NO! I do not think your racist if you dislike Eurylochus.
Introduction
Something in Zippys post has come to light that I want to discuss as I take full responsibility for any harm caused. As a mod on the Eurylochus Discord server I feel personally responsible for causing any toxicity and guilt has been weighing on my mind as a result.
Unfortunately it is with my deepest sorrows after conversing with op that this part specifically is confirmed to be me. It is all a massive misunderstanding that I unfortunately wasn't able to clear up all those months ago because I got heated and defensive about being tagged. They came across a vent post of mine and completely misinterpreted it.
I've made several posts venting my fustration about Eurylochus and how the reactions to his character feel racist point blank without clarifying my words which is dangerous and reckless as unfortunately this person seems to have gotten the impression that I think your racist for not liking Eurylochus which is far from the case.
I deeply regret any harm I may have caused so in this post I want to clarify what I mean when I say that the Epic fandom has a racism problem. As someone who has witnessed toxic fandom I would never want to create that space. When I'm discussing the racism problem I share as a concerned parent.
So let's dig into this so I can hopefully clear up any harm my comments have caused once and for all.
Conscious Vs Unconscious
Bias/Racism
I am nowhere near qualified so I'll link an article below that explains this better than I could.
Conscious Bias- Those with a conscious bias are people who openly hold bigoted beliefs. When they attack are marginalised person it is very intentional. As the article puts it...
"An individual with conscious bias is likely to be explicit with their beliefs and attitudes and behave with clear intent."
The Epic fandom do not fall into this camp at all. I do not believe any of the racism in the fandom or the stereotyping of Eurylochus as a character is intentional. At the end of the day the Epic fandom is full of young impressionable teenagers who have not learned fandom etiquette.
So me saying blanket statements like "I find the racism towards Eurylochus." has been very irresponsible on my part and for that I cannot apologise enough.
Now here's the form I do believe applies to the Epic Fandom.
Unconscious Bias- Those with unconsious bias will hold unconscious prejudices without releasing.
As the article I've used puts it....
"Unconscious biases can be more difficult to identify because it implies that we’re unaware of their existence."
“Unconscious bias refers to the deep-seated prejudices we all absorb due to living in deeply unequal societies."
The article adds...
“Unconscious or implicit bias can lead to instinctive assumptions that a nurse must be a woman or an engineer must be a man [a myth often debunked by our members!] ...”
This is the camp I believe the Epic fandom falls into. With Eurylochus there is a lot of unconscious racism involved with him being treated as less sympathetic compared to characters like Odysseus as well as him being constantly pushed into the black man stereotype.
None of the reactions are intentional or purposeful.
Also I just want to add that having unconsious bias is nothing to be ashamed of and I'm sorry if that has also come across in my posts. Also we all carry unconscious bias so its something we need to learn from.
As this fandom is young I've made posts and discussions due to wanting to call out the behaviour and raise awareness but never have I ever done it because I want to blankly spread toxicity.
I also want to add that if you don't like Eurylochus or he's not your cup of tea, no you are not racist. I myself do not like Calypso or Antinous as well as Zeus and Antinous.
So breaking it down let's talk about who my comments are actually addressed too.
Which Epic Fans Do I Think Hold Unconscious Bias?
When I make my rants I am specifically talking about the fans who actively blame Eurylochus for everything in Epic whilst ignoring Poseidon and Zeus who have committed worse actions. It also applies to those who are sympathetic to Odysseus and his monstrous actions but are disgusted by Eurylochus.
This section of a post I made on my account should help (I'll link it at the end)
TW: Mentions of SA, Murder, Fatphobia and Suicide.
(Skip to conclusion if this could trigger you)
Im also talking about fans who say Eurylochus is aggressive and violent and push Eury into the angry black man stereotype.
I'm talking about the fans who mock Eurylochus's death in Thunderbringer when there are many suicide interpretations of his death and Eurylochus's va confirmed the crew had given up.
I'm talking about the fans who claim Eurylochus is so evil that he deserves to be sa'd as well as murdered for his actions.
Im also addressing the portion of the fandom who have got way to comfortable being fatphobic by calling Eurylochus fat and greedy as well as mocking him with nicknames like big back. Unintentional or not fatphobia and racism are linked so its very harmful.
Anyway those are the fans who I think hold unconscious bias. People who don't vibe with Eury are not in this camp.
What Will I Do?
Something I don't disclose is that I have adhd and autism and am very passionate which sometimes comes across wrong but it is no excuse for the harm my actions have caused.
Emotions happen but alas I am an adult and it is very important to make sure I don't post irresponsible blanket statements that can be misinterpreted.
So from now on any posts or comments I make discussing the unconscious bias in the fandom....
Will have a disclaimer including future posts I make discussing the bias of the Epic Fandom.
I will also make sure to make sure I say the fandom has an unconsious bias instead of racism as whilst it is important to have these uncomfortable discussions I do not wish to give off damaging impressions.
I promise to try be more responsible in the future.
Conclusion
I am very disgusted with myself and vow to do better as in all of my posts I do not wish for people to feel uncomfortable, I also do not wish to scare people into thinking they can't express their dislike for a fictional character.
In a very toxic fandom I wish to be a beacon of positivity.
So with that being said as a former victim I do not condone cyberbullying. Please block anybody who makes you feel uncomfortable and if one of my posts ever make you feel uncomfortable because ive used irresponsible language please don't be afraid to let me know.
Moving on from this, I vow to do better and I hope this posts has clarified things.
All the best,
-Melody-
They/Them
💬 33 🔁 40 ❤️ 205 · Antinous, Calypso and Eurylochus: The Unholy Trinity Of A Fandoms Racism · Disclaimer: I am not excusing anybody of bei
Link to article I used will be in the comments.
