Philosophical Killing Machine

I feel like I’m going to be attacked because of this, but I also feel it needs to be said.

In Russia, homosexuality is heavily frowned upon. To a point that two people of the same sex may get attacked for simply holding hands, not to mention anything that may further imply a relationship. Slavic countries are extremely homophobic. 

In order to maintain consistency with real life, the Russians in Durarara would not take kindly to any form of homosexuality. As far as I’m aware it’s not accepted that widely in Japan as it would seem either, but in Russia it is far, far worse. Homosexuals are killed in Russia purely because of their orientation. 

I am in no way trying to attack anyone. I am simply staying consistent with real life - I have a huge preference for realistic details in my portrayal of characters, as well as others’ portrayals. 

Therefore, Slon as an example, is homophobic. It’s what he was brought up with. He is from a country where homosexuality is deemed “wrong”. Where it is socially accepted to beat up someone who shows homosexual tendencies. His views are not my views, but I choose to include this detail as yet another step to make him more “believable” as a character. I also automatically assume the other Russians will not approve of homosexual behaviour either, simply because of their upbringing. 

Also, are you really trying to tell me that Simon, who hates violence and wants people to be happy, would judge anyone based on sexuality? By your logic, Simon should also be white… because Russians are all white and racist.

On top of that, you’re talking about cultural accuracy in a show that has demon swords, fairies, zombies, and a human being with super strength. If you can accept those on a fantasy setting, why the hell not extend the suspension of disbelief to homosexuality as well?

Look, you’re allowed to believe what you want… but it really seems like you’re saying, “if you don’t make all the Russian characters homophobic you are absolutely wrong and your characterization is horrible.” It feels like thought policing. I am in no way any less accurate in my representation of characters in a MODERN FANTASY SETTING just because I would like to NOT portray them as having the thought processes that have made me and other people like me hate themselves and want to commit suicide.

That being said, I’m pretty certain you’re looking for reasons to be offended. You’re saying that my post is invalidating to you. How do you think homosexual Russians - real Russians living in real Russia - feel when they’re portrayed worldwide as living happy lives where they aren’t attacked? Completely overlooking the situation of people who are in danger does not help them at all, and I’m pretty certain they’ll feel rather invalidated too. Putting the situation out there is more likely to pull people’s attention to the matter of homosexuals not only in Russia, but everywhere. Then again I believe the States are much more open to homosexuality, and the majority of tumblr is American. I wonder if this is why everyone’s so eager to overlook this problem - they’re not the ones being killed on the streets.

By the way, I’m not from the States. 

Also please expand on how you connected racism to homophobia.

And let’s remember Simon is most likely ex-KGB, or other kind of military. Let me tell you, communistic soldiers were most certainly anti-homosexual, and no matter how peaceful Simon is now, there is a possiblity of him not accepting homosexuals while not feeling the need to rip their throats out. It happens too. I never said every Russian feels like killing homosexuals, but there are some people like that. Otherwise they may simply not tolerate them, but not act on their feelings. Of course there are also Russians who are fighting for the rights of homosexuals. I think @itsnotloveifitsjust expanded perfectly on this in their reblog.

Also, Simon is still capable of killing. Recall that last episode. He went out into the streets with weapons, it might have been in self-defense, but he’s still capable. I’d talk more about Simon because he’s incredibly interesting, but that’s not what my post is about. 

What has fantasy to do with culture? I’d say one thing - fantasy is part of culture. They can be combined without depriving the portrayed world of realism. I understand some people may want to have a perfect world they can escape to. I was simply trying to explain why I portray Slon as homophobic.

That’s right. This isn’t telling people how to portray the Russians. 

It’s explaining why I’m doing it this way. 

    The Android had been wandering around for quite awhile now. It was boring sitting around at home, and Izaya wouldn’t stop mumbling  to himself about his work. Unwilling to idly sit around waiting for some entertainment, Psyche had taken off to explore the town and boost his understanding of the strange world he was currently occupying.     As he steps into a small shop carrying mostly useless knickknacks, the Android spots a person who stood out among the others. He was tall, so tall. Psyche’s eyes widened a bit, obviously staring before smiling widely. He couldn’t help being curious. Approaching the man, the male spreads his arms out in excitement.

My project is finally done and it has taken forever! I never usually feel this way but I do feel a bit proud. It came out close to what I was expecting. While talking too @missvorona and @vodka-and-kalashnikovs, this concept came up. Slon Vorona and I were theorising. We came up with the idea that if a revolution began, that the assassins would eventually be dragged in and put into the Black Ops sector (or any ranking equivalent). Theory is that Slon would be a highly elite soldier, Vorona a valued sniper, and Egor would be a Ghost operative of sorts.

[What’s that game people play… Ah! I remember!]