Christmas Special 2024: Goblins, Elves, and Fantastical Prejudice - The Politics of Fantasy

Exploring Race and Representation in Fantasy Narratives | The Emancipated Citizen Podcast

 

In this thought-provoking holiday episode, we delve deep into the racial divides, hierarchies, and representation within beloved fantasy narratives. From the systemic marginalization of humanoid races like orcs, goblins, and house elves to the real-world cultural narratives that shape their creation, this episode critically examines the intersection of fantasy literature and societal prejudices.

 

Special guest Clarissa Janeen joins us to discuss:

 

The lived experiences of marginalized characters in fantasy worlds (The Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter).

 

The mythic and racial origins of fantasy tropes, from Nordic and Christian folklore to 19th and 20th-century pseudoscientific race lore.

 

The role of slavery, monarchy, and class structures in shaping fantasy storytelling.

 

Whether modern fantasy is evolving toward greater diversity and cultural critique or still reinforcing harmful stereotypes.

 

 

We also discuss controversial topics, such as:

 

The portrayal of goblins and their ties to anti-Semitic stereotypes.

 

The problematic nature of “inherently evil” races like orcs.

 

The effectiveness of diverse casting (e.g., Black elves) in addressing racial issues.

 

How fantasy can move forward to create inclusive, nuanced narratives.

 

 

Join us for a nuanced cultural critique of classic and modern fantasy works, including Tolkien, Rowling, and more. This episode is packed with insights for literature enthusiasts, fantasy fans, and anyone interested in how storytelling shapes and reflects societal attitudes.

 

 

Check out Clarissa Janeen and her work on

https://www.clarissajaneen.com/

 

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