Problematic Fandoms and the Importance of Diversity and Inclusion

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In this episode of the Temple of Geek Podcast, we talk about problematic fandoms and the importance of diversity and Inclusion. We discuss the controversial comments made by the author of one of the biggest pop culture fandoms, the controversy around many of our favorite fandoms in light of the Black Lives Matter Movement, and more.

The Temple of Geek Podcast has been around since 2012 and is hosted by a variety of geeks. Here we cover all manner of geek and pop culture news and events. This episode is hosted by our regular host, Monica, and she is joined by fellow geek enthusiast Dana!

Dana is a Temple of Geek content writer and she joins Monica to talk about her personal experiences as a Black woman in fandom, what her life has been like since the George Floyd protests have erupted worldwide, and the fandoms she has found solace in. She and Monica share a mutual love for the Doctor Who fandom.

You can listen to the Temple of Geek Podcast directly on this page or stream it on Apple Podcasts / Google Podcast / iHeart Radio / Stitcher  Spotify and where ever else you stream your podcast.

General Fandom Spoiler & Trigger Warnings Apply

Hamilton Fandom and the Slavery Controversy

“Hamilton” is an 11-time-Tony Award®-, GRAMMY Award®-, Olivier Award- and Pulitzer Prize-winning stage musical created by Lin-Manuel Miranda. The musical is based on the life of one of America’s Founding Fathers, Alexander Hamilton. Hamilton is known for being the author of the Federalist Papers, and the first secretary of the U.S. treasury. “Hamilton” is inspired by the book “Alexander Hamilton” by Ron Chernow.

Although it has been widely accepted as a groundbreaking masterpiece, it is far from being above critique. Therefore, the July 3rd Release on Disney+ made the show accessible in a way it had not been to audiences before. In the wake of the George Floyd protests, there was plenty to be critical about. In this episode, we discuss our points of view as fans of the musical but also as individuals who believe in the Black Lives Matter movement.

Interesting Reads

• Lin-Manuel Miranda Responds to the “Hamilton is Canceled” Controversy
• Why Hamilton is as frustrating as it is brilliant — and impossible to pin down

Controversy in the Harry Potter Fandom

The Harry Potter Fandom is hurt by the bigotry of its creator. J.K. Rowling gave us the magical world of Harry Potter. A franchise that made her the first billionaire author. It is one of the best selling book and film franchises in the world and has spaned massive theme park attractions and fandom merchandising. To say that it is a beloved franchise would be an understatement. In this episode of the Temple of Geek Podcast, we discuss the hurt she has caused to the LGBTQ community and the difficult task of trying to separate the art from the artist.

You can read the controversial statement essay that J.K. Rowling wrote in regards to the Anti-Trans comments she made on Twitter here.

Harry Potter Actors Respond

Transgender women are women. Any statement to the contrary erases the identity and dignity of transgender people and goes against all advice given by professional health care associations who have far more expertise on this subject matter than either Jo or I. According to The Trevor Project, 78% of transgender and nonbinary youth reported being the subject of discrimination due to their gender identity. It’s clear that we need to do more to support transgender and nonbinary people, not invalidate their identities, and not cause further harm. –Daniel Radcliffe 

Interesting Reads

• How J. K. Rowling Became Voldemort – The backlash against the Harry Potter creator is a growing pain of her fandom.
• J.K. Rowling’s bigotry is painful and maddening
• J.K. Rowling accused of making “anti-trans comments” on Twitter

For more on these subjects check out:

• Examining The Hunger Games with Black Lives Matter
• List of info on educating yourself on Racism and becoming Anti-Racist
• List of Books by Black Authors to Introduce to Your Children
• Why Blackface In Cosplay Is Wrong

About Our Host:

Monica is the current host of the Temple of Geek Podcast. She is a cosplay photographer and content creator for Temple of Geek. You can check out some of her work here: https://templeofgeek.com/author/monica/