Hi there! Just wanted to pass on the love because I am so impressed by the elocution and thoughtfulness of this blog. In fact, after reading the first couple of lines of one post, I had to follow. I am Nigerian, and a huge fan of the ASOIAF. I read them initially with my brother father when I was a young teenager and I remember that even then, although I was enthralled by the story, I was very dissapointed by the fact that any oppressed, ‘savage’ or enslaved people had to be the ‘darker skinned’ characters, while there were no people of colour considered truly civilized. I kept thinking, is that really necessary in a fantasy world? To my despair, the racial issues were even worse on the TV Show. I still can’t comfortably discuss that Mhysa scene. I had been hopeful for House Martell, but the show failed me yet again (except Indira). I am still hopeful they’ll be a bit more careful casting that house going forward; and generally, how they deal with representation. I looked for a place to intelligently discuss and read about the issue but most of the posts I saw here on tumblr were a bit too pretentious and SJW for my taste (and to be honest, many were from people who don’t actually understand what it is to be a person of colour what is wrong with the representation of them in the media). This blog, however, breaks down the problems with representation in the series so well, and so intelligently,from a place of honesty and it properly calls for the right thing to be done and said. I really applaud that.
The only thing I’ll say though; although I was initially very disappointed at the appearance of the chosen Oberyn Martell, I don’t think it’s too fair to overscrutinize and attack the actor, Pedro Pascal, the way some fans do. It’s like another great blog(the-khaleesi-sucks-at-acting) says, blame the casting directors and producers, not the actor. The actor is just getting a job, probably very grateful to be cast in a great show (which I know Pedro Pascal to be a proper fanboy of). And although he looks NOTHING like he was supposed to- from the ethnicity, to the hair- I’m not going to judge him on that, and from what I’ve seen in the premiere, I think he’s doing a spectacular job.
In conclusion, I just want to commend you on the great, great work here. You’ve won over a new fan.
Yes, definitely, this blog - even though it was created in reaction to the casting of Pedro Pascal - is totally not aimed at criticizing Pedro Pascal in any way, but just to try and ensure that House Martell is not further whitewashed by the TV show producers and casting directors.
If you’re looking for more analysis over ASOAIF and the Game of Thrones show on Tumblr, I advice you to check the Fat Pink Cast blog, They have very great analysis on the books and the TV show from a racial and gendered point of view. Don’t hesitate to check it out.
Thank you very much for the nice message. :) I’m happy you like the blog!
