Token White Male Character
May 20th, 2019 Barry Posted in Media criticism, Racism & Racists, Sexism & Misogyny | No Comments »
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TRANSCRIPT OF CARTOON
This cartoon has four panels. Each panel shows the same corner of a rooftop in some “high fantasy” sort of setting. The rooftop is rough-hewn but fancy, with three small gargoyles, like snakes with animal heads, and one larger gargoyle, which looks somewhat dragon-ish.
There are two people on the rooftop: A human male, who is white. He wears no shirt and a red cloak. Next to him is an elf woman, who has facial tattoos, large pointy ears, wide eyes, and is wearing a flowing purple gown.
PANEL 1
The human is looking down at something that’s visible from the roof, stroking his chin thoughtfully, with a serious expression. The elf is positioned as if she was just looking in the same direction, but then looked out the corner of her eyes at him instead. She’s raised one hand in a “just a second” gesture.
HUMAN: If we break into Lord Vezox’s warbase at nightfall-
ELF: Just a moment. What’s the justification for you being a white male?
PANEL 2
The human and elf have turned so they’re directly facing each other. The human is a bit surprised looking; the elf looks a bit angry and is “talking with her hands.”
HUMAN: Er… What?
ELF: If there’s no reason your character needs to be a white male, then you’re just a token!
PANEL 3
The human is looking annoyed, crossing his arms. The elf is angrily yelling, holding up a hand in a “stop that” gesture.
HUMAN: What’s wrong with having white guys in the story?
ELF: Sticking white male characters in for “diversity” ruins the story! It’s just not realistic!
PANEL 4
The large gargoyle has turned its head to speak to the human. The human is surprised looking. The Elf looks pleased.
GARGOYLE: And if we aren’t strictly realistic, fans won’t accept the story!
ELF: Yeah!
