"As would be expected, some people are enraged when a swap occurs. Some are open about their racist or sexist reasons for their anger and are clear that they do not want females and non-white people in certain roles. Some criticize a swap by asking why there was a swap instead of either creating a new character or focusing on a less well-known existing character."
"Such questions can be asked in bad faith; the person asking them makes it clear that they are angry that minorities and women are allowed to take traditional white male roles. As such, it is not that they want new women or minority characters or more focus on existing characters, the question is a cover for their racism and sexism. These questions serve well in this role as they are not overtly racist or sexist."
Race/gender swapping changes an established character's race or gender. High-profile examples include Nick Fury and Dr. Smith. Many viewers react angrily to swaps. Some express overt racist or sexist opposition, rejecting females and non-white people in certain roles. Others frame objections as preferences for new characters or attention to lesser-known characters. Such objections can be sincere aesthetic questions. Such objections can also function as dog-whistles that mask prejudice while signaling like-minded people. The plausible deniability of these questions allows some to claim legitimate inquiry while actually opposing diversity efforts.
Read at A Philosopher's Blog
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