It's a really good look at how media teaches us to be complicit in our own oppression and discrimination.
*nods* Exactly. I was still reserving judgment after the first episode--I thought they could have gone with a POV that was less enamored of Sherlock and given Donovan some real heft as a character and critic, for example, without losing their audience. But as the second and third episodes aired, it became clear that Sherlock is not a single, troubling aspect of ourselves but an entire universe in which other values are lost, complemented by a slick, post-welfare state London. *sighs* Not that that first option would have been great, but still.
but it almost seems like the way the premise is set up to idolise the protagonist, it paves the way for problems.
You are wise, R. The better half looked at me after the series had finished and said "I told you so." I guess I should know better.
I *do* think that the writers were trying to be hip and ironic with the racism of the second episode, personally, but that doesn't make their racism any better! And I hate the fact that, as fans, we're calling it "orientalism" or a "19c trope" rather than racism, which is what it is, hip or otherwise. There are some links to good commentary at the very beginning of this post, if you're not sick of this conversation already.
Here I haven't see you in months, and I'm ranting at you. Hope you're doing well, otherwise, R! It nice to discuss again. M.
no subject
*nods* Exactly. I was still reserving judgment after the first episode--I thought they could have gone with a POV that was less enamored of Sherlock and given Donovan some real heft as a character and critic, for example, without losing their audience. But as the second and third episodes aired, it became clear that Sherlock is not a single, troubling aspect of ourselves but an entire universe in which other values are lost, complemented by a slick, post-welfare state London. *sighs* Not that that first option would have been great, but still.
but it almost seems like the way the premise is set up to idolise the protagonist, it paves the way for problems.
You are wise, R. The better half looked at me after the series had finished and said "I told you so." I guess I should know better.
I *do* think that the writers were trying to be hip and ironic with the racism of the second episode, personally, but that doesn't make their racism any better! And I hate the fact that, as fans, we're calling it "orientalism" or a "19c trope" rather than racism, which is what it is, hip or otherwise. There are some links to good commentary at the very beginning of this post, if you're not sick of this conversation already.
Here I haven't see you in months, and I'm ranting at you. Hope you're doing well, otherwise, R! It nice to discuss again. M.