Nonwhite fans of fantasy have a simple question, writes Deggans: Why can't we equally — at long last — be a part of this universe, too? And why doesn't our *exclusion* in these worlds feel inauthentic?
Even Elon Musk weighed in, providing a criticism of the show that seemed more like a dog whistle to his tech bro fanbase."Tolkien is turning in his grave," Musk wrote on Twitter."Almost every male character so far is a coward, a jerk or both. Only Galadriel is brave, smart and nice." This comment, unsurprisingly, ignores Cordova's character, who is also pretty heroic.
Almost every male character so far is a coward, a jerk or both. Only Galadriel is brave, smart and nice.But dunking on people who think a fantasy about elves, wizards and hobbits can somehow be made less"realistic" by casting some characters with Black and brown performers, misses an important part of this discussion.
These new visions of classic fantasy worlds and characters are simply a reflection of our new, more multicultural world. And that's probably what most scares fans who are used to white-centered fantasy.Beyond the race of specific characters, this fantasy world – and the other major TV fantasy franchise inspired by it,– embraces an ethos which sees white as the embodiment of good and dark as the embodiment of evil, including and especially in living beings.
Elves, the immortal superheroes of Tolkien's fictional universe, are blindingly white – blonde-haired, blue-eyed and fair-skinned champions of the light. Orcs, the misshapen foot soldiers of evil forces, are swarthy and dark, twisted into hideously horrifying shapes.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
The Fantasy Genre Is Still Too Stuck in Its White-centric WaysThis week on IntoIt with host samsanders: The response to Black characters in TheRingsOfPower and TheLittleMermaid shows exactly why our make-believe stories need a shake-up
Read more »
Moms nationwide share Black daughters’ reactions to ‘The Little Mermaid’ clipAfter Disney released its teaser trailer for the live action “The Little Mermaid” starring a Black actress as Ariel, parents shared their young Black daughters’ emotional reactions.
Read more »
Moms nationwide share Black daughters’ reactions to ‘The Little Mermaid’ clipAfter Disney released its teaser trailer for the live action “The Little Mermaid” starring a Black actress as Ariel, parents shared their young Black daughters’ emotional reactions.
Read more »
The Little Mermaid: Splash Star Daryl Hannah Endorses Halle BaileySplash star DarylHannah gives her ringing endorsement for actress HalleBailey, who stars in TheLittleMermaid, casting shade on racists.
Read more »
New Little Mermaid Ariel Actor Defended By Former Disney MermaidFellow Disney mermaid Darryl Hannah, who starred in Splash, voiced her support for Halle Bailey in the live-action Little Mermaid amidst the racist backlash she continues to receive. Hannah said, 'the little mermaid is black! dontbearacistdork'
Read more »