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Race and Heroscape - Why NOT Masai or Mayan Warriors?

Posted August 3rd, 2009 at 10:36 AM by kolakoski
Well met!

A recent off the cuff and, as it turns out, boneheaded post by yours truly in Random Heroscape Musings has brought up an issue that, while addressed before in numerous posts in various Heroscapers' forums, has not, to my knowledge been addressed in quite the way I now suggest. I quote myself (not the boneheaded post, but one following a bit of discussion).

The "prickly" issue of racial sensitivity is, in my opinion, one of ignorance about and between the races. If I were Wotc, I would see this as an opportunity to fight such ignorance and make a buck at the same time. I'd consult with Black historians (Schaumberg Center?) and activists and the media ina way similar to the way Marvel publicized Luke Cage or the Black Panther. I'd bring in the guys who did the research for Mel Gibson's Mayan movie. I'd get Al Sharpton's endorsement. I'd do TV commercials touting the educational and social advantages to Heroscape, as opposed to video games, as well as dramatic reenactments (computer generated?) (see "Best Warrior" History Channel series, get clips?). I'd consult the various ethnic groups and get them behind me in advance. Done right, lots of good, free publicity would ensue.

David
Total Comments 12

Comments

Old
Cavalier's Avatar
I, personally, can't see why ancient Masai, Zulu, Aztec, Mayan, Persian, etc. units would be offensive. But maybe I'm just an obtuse white guy.
Posted August 3rd, 2009 at 11:00 AM by Cavalier Cavalier is offline
Old
tubafication's Avatar
With WotC publicizing releases in the way you are suggesting, they would be doing the same thing as the Obama is now, playing the race card. There are pros and cons to this. But the only way to see what these are is to see it in action.

Oh and Cav, I think that the Aztec were extremely barbaric. I learned about this in school this year, and I am almost sure that they would be somewhat offensive. (I'm hoping you meant offensive in the way of attacking not it's homophonic sibling of an action that was hurtful.)
Posted August 3rd, 2009 at 07:05 PM by tubafication tubafication is offline
Old
Mossman's Avatar
I don't think the Aztecs were guilty of barbarism to a greater degree than the Vikings or Romans, yet we don't hear complaints about them. Heck, the 4th Mass could be construed as offensive to some people, because they fought to create a slaveholding nation, while holding that "all men are created equal" and are entitled to "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness."
Posted August 3rd, 2009 at 07:55 PM by Mossman Mossman is offline
Old
Cavalier's Avatar
Quote:
Oh and Cav, I think that the Aztec were extremely barbaric. I learned about this in school this year, and I am almost sure that they would be somewhat offensive. (I'm hoping you meant offensive in the way of attacking not it's homophonic sibling of an action that was hurtful.)
I meant offensive as in it would offend somebody if they wre made. As in the point of this blog post.
Posted August 3rd, 2009 at 07:57 PM by Cavalier Cavalier is offline
Old
[QUOTE="Cavalier"]I, personally, can't see why ancient Masai, Zulu, Aztec, Mayan, Persian, etc. units would be offensive. But maybe I'm just an obtuse white guy.[/QUOTE]

At least you're not morbidly obtuse.
Posted August 4th, 2009 at 12:41 AM by Onacara Onacara is offline
Old
Bones's Avatar
I've actually been thinking a lot about this since the release of Wave 9 warriors... Native Americans didn't raid settlements, they were fighting back an invasion. Likewise, I found it interesting that the Mohican unit has "war-cry" as a power... so much of the culture is against Warfare and trying desperately to undo years of people talking about Indian "war-paint, war-ponies, and war-paths." I just took a class in this and was shocked to hear that Chiefs could only be chiefs if they've never taken a life. I think that WotC should either stick to fantasy or tread carefully with cultural representations. If we're asking the question if it is "offensive" that's usually an indication that it is.
Posted August 4th, 2009 at 01:30 PM by Bones Bones is offline
Old
arp12's Avatar
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mossman
Heck, the 4th Mass could be construed as offensive to some people, because they fought to create a slaveholding nation, while holding that "all men are created equal" and are entitled to "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness."
Yes, but they were from Masssachusetts. Most of the guys up North didn't like slavery, as you probably found out from the Civil War that happened later.

But people may find anything offensive.
Posted August 4th, 2009 at 05:49 PM by arp12 arp12 is offline
Old
Einar's puppy's Avatar
Saying that stuff would be saying that Gorillanators offend...actually...

Gorillanators are offensive because they portray soldiers as monkeys with guns.
Posted August 4th, 2009 at 06:57 PM by Einar's puppy Einar's puppy is offline
Old
Mossman's Avatar
Quote:
Gorillanators are offensive because they portray soldiers as monkeys with guns.
Seriously, that comment would offend my wife. One of her pet peeves is when people confuse monkeys with apes.
Posted August 4th, 2009 at 07:10 PM by Mossman Mossman is offline
Old
Smiter's Avatar
Heroscape needs more freaking units. Period. Mayan or Masai warriors would be great. Personally, I would love a unit with a "Human-Sacrifice" ability. It is such a shame that people are offended so easily. In my opinion, by the 21st century they should have gotten over these things. I know a guy who wouldn't use Taelord or Utgar's Kyrie because they look too much like "demons." All cultures have things to be ashamed of in their history. People should get over it already and bring us some more awesome units!
P.S. Just some units/powers I might like to see: A Mayan or Aztec priest with a Human-Sacrifice power, a common squad of Zulu warriors with some form of swarming ability, and Cannibal Islanders, like from the Pacific. They would probably get in trouble for making that last one though...
Posted September 8th, 2009 at 09:35 PM by Smiter Smiter is offline
Updated September 9th, 2009 at 07:08 PM by Smiter
Old
demonslayer101's Avatar
I completly agree.
Posted September 9th, 2009 at 09:48 AM by demonslayer101 demonslayer101 is offline
Old
demonslayer101's Avatar
pancake bunny!!!
Posted September 9th, 2009 at 09:48 AM by demonslayer101 demonslayer101 is offline
 
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