Quote:

---

Originally posted by mojave:
I don't have a particularly good reason to write a master's thesis on Joss, but if I did, I'd analyze the work of Joss Whedon as being driven by these top three themes:

---snipping---

And I'm leaving out my favorite JW trademark, the wise-cracking author stand-in character who is, how to put this, consistently enjoying the best that life has to offer (although, gotta say, neither Xander or Wash is half as funny as Joss himself on his worst day).

The purpose of an analysis like this is to determine the most likely future course of events. I'm going to predict that a decade or so from now, after the Serenity trilogy has taken its place in popular culture, and after we Original Browncoats have gotten over ourselves for being there at the beginning, Joss will take these themes and top himself in a way we can't dream of right now.

---

Quote:

---

Originally posted by embers:
And I wouldn't write off the empowerment of women as merely obvious, this is an important theme to him because of his Mother's work (and her early death) and it will always be basic to what he is trying to create.

---

Quote:

---

There's no way I'm not weighing in on this one.

I am SO proud and grateful that this is where the energy of the Browncoats is going. Buffy and Angel fans have always distinguished themselves through their altruism, but this hits close to home in a way probably none of you know.

My mother started what I believe was the first highschool chapter of Amnesty International. She was a history teacher, and started a feminism course as well (she also directed plays -- not so much the slacker). Probably her favorite student (and she had many that she loved) was Jessica Neuwirth. Jessica went on to work as a lawyer for Amnesty International and then started Equality Now, which used the Amnesty model to combat gender-based offenses. Jessica is as kind, intelligent and dedicated as anyone I've ever known (and would probably cringe to read any of this.) The idea that my work is on a wavelength with Equality Now's agenda is as gratifying as anything I could wish for. But for the fans to take an active role in helping out this under-recognised cause, and on such a grand scale... it means more than I can say. I have said, in point of fact, much more than I usually would in this forum, but I can't contain my appreciation. My mother would have been so pleased.

There are two ways to fight a battle like ours. One is to whisper in the ear of the masses, try subtlely and gradually to change the gender expectations and mythic structures of our culture. That's me. The other is to step up and confront the thousands of atrocities that are taking place around the world on an immediate, one-by-one basis. That's a great deal harder, and that's Equality Now. It's not about politics; it's about basic human decency. And it's more important than... well, than that movie I keep telling everyone to see.

Thank you to the tireless Browncoats and everyone who donated, bid or lifted a finger to raise this money, for making my work mean more than it ever did, even to me.

-joss.

joss | August 04, 08:41 CET

---

Quote:

---

I have just read the posting from Joss and all that follows. I have never posted anything, being from the pre-blog generation, but I was so moved by everything I read and everything you have done to support Equality Now that I have to jump in if it is not too late. I would like to tell you a little bit more about Joss' mother, Lee. I met Lee when I was about twelve years old. She introduced me and so many others - no doubt including Joss - to human rights, feminism, and the idea that every person in the world can make a difference (and should try to do that). Lee presided over the birth of Equality Now, and she would have so deeply loved everything Joss has done and is doing to change the way men and women think of themselves, each other, and the world at large. Joss is carrying his mother's legacy forward on a global if not extraterrestrial scale with humor, grace and tremendous talent - touching you and so many others as she touched me. All of us at Equality Now are humbled by Joss' powerful work and ongoing support, and by your commitment and generosity, which inspires us to redouble our efforts to end violence and discrimination against women. Keep it up and thanks so much!!!
Jessica Neuwirth
Equality Now

Equalitynow | August 08, 18:58 CET

---