DeathtoTrite
Troubadour
So, just a question about something that has always bothered me-- how do people feel about author's making their medieval societies remarkably tolerant and wise? I feel like this overlaps a lot with having Mary Sue races, which of course is part of the problem.
And of course, not every fantasy society has to be homophobic and paranoid of foreigners, but good grief, reading about how the society is totally accepting, takes care of the homeless and orphans, etc. etc. just gets jarring, especially when systems are ripe for abuse but everyone in power is an altruist. I also feel like some of this comes from authors being overly zealous with the inclusion of minorities of all kinds.
In the case of Mary Sue progressive societies, of course the big bad empire next door trying to invade is full of racist goose-steppers.
Maybe a part of this is my general preference for darker settings. Also, let's make sure we don't get derailed.
Thoughts?
And of course, not every fantasy society has to be homophobic and paranoid of foreigners, but good grief, reading about how the society is totally accepting, takes care of the homeless and orphans, etc. etc. just gets jarring, especially when systems are ripe for abuse but everyone in power is an altruist. I also feel like some of this comes from authors being overly zealous with the inclusion of minorities of all kinds.
In the case of Mary Sue progressive societies, of course the big bad empire next door trying to invade is full of racist goose-steppers.
Maybe a part of this is my general preference for darker settings. Also, let's make sure we don't get derailed.
Thoughts?