Including slavery in a fantasy world is a world-building choice. It isn't required for realism or grittiness. Characterizing it as non-evil is also a choice, even in a version of the real world. Many historical slave owners recognized the practice as evil. Because. It. Was.
— Chris S. Sims (@ChrisSSims) March 22, 2020
You're saying if it's included, it must be classified as heinous or it's no go, right?
— Chris S. Sims (@ChrisSSims) March 22, 2020
Yeah, when dealing with subject matter of this nature, you gotta be clear.
— Chris S. Sims (@ChrisSSims) March 22, 2020
When one presents evil as something despicable that villains do, it seems fine for heroic fantasy. When it's presented as a mere aspect of a particular culture, and as neutral or better ( often because this imaginary culture is otherwise so enlightened), I have a problem.
— Chris S. Sims (@ChrisSSims) March 22, 2020
I didn’t say to exclude it. I said including it is a choice, how it’s characterized is a choice, and it should be characterized as evil. I said it’s unnecessary, which is not the same as saying to exclude it. Claiming “it fits the story” doesn’t absolve a designer of the choice.
— Chris S. Sims (@ChrisSSims) March 23, 2020
Intentionality and recognizing evil for what it is, yes. That's what I'm on about. 😀
— Chris S. Sims (@ChrisSSims) March 23, 2020
Yes, and should be. If we leave gaps as designers, then those gaps can be filled with stuff we didn't intend.
— Chris S. Sims (@ChrisSSims) March 23, 2020
I agree. But in my career, I’ve seen numerous elements go into a setting with too little intentionality or that weak refrain “it fits the story.” One of my points is that designers need to make intentional choices in such matters, and then make them clear for readers.
— Chris S. Sims (@ChrisSSims) March 23, 2020
It can get worse if the "race" you create seems to be or literally is an analog of people in the real world.
— Chris S. Sims (@ChrisSSims) March 23, 2020
Realism is unnecessary in many parts of fantasy, and the sort of "realism" that says slavery is merely a normal part of life in a non-evil context is wholly unnecessary.
— Chris S. Sims (@ChrisSSims) March 22, 2020
