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[–] 33 points 1 year ago (4 children)

Warhammer 40k effect.

Games Workshop Writers: "Hey let's make a universe where it's extremely clear that all factions are representations of the worst aspects of human society at their most extreme and how they each contribute to creating a world of unending war that justifies itself by feeding into the cycle of violence."

Warhammer Fandom: "For the Emperor! The Imperium are the good guys! Space Marines are so cool!"

(I say this after beating Space Marines 2, having absolutely reveled in the power fantasy of stomping out xenos scum)

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  • [–] 13 points 1 year ago (1 child)

    I am firm believer that many people don't have media literacy skills. People assume protagonist = hero. What does GW do? Humans and Space Marines are the protagonist of the story; look at all the cool shit they do. Pew! Pew Pew! Bam! Boom!

    In reality, the Protagonist is just the main character of the story. The Protagonist can be the hero or the villain of the story.

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  • [–] 10 points 1 year ago

    Fair assumption. Generally, most people never engage with the world around them on anything more than a superficial level because they have no need or immediately beneficial incentive to do so.

    You honestly give them too much credit. Most don't even bother to even think in terms of "protagonist/antagonist".

    Terms like "protagonist/antagonist" aren't even part of the equation and, if they are, they actually do understand that "protagonist=main character" but that thought is then followed by the assumption that "main character=good guy".

    To them, stories are just entertainment, nothing more. There are no allegories or themes or political commentary. Just Michael Bay explosions and spectacle. Any messaging presented are just assumed to align with their internal worldview and, if it can't be reconciled even with leaps of logic, then they just write off the piece as being bad or poorly executed.

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