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carrotkicks · 3 years

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I’m white so it might not be my place to say. But it really seems like Duke, Cass, and Damian’s constant mischaracterization within fandom is all about shoving them into the only archetypes readers can see them fitting into based on their race. Like...Cass being martial arts based and mostly nonverbal is probably already kind of stereotyping on the part of her creators, but the fandoms remaking of her as a quiet and demure little nonentity when she’s historically been a full of herself little shit. Or, like, Duke being made into “the calm sensible one” when he’s just as Batshit (pun intended) as everyone else in Gotham really just seems like him getting put into the “witty black guy serving as voice of reason for a bunch of white people” box. And I can’t even begin to parse out Damian’s simultaneous CONSTANT whitewashing andvilification for his ethnicity.

hoo boy this one is MEATY. In short: You're right, and your right for saying it. But you obviously brought your take to me for a reason, so lemme offer ya my perspective. As a person of color.

It's fairly easy to recognize racism in canon since a.) we know exactly who's writing (usually an old white cishet guy :/) b.) we as the audience tend to use actual critical thinking skills more often with official works, we actually pay attention to and can identify racist subtext much easier. And this is a general statement for all fandoms but like,,, when people consume fan content, they tend to turn the critical thinking switch off -- which is fine! totally fair because fanart, fanfiction, headcanons? thats all for self-indulgence more than anything.

Now since fandoms are much more prominent on platforms like Twitter and Tumblr you’d imagine people would display more awareness for racist/misogynistic/bigoted subtext, considering these sites are known to host people who are,,, well, socially aware is how I’d put it. (don’t believe me? take a trip down to some Reddit discussions. it can shrivel your soul) Uhhhh... but sometimes I find the double standard in fans so offputting.

For more Batman-fandom specific racism,,, it’s kinda a lot actually. Listen, listen comic books are kinda racist sometimes. It’s an old medium, and has had a long line of old white guys penning them, it’s just a thing. Not a good thing, but what’s been printed just is y’know? I see a lot of these racist storylines or characterizations from old and I just cringe and move on bc a lot of the problematic writers are out of the game now, and in modern books we can go harass the creative team on Twitter. That’s in the bag. But in the actual fandom? Like i said, people don’t really think. they don’t understand or just don’t care if their art/writing/hcs are problematic bc it was made for fun - being morally correct isn’t really a concern. (especially considering we got murder/abuse sympathizers in this one but lest definatly not get into that agian--)

Since you mentioned some specific ones I’ll talk about them for a sec. Takes like “Cass Cain is the most powerful baddest b*tch in the fam and she can do no wrong at all” but also portray her as only existing to support her brothers or Steph is a huge disservice to her entire character. Like yeAH Cass is obviously the best fighter in the fam but there is so much more to her than that! (actually now that the cat’s outta the bag, i’m a lil wary of Cass ships in general bc SO OFTEN they use her as just a prop for the other partner and im just hhhhh ok back on track) and lemme be real with ya, the reason Cass is so often portrayed like this because they are blatantly riffing on the “Dragon Lady” and Asian houswife tropes. (now Cassie defs has some dragon lady as a part of her base character/backstory but, her solo actually worked to make her way less one dimensional.) And while I’m still talking about Cass and how she’s always portrayed as the perfect Good Daughter-- I feel like it’s kinda a lil just maybe a bit sexist to portray female characters as flawless since it’s kinda takes away a central part of their character that humanizes them perhaps? I know I was just talking about how some people unecessarily emphasize female character’s problems but I feel like the opposite is true as well where some people gloss over their issues and make them out to be too good for anyone unproblematic queens. I see it a lot with the Batgirl trio and honestly I’m annoyed by it a little bit. Flaws make a human too, and depicting females without them feels like taking a piece of their humanity, if you get what I mean? I just wanna be able to relate to the ladies being crappy! I have enough self awarness to want that.

Okay back on the rails for reals now haha! I ALSO see that people sorta box Duke into the stoic black guy trope a lot too which is also.. yanno... racist? Duke is definiely as insane as the rest of the fam- homie jumped off a bridge from a moving police car. Honestly that trope kinda reads to me like they either don’t care about Duke, or just don’t wanna let him have fun too? (ok adding this but I don’t wanna sound hypocritical or anything bc I know I hardly talk about Duke either. I just.. don’t have any strong opinions on him? I feel kinda bad but also,, i can talk about what i want. That being said i will talk about how he gets the sh*tty end of the stick which homeslice doesn’t deserve)

With Damian, it’s not even disguised, just plain racism. Nothing I can say more than that regarding his villification based on his backstory and ethnicity. The whitewashing though... uh okay so listen closely. Lisght skinned Arabs do exist but is it proper representation to depict him as white passing? no. I’m not Arab but lemme explain it to you in terms I know. In India, colorism is a really BIG problem. Most Bollywood stars you’ll see are very fair skinned for an Indian, and they’re praised for that specifically. Sometimes when I tune into whatever program my Mom is watching, ads for skin whitening treatments come on and it’s so strange. Like, as a more overt example, dark skinned people are considered “dirty” in some castes. (note, I didn’t grow up in India, that is from my parent’s accounts) Soo rounding back to Batman, a lot of Damian’s whitewashing is also rooted in colorism. Which is why I feel like drawing him with darker skin is much more fair representation.

This is getting really long but I really wanna mention this just to kill (what? 5) birds with one stone. But i feel like some of the fandom’s racebends are pretty... sus. the Latino!Jason headcanon in particular kinda feels not right to me. It’s just, did they decide he was Latino because he was a street kid? because he’s more rough and violent? Guys that’s kinda stereotyping... Also that one hc with Tim as an asian? I’m lukewarm on it. obviously riffing on the “smart asian” thing (and i’ll admit it’s not wholly inaccurate this coming from a rather unintelligent indian) but it’s still really i dunno... it’s based on racist stereotypes. And look. Racebending is great! I do it too! (Tim Kon and Dick are drawn with darker skin sometimes cuz ur local brown girl is feeling self indulgent haha) but I feel like if you’re gonna racebend, maybe don’t do it in an obviously racist way maybe?

Anyways the true takeaway from this crazy long wall of text is that fandoms are racist sometimes. And problematic in a bunch of different ways. The Batfandom is no exception apparently, and that should be called out. which I just did. great job me! and you too anon

#I was a little worried about this one tbh #it's hard for me to put my thoughts together on topics like this #cuz they upset me #anyways was this a good take?#hope it was #ask #spicy ones from the inbox #fandom #fandom racism #long post #like way long

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sansmania · 3 years

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its o VER WHY WAS THIS SO LONG?

part 1 | part 2 | art that goes with the fic

Title: Your Man

Ship: Boss [ @bonelyheartsclub ]/ GN Reader

Descrip: take it im drifting out to sea because HES GONNA BE A COWBOY thE END

Willie had taken his time to take in the damage done to the beloved boots, tutting and frowning at the holes and shredded leather.

"Oh yeah, I can fix 'em for ya, but it'll take a few days, Mr. Boss. That lil' dog did a number to these." Boss exhaled through his nasal bone with a silent nod. It seems 'Toby' had also managed to dislodge some of the pins that held the heels in, which would mean the boots needed to be completely stripped and rebuilt from the sole up.

"That is fine, I suppose. They mean a great deal to me, so take the time you need to get them back to perfect condition." He seemed a bit emotional about leaving the boots behind, and you gently assured the skeleton that they were in skilled hands. Leaving his contact information, the two of you turned to leave.

Until a bony hand grabbed your neckline again.

"You said this store specializes in leather and boots, correct?"

"Yes?" You held the word out longer than necessary, red pinpricks looking down at you, then to the fluorescent shoes between you.

"I would like to peruse them, then. It would not hurt for me to have a few more sets, anyway. And I am beyond done with these sneakers. I feel like one of those fictional circus clowns."

You bit your tongue at his presumption, knowing Boss wouldn't listen to a word you had to say on the subject, and accepted your fate in the tobacco and wood lacker scented hell.

After a bit of searching, pausing only to laugh at some of the ridiculous 'southern fact' signs they had decorating a shelf, the pair of you found the boot section of the large store.

"Human, I highly doubt if Texas were real, that it would home ninety percent of the planet's spider population." You couldn't help the snort that came out at Boss' comment as he walked over to the wall of shoes.

His eyelights were transfixed on the detailed stiches in some of the leather boots. His phalanges traced over a pair that had some gaudy gems placed into them- a pair that had studs- red stained leather- black snake skin. He was strangely silent as he looked over each set with wonder.

You didn't think any of them were Boss' style, to be honest. They were about classic as classic cowboy boots get- you could have sworn you even spotted a pair made of alligator skin.

"These." He finally spoke, pulling down one of the only sets that seemed to be ankle high. They were a deep maroon, black stitching along the sides and folds, and a very obvious steel toe embedded inside. There were a few gold embellishments and you felt they were gaudy as all hell.

But, that expression of wonder in Boss' eyes made him look like a child on gyftmas morning.

It was cute.

He was cute.

"I mean, sure, if you're into red, black and gold-" The skeleton flicked his eyes towards you, making your mouth snap shut. He took a seat on a nearby bench, listlessly kicking off the offending accessories to try the new boots on.

Boss became silent once again, taking in the shine of leather as he tilted his feet and legs to get a good look at them.

"There is a mirror over there." You mention, pointing a few feet away, and he stood up to admire the shape of the shoes. And while he did so, you also found yourself admiring him.

Boss was very tall- even without the help of his stiletto heels- and his broad shoulders squared in perfect posture made almost anything he wore look breathtaking. His choice of attire today fit snuggly against his ribcage, tapering down his spine- making Boss look, pun intended, skeleton thin. Tight, but soft, leather pants hugged his narrow hips and bony legs, perfectly shaping his body.

"Hmm. A bit lower than what I am used to, but they are quite fetching on me. What do you think, human?"

He caught you staring, once again, in the mirror- just as your eyes had been slowly trailing down his legs, brain becoming grey mush. You curse quietly, turning your head away with a mutter of agreement.

"Sadly, they do not match the rest of my attire. I should see if they have apparel here to compliment my figure and accessories." He made an amused sound when you cocked your head at the suggestion, cheeks burning with new fervor.

Oh. He knew exactly what he was doing now. Boss wouldn't even play with the idea if any of his family was around, but since it was just the two of you, he was going to continue his sadistic game.

When you had first met Boss, you would have sworn he didn't have a playful bone in his body- the serious tone and way he carried himself made it seem he was all work and no play. But, as you got to know him, his true colors seemed to blossom forth. Yes, he hated puns, that didn't mean he had no sense of humor. His humor was dry and a little cynical- and you had nearly soiled yourself in laughter when he cracked his first joke around you.

He also found Blue and Nox's rivalry amusing, egging them on at times just to get under their skin.

And when then two of you were alone, he was much more relaxed, allowing more of his jovial side to come out. Sometimes it was a welcome blessing and sometimes it was not.

As it was at your expense today, it was one of those times that his sense of humor didn't delight.

"Uh, s-sure. Why not? Let's find you a nice pair of chaps-" Boss' amused smile caught you off guard as he held a hand up to stop you from moving. You had hoped he would allow you to help, maybe in a way save yourself from this horrible fate.

"No, I believe I can handle dressing myself just fine. Though, I will listen to your opinion after I have chosen an outfit." The smirk didn't go away as you made a noise of disdain. The skeleton sauntered off on his own, leaving you to scream internally at being caught red handed and was going to make you suffer for it.

When he turned a corner, you were on your feet- tossing the old converse in your inventory- and did your best to sneak around the store behind the him. Occasionally, Boss would turn his head out of suspicion, causing you to duck behind a shelf, while he thumbed through the racks of clothes.

He was enjoying teasing you like this, smirk still apparent on his face. You were by no means subtle, so Boss knew you were tailing him around, and that only added to his amusement.

You peeked over a row of jackets that were fastened with tassels while Boss sifted through some button up shirts. His foot tapped along to the music with perfect rhythm, though, you were more shocked when his low voice was barely audible.

He was quietly singing along to the tune.

Boss Gothic Serif.

Was singing country.

And he knew you were watching and listening.

The next time he glanced over his shoulder, Boss caught your reddened face as a devious smile curled on his skull. He knew exactly what he was doing.

"Human, I have picked out a suitable ensemble. Feel free to wait there for me to change." You didn't hide this time when he spoke up, accepting defeat, stepping out to follow the monster towards the changing rooms.

You knew from the first day of meeting these skeletons that they would be the death of you. You just didn't expect it to be in a dime store cowboy shop in the city.

Flopping down on another bench, you waited for death to finish his wardrobe swap and drag you to the dark depths- knowing now that he was going to be dressed like a cowboy with Shania Twain playing gently to send you off.

The shuffle of cloth behind the barn themed doors caught your attention, the soft click of bones on wood as a lock was lifted and the doors swung open.

Words choked in your mouth as it hung ajar, Boss stepping out of the small room with the most smug look on his face you had ever seen him muster.

His head was tilted down ever so slightly, burning red eyes shaded by the black hat atop his skull. Your eyes dragged down to the crisp maroon and black button up, gold skull bola tie strung in the collar and rested on his nearly bare breastbone.

The shirt was rolled at the sleeves, showing off his battle scarred hands and arms, and the tail tucked neatly into a pair of tight black dyed jeans; adorned and held up by a red leather belt that had a large gold skull buckle to keep it all together. The jeans hugged the skeleton's frame all the way down to the coordinated boots.

Boss leaned against the doorframe, taking in your reaction with sadistic glee; How you couldn't form a single word in appreciation to his wardrobe selection. How your face was red enough to put his shirt to shame. How your eyes lingered over the single undone button at his clavicle.

How your reaction made his soul thrum with pride.

"Comments?" He finally spoke, beyond amused at the way you startled to his rough voice- dropping it an octave or two, successfully getting further reactions out of you. Finally, you managed to swallow the hard, dry lump that formed in your throat, tearing your gaze away to look back to Boss' expecting eyes.

You coughed and looked away

"Yee. Haw?" Was all you could manage as he stepped forward, boots loudly clacking against the hardwood floor. The terrifying skeleton you called a friend, and obviously waxed red towards, stopped mere feet before you, dragging your attention back to him.

"Is that all you have to say? I would appreciate some feedback, maybe I should make another selection if this doesn't suit me-"

"No, don't!" You found your voice as Boss turned heel to find something else to fluster you with. He quirked a brow ridge at your outburst, returning to his previous position, arms crossed as he awaited to hear your real feelings.

"You. You look good, Boss." You did your best to hold your voice steady as his gaze made you shrink into the bench, like you were going to become a permanent fixture in the store.

"Just ‘good’?" Oh, he was going to make you suffer. Breathing hard through your nose, you looked back up at him. Boss already knew how you felt, so this was just torture to feed his ego.

And you may as well feed it.

"Fine." There was a pause as you found the words. “You look amazing. Handsome. Stunning.” You could feel your face and neck darkening with each admission- at this point, had you even been referring to just how he looked now? He seemed to preen at each compliment, all too pleased to drink in your words of praise.

"Then I do believe I will purchase these items. They may be in start contrast to the rest of my wardrobe, but some variety in life never hurts."

It was interesting to watch Boss fannagle with the cashier about buying all the clothes items while he was still in them- but he managed to do it, and in style, if you were honest.

With his boots squared away, clothes tucked into his inventory, and you at his side, Boss literally strutted out of the store- leading you both back to his car.

"Human, you make it so easy to fluster you, you do realize that." Boss' smile from before had not left his features, even as you pulled into the culdesac in which you lived.

"Yeah, I'm aware, Boss." You heaved a final embarrassed sigh as the car came to a stop at your curb. Gathering your belongings, and what little bit of pride you had left, the car door swung open and you turned back to him. "Tease the human that has feelings for you. Ha, ha."

"But, uh." You pause, leaning on the door to look Boss in the eyes.

"Have fun getting into your room before Red or Stretch see you, Cowboy."

#bhc #kisa writes #bonelyheartsclub #theres a reason i dont write fanfic anymore

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