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Racist Magic: The Gathering cards banned, removed from database by publisher

polygon.com

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Re: Racist Magic: The Gathering cards banned, removed from database by publisher

#41

Post by brmgb »

Cerium wrote: post #31
toyg wrote: post #15

Earlier quoted context omitted.

What is the racist connotation of Stone-Throwing devils? Btw, if Pradesh Gypsies is racist, we better start torching a ton of Marvel comics - Dr. Doom is a gypsy and all the (often excellent) stories around his background use the exact same imagery, all the way to the cyberpunk Doom 2099.

I am not finding that much information on the Stone-Throwing devils, but I think it could be a reference to the Muslim tradition of "stoning of the devil" in which small rocks are thrown by pilgrims at a wall. People who are racist against Muslims might question who is the devil. That the card is part of the Arabian Nights expansion does not help the cause.

Given the age of the card, it's most likely a reference to the first intifada which was notable for widespread throwing of stones by the Palestinian.

Re: Racist Magic: The Gathering cards banned, removed from database by publisher

#42

Post by sanchostache »

toyg wrote: post #15
bspammer wrote: post #10

It seems to me that there are two distinct types of cards being banned here: cards that actually have real-world racist connatations (Invoke Prejudice, Jihad, Stone-Throwing devils, Pradesh Gypsies), and cards that have unfortunate wording when read by someone who doesn't play the game (Crusade, Cleanse). I'm glad they're taking a stand on the former, but the latter seems rather silly. I'm no Magic expert, but black…

What is the racist connotation of Stone-Throwing devils? Btw, if Pradesh Gypsies is racist, we better start torching a ton of Marvel comics - Dr. Doom is a gypsy and all the (often excellent) stories around his background use the exact same imagery, all the way to the cyberpunk Doom 2099.

It won't stop, bud. Everything must be sanitized.

Re: Racist Magic: The Gathering cards banned, removed from database by publisher

#43

Post by floatingatoll »

WealthVsSurvive wrote: post #20

Does anyone else feel like maybe corporations should just do this if they want and not make a big corporate statement about it; I feel like it's detracting from the issues at hand, which are frankly much large than luke-warm conceits of micro-aggressions. Macro-aggressions are occurring, let's stay focused on that and not derail the conversation. By all means do it, but maybe don't release a slew of PR about it.

Tournament rule changes demand an announcement; silence is not an option.

Re: Racist Magic: The Gathering cards banned, removed from database by publisher

#44

Post by b0rsuk »

duskwuff wrote: post #24
mydongle wrote: post #16

Why make real lasting change when you could instead ruin a children's card game?

There are literally tens of thousands of M:TG cards. Removing seven of them is hardly "ruining" the game. Besides -- most of the cards being removed had already been out of print since the 1990s. They were effectively irrelevant to most players.

This is also setting a precedent - banning cards for political reasons.

Re: Racist Magic: The Gathering cards banned, removed from database by publisher

#45

Post by kthejoker2 »

toyg wrote: post #30
duskwuff wrote: post #26

Earlier quoted context omitted.

The name and art for Pradesh Gypsies wasn't the problem. The card text was the issue -- it had an ability which could temporarily reduce the strength of an opponent's card, invoking the stereotype of a thieving gypsy.

Applying a negative modifier to opponents is “invoking stereotypes of thieving”...? That modifier might as well come from outwitting or befuddling, particularly with a text that evokes mystery. Sounds to me like this choice says more about the actual prejudices of whoever made it, rather than objective parameters.

The issue is using "Gypsies", period, when there's no need to do so.

If you replaced it with "Wanderers" nothing of value is lost.

Using a real group name is thr only reason your comment (and this one) exists.

It literally creates tension where none should be by its very existence. That's problematic.

Re: Racist Magic: The Gathering cards banned, removed from database by publisher

#46

Post by thinkingemote »

ausbah wrote: post #21
haunter wrote: post #14

1994 conservatives: "Magic is Satanic" 2020 liberals: "Magic is Racist" I guess "protection from black" is the next /s https://scryfall.com/search?as=grid&order=name&q=oracle%3A%2...

no one is saying the game is racist, just that a tiny subselection of cards that are a byproduct of less aware times

The title of this submission indicates.to me that people are saying the game is racist.

Re: Racist Magic: The Gathering cards banned, removed from database by publisher

#47

Post by csense »

None of these cards seem racist to me. It's almost as if people are on a mission where they want to find racism and cultural offense where none exists. And then whatever they label as "racist" ends up getting banned.

This is basically a book-burning.

How is this happening in a society based on free speech? Why do most of the people in this thread seem to be okay with it?

Re: Racist Magic: The Gathering cards banned, removed from database by publisher

#48

Post by lsiebert »

duskwuff wrote: post #35
lsiebert wrote: post #34

Earlier quoted context omitted.

The name IS problematic.

You're right, that's a fair point. I wouldn't be surprised if WotC had avoided "Romani" because it felt like a demonym which wouldn't exist in their universe. :/ Are there any great substitute terms which focus on the lifestyle commonly associated with the Romani? "Nomadic" (or "nomads") is associated more with peoples who live away from civilization; "travelers" is a little weak, as it can imply a temporary activity…

Vagabond, Wanderer, Wayfarer, Rover, Roamer, Drifter
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