them more interesting. Based on your response it’s clear you’re thoughtful and introspective- so I’m really wondering about the scale of this ‘transgression’. My instinct is that it was pretty trivial and I might think the creator was being a bit heavy-handed, but I have no basis for that assumption other than your reasonable response.

I’ll show you my backspace style!

You know my favorite part of the Dune books was the glossary. I’ve always most enjoyed what I describe as ‘non-narrative’ sci-fi. I’ve read libraries of sci-fi and I found what I really like about it is the big technological and philosophical ideas. The conceptual meat-and-potatoes without all the relationships and personalities.

I get to enjoy sci-fi literature however I want and tbh it ‘irks’ me a bit to encounter literary snobbery over my choice in how to enjoy sci-fi. If you do that to a younger person it may turn them off to the genre just because they might not enjoy the same aspects as you do. So for their sake I’d advise keeping what ‘irks’ you about how other people enjoy sci-fi to yourself in the future.

Thanks for the heads-up on bookwyrm- just created an account.