Blackcat130

My mistake with the “lazy” comment. Even So, I’m still left wanting for more evidence regarding the problematic implications of racism in this series narrative. While, I may not agree with all the characters I can somewhat empathize with their views. I don’t accept all of them, but I can see how they came to that conclusion. The series also does a decent job of showing the benefits and consequences of these decisions as well. I do agree with you that Veil Guard just ignoring this part is what made it a bad. Not the “wokeness” part. The series was building up many of these plot threads just for the new writers to completely abandon them.

I’m not being dismissive of of the parallel. The reason I say the Prophet Adraste is not a Jesus Allegory, but either one of Joan of Arc or the Virgin Mary, is because The Herald of Andraste/PC for Inquisition is a better example of for being Jesus allegory. (Plus the prophet Andraste dies the same way Joan of Arc did and war between Teventer)The player regardless of what Gender is believed by the public to be sent as a divine miracle by the Prophet Andraste to atone for the recent sins. (Those sins being the mages leaving the circle and the Templars abandoning the chantry.)

Also, the idea you’re putting forward about Sera being the leader or becoming the new Red Jenny is an idea she actively disagrees with in game. This conversation you and I are having on this topic, is the same conversation she has with Varric in game. He can’t understand how her organization functions without a clear leadership. She’s explains that The Friends of Red Jenny simple operate on the idea of a favor for a favor.

The the example you used in your article describing her as a twitter anarchist is a fairly accurate description of her. I personally would say she’s more of Twitter social justice warrior. At times she may simply prank you or just straight up murder you. The only reason I would make this distinction is because after recruiting her and asking her why’d she join, she makes it clear the chaos from the Templars, Mages, and the rip in the veil is hurting the lower class. It seems she’s more against the abuse of power, not order or hierarchy. It’s part the reason why I think she gets along with Cassandra, but can’t stand Vivienne. As Cassandra believes its her responsibility to help others. This is something Sera say’s makes her one of the good one (though she warns Cassandra about getting a big head.) But, she hates Vivienne because Vivienne thinks she’s better than everyone else and carries herself with a sense of entitlement.

I know the author stated they wanted to keep this topic short. But, because they tried to cover every game in the series, their writing came across as shallow. No one game got really enough attention or evidence to prove that that series is being lazy in it’s depiction of the Elves culture/race. I find this ironic, since this whole article is about how Bioware doesn’t grasp the impact of racism and its lasting effects on people. Honestly this article should have just focused on one game, as opposed to all four. I would have went with Inquisition, just because it’s the more fleshed out of the games. (Even with it’s retcons to DA lore.) Origins is the first game so it’s just setting up of the series. Dragon Age 2 also would’ve been a good choice since you have Merrill and Fenris who drastically contrast one another. I wouldn’t have used Veil guard just because it has a different writer and largely moved away from David Gaider’s ideas. Personally, I can’t agree with this article’s takes on Elves and their place in Dragon Age. The interaction between Solas and Varic work as a deep criticism of Solas and the Dalish. Varric can’t help but see how these particular group of Elves are making the same mistake the Dwarves are making. How their need to cling to the old ways is shackling them to the past and preventing them from moving forward. Varric says to criticism how Solas is constantly seeking to relieve the glory days of the Elves. This is something Flemeth will criticizes Fenris about if you bring him when you deliver her Amulet when recruiting Merrill and honoring your agreement to Flemeth. It makes no mention how many Elves have since moved on and found new purpose in the Qun. I could write a whole article just on the nuances of the Elves in DA2 or DA:I. Some minor corrections to the lore that this Article got wrong. Andraste is not supposed to be a stand in for Jesus. She’s a stand in for Joan of Arc. Orlais is supposed to be France. Her fight to free Orlais from Teventer mirrors Joan of Arc fought to free France from the English. The only thing she has in common with Jesus is their both prophet’s. If you wanted to connect her to religious figure it would probably be the Virgin Mary. (Despite Andraste having a husband.) By the that metric you could just as easily say she’s a stand in for the prophet Muhammad. Also Sera is not Red Jenny. She’s a member of the Friends of Red Jenny. It’s never confirmed if Red Jenny was a real person. (The name Red Jenny predates the organization.) There’s more that bothers me, but I’ll leave it at this. I highly recommend people give the games a try. While, I they certainly have flaws the games, it’s lore is far more nuanced than this article would lead people to believe.

Never said I was offended. In the section “(I Feel) Artist Should Never Stop Acting up” literally say artist shouldn’t worry to about offending people. I say at least three different times anything can offend anyone. So, it’s a waste of time trying to be agreeable to everyone. Now, I’m willing to accept that I wasn’t as clear as I could be at certain points. But, it seems to me you didn’t read the article all the way through, and are assuming how I feel. Because the few instances where I state my direct feelings, I’m in support of free expression, and believe people should simply ignore people they disagree with. As long as people aren’t doing anything illegal or hurting someone, why should we care? You don’t have to interact with content you find disagreeable. Personally I really enjoyed writing this. Got to watch stand-up performances and hear artist opinions on their work. Two things I really like. I could think of worst ways to spend a weekend.

These shows are certainly influential. But, I wouldn’t call them propaganda.

Even after all these years I can still remember the intro theme.

While I understand why people compare games to novels/movies, I’m personally not a fan of this comparison. I think that narrative just diminishes all of these mediums strengths. Its like comparing plays to movies. You effectively have to ignore unique qualities of each medium. Not saying you’re doing this, as you say later that games have an unique strengths.

I own this movie, but never found time to sit down and watch it.

I know this is an older comment. But, I don’t think most people are ignoring Lovercrafts or any authors racism/questionable past. (At least I’m not.) I think most people who love art for arts sake understand that some individuals are going to have ideas that they don’t agree with. That some individuals out there have done horrible things. I understand if some people can’t turn a blind eye to it. And in that case I think they shouldn’t support Lovecraft or any artist who offends them on such a level. But, if you’re going to read,watch or explore someone else’s art your going to have accept that they have different ideas. It doesn’t mean you, yourself are complicate in their action or enable them to behave in such away. Everyone is ultimately responsible for their own actions and beliefs. No one can change that. I also believe you can appreciate the artistic talents of someone, while not endorsing the personal choices of an artist. For me I love many of the games created by Hideki Kamiya, but I don’t think me and the guy would get along in real life.