Oracle. Batgirl. Let's Talk.

Oy.
In case you weren't aware the DC comic universe is changing.  In massive, strange, wonderful, exciting, and frightening ways.  For some, it's a new beginning.  Or others, this is their getting off point.  And a few of the changes are extremely polarizing and the changes that are undergoing are painful and frightening for some of us.  And one character in paticular is about to change in a way that is devestating.  In fact, this is one of several changes that reverts things to a pre-Alan Moore state.  The character I am talking about is Barbara Gordon.  Former Bat-Girl.  Now Former Oracle.  Bat-Girl again. 

Some people have had Adverse reactions.
http://www.newsarama.com/comics/oracle-is-stronger-than-batgirl-110606.html

(and if that Op/ed piece doesn't break your heart you are missing something vital from your chest)
So adverse that writer Gail Simone felt she HAD to respond to her. 
http://www.newsarama.com/comics/gail-simone-dicusses-batgirl-and-oracle-110609.html

Hell, I am neither female, nor redhead, nor physically disabled.  She was the minority triple threat.  And honestly, one of the most unique characters in comics.  She was a female character that got to be awesome and sexy without being skanky.  She was a beacon of hope.  We are talking about someone whose power was to be smart and knowing.  She was one of the few characters I could point to and say "Look, change is permanent."  Because not only did she represent a disabled character she was also a symbol of permanent growth and change.  So many characters go through the illusion of change but as soon as a new writer comes on board you can pretend those changes never happened.  This was a physical change, but it inspired a mental change.  She became an icon for me, because like Batman, she was a character who was known for their brain, not their powers. 

  But Gail in the interview makes a good point.  Babs lives in a world where everyone but her got better. 
But we also want characters we can relate to.  We have Batman, Bat-Wing, Red Robin, Nightwing, Batwoman.  And now Bat-girl.  Why do I need all of these characters?  What differenciates them beyond different asthetics and writing styles?  These are still questions that need to be answer as part of the why does Barbara need to be Batgirl again.  I don't feel the character needs the change without a radical shift in who the character is.  What we need is an explanation about what's to come and why. 
I'll happily read Batgirl if someone can explain why I need her in my life.  But until then, well I'll stick with Batwoman and let the rest of the internet bicker.

And in case it wasn't clear this was all a ruse to get you guys to read the wonderful article and interview by Jill, so if you didn't go do it now.  It will likely be the best thing you read today.