Dune film with Paul played by Kyle MacLachlan

Things We Saw Today: Tor Explores the Discourse Over Dune as a White Savior Narrative

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In an excellent piece from Tor.com, Emily Asher-Perrin asks the question: “Is Dune a ‘white savior’ narrative?” providing great evidence and discourse as to why this discussion has been going on for as long as the book has been out. There is no doubt that part of the resurgence of his discourse comes from the fact that the newest Dune adaptation is coming out and is casting more diversely with non-white actors like Oscar Isaac, Jason Momoa, and Zendaya getting important roles while the lead, Paul, is played by white actor Timothée Chalamet.

Asher-Perrin writes,

“All works of art, especially ones that we hold in high esteem, should be so carefully considered. Not because we need to tear them down or, conversely, enshrine them, but because we should all want to be more knowledgeable and thoughtful about how the stories we love contribute to our world, and the ways in which they choose to reflect it.”

(via Tor.com, image: Universal Pictures)

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Princess Weekes
Princess (she/her-bisexual) is a Brooklyn born Megan Fox truther, who loves Sailor Moon, mythology, and diversity within sci-fi/fantasy. Still lives in Brooklyn with her over 500 Pokémon that she has Eevee trained into a mighty army. Team Zutara forever.