#Natlan controversy
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i think genshin is one of the most ungrateful fan bases out there.
we get 20 free pulls, a free 5 star of our choosing, more rewards for upgrading the statue, unlocking shrines of depth, and offering pyro sigils, 500 primogems from completing the AQ, new mechanics, new places to explore, new characters to explore with, an amazing trailer, and what do people do?
complain.
ive seen people say that they dont like the new wishing mechanic, people calling capitano a twink, people saying that mavuika's hair is ugly, people saying that theyre only being generous because of the "boycott." like why are you still playing the game if you have this much to complain about?
the biggest complaint, of course, is that hoyo "whitewashed" the characters. and no, im not racist, no, im not a hoyoverse dickrider. dont be like the people on twitter who will assume that youre racist just because you like the designs of the natlan characters. i say "whitewashed" because yes, they do take a lot of inspiration from south american and african gods, a lot of them are named after gods or have names from south american or african origin. but that doesnt mean they are those gods, or belong to that continent and therefore must look the part, theyre just named after them.
do i think its okay for hoyo to make almost all of them white? no not really. do i care that they made them all white? again, no not really.
im going to keep playing the game because i like it and i like the world that hoyo built. you dont have to agree with what i said, you dont have to like it at all. just respect my opinion. and if you dont like my opinion, block me.
thats about all i wanted to say. have a good day to anyone who read this far, and a good day to those who didnt as well.
#genshin#genshin impact#natlan#natlan controversy#mavuika#capitano#the captain#il capitano#lets hope that the tumblr people are more reasonable than tiktok and twitter#lets hope no one tells me to kms#bc then i rly lost hope in this ass fandom#RAT ATTACK 🐀🐀🐀🐀🐀🐀🐀🐀🐀🐀🐀🐀🐀🐀🐀🐀🐀🐀🐀🐀🐀🐀🐀🐀🐀🐀🐀🐀🐀🐀🐀🐀🐀🐀🐀🐀🐀🐀🐀🐀🐀🐀🐀🐀🐀🐀🐀🐀🐀🐀🐀🐀🐀🐀🐀🐀🐀🐀🐀#en stuff#might delete later
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I want to preface my last post by saying a boycott isn't not going to work.
Genshin is Hoyo's cash cow. You wanna know another company that's dealing with players boycotting their cash cow? Valve with Team Fortress Two. And it's working.
#fixtf2 has actually created change. Bot hosting accounts are getting permabanned from the game, like the players have been begging Valve to do.
So, am I saying a Genshin boycott is useless? No. I'm saying changing currently existing character designs is. We can still push for a more diverse cast. They have released characters from past regions before (Mika, Baizhu, Kirara, Chiori), we juzt need to push for these types of characters, and future, unrevealed characters for upcoming regions, to be POC.
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In my opinion, I think it’s important to consider WHY people DON’T want more dark/brown skinned characters in Genshin. (This goes for many types of media with the same issue, but I am speaking about Genshin because I am in the fandom)
People are capable of being undiscriminatory/generally not racist in their day to day life and still holding discriminatory and harmful views. Whether it be unintentional bias or just plain ignorance, it’s still very much possible. In my opinion, this is directly linked to the idea of NOT wanting more diversity in Genshin. I don’t accuse these people who don’t have issues with the lack of representation of being racist, I accuse them of being scared to see different people being represented.
I am personally not suffering from the lack of representation. I am not part of the cultures that are being blatantly disrespected. But it also does not affect or harm me in any way to see more groups being shown correctly.
I think that many people who don’t want more diversity are incorrectly thinking that more representation will negatively impact them. Or, perhaps, that because they aren’t part of the group being disrespected, the issue doesn’t affect or concern them at all. Neither of these are the case. Respecting every culture is important, whether you’re part of said group or not, and doing so doesn’t harm anyone.
Once again, I’m not actively accusing people of racism. But if you think that the problems in Genshin don’t concern you, or you’d rather not have them solved, please do consider why. It may be because you’re scared of more diversity, which is a harmful view to hold.
#please do read if you can! I think this is important to note#boycott hoyoverse#text post#Natlan#genshin#genshin impact#genshin text#Genshin controversy#Natlan controversy
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My stance on the Natlan controversy.
Essentially the issue here is that miHoYo decided to take HEAVY inspiration from several large and diverse, yet simultaneously marginalised and disadvantaged cultures for the design of one of their in game regions, in aspects of environmental, sound, visual, etc design, only to then make the actual characters from that region of a completely different efficiency then that of the cultures the region was inspired by.
This is Cultural Appropriation. Plane and simple. miHoYo has appropriated several cultures including Latin America, Sub-Sharan Africa, and Oceania, for their game, and they notably haven’t given these cultures in question the same respect that the cultures that inspired other in game regions, such as Inazuma or Fontaine, have been given.
And don’t say this isn’t cultural appropriation or that it doesn’t meet the definition because not only have plenty of people who are more knowledgeable them me been saying so since the drip marketing for Natlan released, BUT ALSO if say, a western game company was doing this same thing but with a Chinese or Japanese inspired region y’all wouldn’t be defending it or brushing it off, you WOULD be calling racism or cultural appropriation, and not brushing it off. The main difference is that a western game companies wouldn’t be allowed to ignore the backlash and actually be forced to do something about it.
And just to be clear, this criticism is coming from a place of love for the game. I’m mad at Genshin Impact’s developers because I really like the game and I want them and the game to do better. As someone who lives in Oceania and is from a marginalised community I can sympathise with the people whose cultures were appropriated, and I think that they deserve better, and that miHoYo should do better.
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Before anyone asks (considering Genshin is highlighted in my fandom list, meaning it’s a current hyperfixation), yes. I am aware of the Natlan controversy and its egregious colorism. And no, I do not support it in the slightest.
I joined relatively late in the game’s lifespan, joining the fandom around Sumeru’s release. Due to everything concerning that region, I made an oath to never buy anything from the game. To this day, I’ve never went back on my word, and this recent update made me glad I didn’t.
While I can still find enjoyment in the game itself, it’s incredibly disappointing to see the colorism in Natlan. It’s especially disheartening to realize that if they cared enough, this could’ve been actually decent if they abandoned their racist tendencies.
In my opinion, seeing something bad that could’ve been good is heaps worse than seeing something bad that’s always been bad. Thinking about a “what could’ve been” that’s better than the “what is” just hurts me on a whole different level, you know?
Because of this, I’m choosing to stay away from discussions about this particular subject for the sake of my mental well-being.
However, that doesn’t mean that you should simply ignore this situation. This is a problem that has gone on for far too long, and has only gotten worse over time.
But enough of my yapping. I’m white, I’m not of the people that have been hurt by this racism. I don’t think it’s my place to speak of this in any more detail.
If you want more info of how to boycott HoYoVerse, I suggest you take a look at @hyvboycott and especially their pinned post.
Do what you can. Let HYV know that they won’t get away with this.
#genshin impact#boycott genshin#boycott hoyoverse#boycott hyv#genshin boycott#genshin impact boycott#boycott genshin impact#hoyoverse boycott#hyv boycott#hyv#hoyoverse#important#genshin natlan#natlan genshin#genshin impact natlan#natlan genshin impact#natlan controversy#natlan#natlan discourse
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Some of these people be fighting racism w racism istg
nah cuz how are you gonna complain that genshin didnt make a certain character dark enough but then turn around and turn them into a FULL ON STEREOTYPE???
like the genshin fandom are SUCH hypocrites, how are you gonna call hoyo racist and then turn around and be racist yourself?
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I was thinking this if they had an art contest or Hoyofair, people should come together to darken these characters like they should be. This controversy will die down in about a week or so, but it can be brought back if people do something like this. Though Hoyo can pick who they want to showcase art of and a lot the Genshin community not all but a lot don't care about what happened or are racist, evident in the Natlan Teaser trailer comments.
Everyone upset about Natlan's (A region based on Africa/Ring of Fire Countries) lack of dark skin characters
When Natlan inevitably gets an art contest fucking BOMBARD them with the darker-skin edits of the Natlan characters. Direct action- FORCE them to acknowledge what people want, what people are pushing for.
#Genshin Impact#Genshin Natlan#Genshin Impact Natlan#Natlan#natlan controversy#boycott hoyoverse#genshin boycott
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So are we just going to ignore how messed up the Pyro Archon's name is?
For those who don't know, her name is Murata. Which is scarily similar to the extremely racist Spanish term "Mulato/Mulata" used to refer to children of black people with white people aka mixed races (And by the way! Is most of Latin America's population)
""Mulata": In the Spanish language, it referred to the mix between a donkey with a mare. The enourmous pejorative term is even bigger when you say "Exportation type Mulata", reiterating the black woman body as merchandise. The word refers to the idea of seduction"
And before anyone says "Stop being dramatic it's just because of Himeko Murata" I would like to ask you some questions:
1. Why did it have to be with Natlan?
2. Why would they use a JAPANESE name?
3. Why did they choose the archon?
Oh, and reminder that Natlan is inspired by Africa and Latin America, the exact countries where this word is used as a derogatory term.
And not to mention her rumoured design?? What the fuck??? Did they not think it through? It's literally a Spanish colonizer.
I heard people saying that she isn't the real archon but still. It's so unnecessary. Seriously? Murata? Did you really expect people to not notice after changing one letter?
As a Latina I'm so angry at this. They're basically pointing at our history and laughing.
First the lack of ANY character with curls now this? Fuck you hoyoverse.
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I am actually so sick of my tl on twt being flooded by complaints like be so freaking for real if you hate the game just leave stop playing it I promise it’s okay
#WAAAWAAAWAAA THEY DONT HAVE LATINO VAS#LISTEN alhaitham had a half Palestinian VA yk what he did ? BUTCHER EVERY ARAB NAME and so did everyone else#there’s other Arab vas and they too butchered their names. I hate it too#them vas being of the race the natlan characters are will NOT fix that problem ok because they can white wash the pronounciation like crazy#and yk what it’s lowkey WORSE if it’s an Arab va cause then everyone thinks that’s how you pronounce that name#when in reality it sounds as atrocious as nails on chalkboards BE FR#SMHHHHH#and it’s a new complaint every freaking day like what the heck#first it’s skin colour second it’s imaginary complaints like the vas nationality PICK A STRUGGLE#if you truly hated the game you would’ve quit. outright you would’ve quit#but the reason you don’t quit is cause the issues you claim to care so deeply about are things#you do not care ENOUGH about and hoyo has you wrapped around#their pinkies so if you’re gonna complain; then complain properly and QUIT THE GAME#I am so sick of everyone complaining and polluting the atmosphere#like yall can I say something controversial? when it was sumeru i genuinely do not care enough because it is not that bad#for the level of rep we are getting sure there’s some mistakes but if you’re gonna#sit here and whine about everything you would NEVER be satisfied#sure the inaccuracies are annoying BUT ITS ONLY MILDLY SO#now pls like … if you truly are a justice warrior quit the game alr and prove you care about these#“major issues” if I as a swana person who IS disappointed in some aspects of sumeru yet it is not that atrocious as you all claim it to be#then I think you natlan folks whining like the trumpet of the day of judgement has been blown should really pipe down a tad bit#dora daily
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Wait I've been out of the Genshin loop for a while now, what's going on with Natlan??? /gen
nothing it’s just that some people in community had been expressing concerns that natlan might end up having a similar controversy that sumeru did where went teasers and leaks of it first dropped where many of the sumeru characters were shown to be light-skinned (more context for that is that basically sumeru is based off of middle eastern cultures so some people were expecting more diverse skin tones)
And because of the regions natlan has also taken inspo from (which I can’t remember for the life of me) some people have expressed concerns the same thing will happen with natlan, where while they expected more diverse skin tones most of the characters will be light-skinned.
I don’t really have an opinion on the whole thing but that’s what I was getting at with my post on natlan. So basically I’m just wondering if the community has a problem with the current natlan characters’ skin tones or if they’re ok with it
edit: ok so apparently natlan is most likely taking inspo from Latin American and the Aztecs? So take that as you will
#ask received ⌞✉️🧶⌝#I hope this makes sense#I’m sorry I have a headache lol#genshin impact#natlan#sumeru#sumeru controversy
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literally everything in that nation is riding on capitano's shoulders and idk if even canon cap can save it
he got diluc'ed....
natlan looks like straight shit and it’s so disappointing.
not that i was expecting much considering just before everything they dropped emilie who looks like that, and then proceeded to drip market ben10, the shark girl and yet another loli bait character who are all cream bathroom tile coloured at best.
not to mention the archon (mauvika? not sure how to spell her name) looks as though she could be a street racer. she’s in a catsuit with leather and zips, which doesn’t suit the fantastical adventure elemental land that teyvat is.
natlan looks like a fucking fortnite map region.
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Someone said it should not be considered radical to want to be represented in media, especially if said media wants to represent those people (I think a voice actor said that) and it's so true and valid and I do agree.
Thing is, it's ridiculous how people claim that they want to boycott the game and still play it. Someone wrote that into their signature "boycott genshin" yada yada but still continues to play it. If people would actually wanna boycott it they'd stop playing. Like huh? And then they get mad at people for still enjoying the game. Some even have the nerve to say that it's way too easy now, like what? Getting more rewards is taking away all the fun? They say they are just mad because they literally bought crystals but nobody even forced them like huh? It's a conscious decision they make themselves and try to blame everyone and everything else except themselves.
I'm so embarrassed to be in this fandom.
Anyways sorry for the rant, just wanted to tell you that yes, this fandom is indeed so incredibly ungrateful and brainless too on top of that.
Let's focus on the positive side and look forward to Natlan (and more lore LETS GOOO!)
i dont have anything to add to this except I CANT WAIT TO EXPLORE NATLAN
natlan looks so pretty in all the trailers
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So, I kinda wanna address the Natlan controversy.
For those of you who don't know, the game Genshin Impact has been recently called into controversy over the next nation, Natlan, because the characters are very light skinned, despite being based off of, and named after, South America/Indigenous people.
Now, am I pissed that there's not more diversity? Yes, I am. I'd love a more diverse cast.
The problem is we enabled this behavior.
Approximately two years ago, when Sumeru was being teased, this exact situation happened. People were pissed at the lack of POC characters for a nation based on the Middle East. But what happened the moment Sumeru released? Everyone swiped their cards and made Hoyoverse (The company that owns Genshin) big bucks.
We, as a community, have allowed Hoyo to believe that they can do whatever they want with other cultures to design their nations, even if the people who live there aren't represented.
Do I believe forcing Genshin to change character designs that already exist will change anything? No. They are a company. They do not care. They never have, and they know that if they make a character powerful enough, the community will easily forget the controversy, just like most forgot the Sumeru one.
It is a problem on both sides.
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Fulfiller of Commissions, Flame Bearer of the Canopy
"This servant of mine is no fool, and nimble too, as far as servants go. His biggest fault is that, no matter how hard you try, you simply can't get rid of him! I mean it — he literally will not die! Have you ever heard of someone falling headfirst off a cliff and still surviving!? Utterly infuriating!"
— K'uhul Ajaw, the self-proclaimed "Almighty Dragonlord"
◆ Name: Kinich
◆ Title: Turnfire Hunt
◆ Huitztlan Saurian Hunter
◆ Vision: Dendro
◆ Constellation: Chimaera Alebriius
"It's one thing to charge a fee for delivering a letter, but charging for being a flame bearer on Turnfire Night? It's outrageous! Is this really a hero of ours?"
"It's not like you just met him today. Surely you'd admit that he does his job well? That's all that matters."
In Natlan, where humans and Saurians live together in harmony, there have always been some who have looked askance at saurian hunters. In a land full of heroes, their practice of assessing commissions and setting a price makes the profession even more controversial.
A cruel, ruthless, cold-blooded killer... Pragmatic, utilitarian, without so much as a hint of chivalrous decorum... In such heartless, damning terms do people describe the young man that never argues back.
But what of it?
As long as the price is right, all commissions shall be fulfilled in a satisfactory manner; all writhing, raging aberrants returned to the Night Kingdom from whence they came.
Once the bearer of the Turnfire name has locked onto a target, there's no looking back.
#genshin impact#genshin impact updates#genshin impact news#official#kinich#am i tripping or does he look less pale than in the trailers#only slightly of course. of course
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⚠️ In regards to the natlan controversy (and Sumeru by proxy)
Do NOT accuse people of being racist just because your skin colour cannot be found in a game. Learn to know that people don't live in the same situation as you.
Please read this fully for the reality of things I'm sorry for getting political, skip if you don't want to interact
I’m kinda sad at the fact that a lot of people are quick to hate, judge, and scrutinise Hoyo without understanding the situation.
With recent teaser of Natlan characters, people are rightfully upset at the fact that the characters shown to hail from Natlan… don’t exactly look the part. With characters lighter than my own skin tone (I’m a Chinese Southeast Asian by the way, heya) people are calling hoyo bullshit and accusing them of being a racist for failing time and time again at giving us characters with POC shades of skin. Now I’m not here to defend Mihoyo for their actions, or to tell you to stop being mad at the situation being the way they are. No, I’m here to shed you some light of how life is as a game company under the rule of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and Xin Jin Ping (XJP cause I won’t be bothered to type his whole ass name)
I've highlighted points of each section
Any pages that requires translations, I recommend using DeepL instead of google translate because you can check the meanings of specific words and it's translation are better (imo)
Skip to the last part if you just want a summarised version
Before we get into the nitty gritty that is Genshin drama, I'll give you a run-down on what and how China works.
check the part "In relation to Genshin's design choices and how China's beauty standard influences it" if you want to go straight on to the point
People’s Republic of China
is a Unitary Marxist–Leninist one-party socialist republic. This means that China is under a one-party (Chinese Communist Party) rule with communism ideology on how they rule and govern the country and socialist standards for how they manage their economy and everything else. [.]
The CCP holds a very nationalistic view
[.] which is commonly used as propaganda [.] for them to garner either sympathy or control over the people of China. These nationalistic view, in its raw and most rudest form, simply states that Chinese people are pure by upholding traditional Chinese culture (that's not even traditionally Chinese, more or less more catered towards communism and the CCP's ideologies which are that they're great and everyone else is wrong) and not mixing themselves or tainting themselves with things that are not pure (i.e. anything that isn't Chinese, from China, belongs to China) This nationalistic views, which glorifies China and detests anything foreign (i.e. culture, language, people, etc.) have led to a lot of xenophobia being built and nurtured inside of China's society [1] [2] [3]
Aside from the CCP's nationalistic views,
China's society is very censored and monitored by the CCP
[.] Google, YouTube, or more specifically, the internet itself is heavily banned by the government, electing the people to use the CCP's private internet that allows them to be monitored 24/7 through IP location and private information. [1] [2] [3] [4] Aside from heavily monitored and controlled internet access, people in the real world are also actively being watched and monitored through CCTV with facial recognition features and an AI that can predict people's action (yes, exactly like the akasha, and yes, Sumeru arc is based on reality, I won't talk about it here but feel free to read between the lines and compare it with the sources and news articles I'm about to drop on you) [1] [2. Behind paywall] [3] [4] [5]
With its censorship in mind, let us talk about what brings us all here:
the gaming censorship in China.
In order for a game to be published in China, whether it's made by an indie or a multi-billion dollar company, the game has to go through a complicated preliminary test made and assigned by the CCP to play, test, and go through your game before publishing it anywhere in Chinese media [.] This test includes you company's paperwork, your game's paperwork, the things you're displaying in your game, and the story it's trying to tell. There are not that many rules on what should and should not appear inside of your game, such as: polyamory, the undead (in both graphic and non-graphic manner), etc. That should be considered tame and should cause no problem, however, we do have a problem with one of the rule given which is: Emphasizing Cultural Sensitivity.
Emphasizing Cultural Sensitivity
in the article I've mentioned before, describes it as "Games should impart “correct” information on politics, law, and history, as interpreted by the authorizing agency." Now what does "correct" information entail? Who fucking knows because truth is relative. Facts, when in the eyes of the CCP, are relative to what they believe is to be right and what they want us to believe is right.
Now with that out of the way, let us get into the main deal.
MiHoYo
(not to be confused with Hoyoverse/Cognosphere which is their international branch) is a is a Chinese video game development and publishing company, founded by three classmates from university Cai Haoyu, Liu Wei, and Luo Yuhao [.] That means that Genshin Impact's development, ever since it was at its infancy, first-established days, and updates until the near future, are all subjected onto that game censorship law that I mentioned earlier. Now you might all be wondering, what does all of those rules have to do with genshin characters having dark skins? To that I point you towards the fact that MiHoYo and the CCP are and have been actively working together ever since around September 2021. [1] [2]
Cooperation between MiHoYo and the CCP
Ever since Genshin Impact's massive hit both nationally and internationally, its massive fanbase has hit the internet no one has ever seen before. It is the first ever Chinese game that has gotten world wide acclaim and with that, new eyes begin to look upon China. It is no surprise to anyone that Genshin is very particular about showing and promoting Chinese culture to the outside world. Genshin has somehow become the face to Chinese culture in just a year, with limited events such as Lantern Rite and Moonchase festival to showcase China's cultural beauty. With world-wide acclaim comes a price, wherein the CCP no longer treats Genshin as "another game" but a tool that they can use to promote and advertise themselves into the global population.
Begin the censorship and micro-manipulation of things in Genshin
New gaming censorship dropped after the Genshin Impact became a hit in the industry, with even Venti and Gorou as examples of characters that should not appear in media published in China (effeminate man) [.] In additional to the list I've linked in the "the gaming censorship in China" section, a lot more additional rules have been added to that list, such as: queer representation, morally grey character, but I what I want you to look at more is the section where "historical elements, including characters, maps and clothing, should conform with mainstream accounts." in addition to that, a self-regulation pact was made between game companies and the CCP that bans any and all content that is deemed "politically harmful" and "historically nihilistic." Now focus more onto that "historically nihilistic" point, what does that mean?
Historical nihilism
is a term used by the CCP and many Chinese scholars to describe research or discussions deemed to contradict an official state version of history in a manner perceived to question or challenge the legitimacy of the CCP [.] TLDR; it's a term used for when what you're saying clashes or goes against what the CCP said. Why is this important you may ask? It's because that now, at this point, if anything Genshin does something—whether that'd be plotline, design etc.—that the CCP thinks shouldn't exist or be represented, they have the lawful right to block or stop it from reaching the final product. Now this, this is what happened to Genshin's Sumeru and Natlan cast.
In relation to Genshin's design choices and how China's beauty standard influences it
white has always been a predominant part of modern Chinese beauty culture, for some reason (I don't know and I'm not going to go that deep into it, research it on your own if you're curious) In fact, it's not only China but also Asian culture in general. White skin has always been hailed as pure and beautiful here in Asia, where the line "as pale as the moon" is a common compliment to give to someone. Skin colour that are tan or even darker are connected to being dirty or stinky. Despite the younger generation not really adhering to that view, the older generation (calling out the CCP here) upholds that standard till this day. Pin straight hair, round eyes, pale white skin, and a thin figure are the standards put upon those born as female. Their male counterpart are not that different, with lean and fit being the preferred body type rather than big muscles or bulky forms.
The reason behind why this is the case is because of Asia's strict social code in rules and appearances. We must appear prim and clean, that means no dyed hair, no tattoos, no piercings, and minimal make-up. Anyone that goes against those rules are regarded as delinquents or deviants that usually break the rules and do criminal activities (despite it not being the case) Having a bulky stature also applies to that list, regardless of what gender you are, and especially for men. You're regarded as dangerous, criminal, bad influence if you look like that in public (this is why we don't have that much bulky characters gang and why we were robbed of heavy muscles Itto orz) (he deffo was very bulky in the original design, probably similar to the Nobushi but it got nerfed in final product)
Given all of that in mind, it's no wonder that Sumeru's and and Natlan's casts are mostly white... but were they always that way?
The original skin colour design for Natlan cast might've been darker than what we have in the final product.
As a lot of people have mentioned (especially with the many beautiful edits I'm very fond of) the character designs for Natlan's new up-coming rosters looks better with darker skin tone. Take for examples this edit right here:
taken from @ rarepairz on twitter [source]
Their designs (with darker skin tones) seem to pop more, giving highlights onto their clothes and accessories in comparison to the original design. Here are more examples of this happening:
taken from @ Wabs_nabs on twitter [source]
It is especially clear to anyone with basic colour theory that the colour used for designing the clothes and accessories and highlights in the hair look better with darker skin colour. There is *intent* on making it this way in comparison to woeful ignorance of making them look white as hell. If they were to intentionally to make the characters look white, they would've chosen a better colour for the clothes, less bolder ones and eye-popping ones to contrast with the already luminescent light that's emitting from the skin.
And this is not the case for only Natlan, by the way! The same thing happened when the Sumeru cast was first leaked. Case in point this:
taken from @ animuswonder on twitter [source]
and my personal art of Cyno and Nari:
Look at how much contrast there is between their colour palette or how much resonance there is, with Cyno his more cold-colour attire and hair, in comparison to his deep dark warm skin or Tighnari that's the epitome of a "spring girl" like come on man. There's INTENT in those designs, to have more darker shades than they are in the game. Sadly, they just can't do it due to censorships. Why? Because, as I have mentioned before, darker shades of skin are represented as dirt here in Asia as we glorify pale skin more.
The representation of uniqueness and differences in Chinese game is not common due the fact that most Asian countries are homogenous, which means they prefer everyone and everything to be the same, to look the same, and follow and do the same things. They do not advocate for uniqueness, they do not advocate for individuality, they advocate for us to conform and to follow like a sheep in a herd. Because of that, most people spend their whole life trying to whiten up their skin, keeping them light, and those who are darker than most are shown prejudiced and scrutinised.
Mentioning again the fact that MiHoYo and the CCP are working closely together, Genshin Impact is currently being used as a cultural weapon by the government. With MiHoYo showing numerous time that they've donate and support Chinese cultural heritage, the CCP is using that fact and holding control over Genshin as a way to promote and advertise sympathy towards Chinese culture and the Communist regime by proxy. It's like how your parents are getting you to eat broccoli brownies in hopes that you'd eat normal broccolis and other vegetables by proxy. Everything and anything that Genshin shows in its game are now under close inspections of the CCP and colourism especially will not fly-by their radar.
In conclusion
Your anger and hatred towards the new characters’ designs are justified, however the person you aim those anger and hatred should not be towards Mihoyo, or Liu Wei, or any of the staff members but towards the situation and the laws and the local government MiHoYo has to adhere to.
We're already lucky to have MiHoYo even wanting to represent and shpw different cultures from different parts of the world, telling us engaging stories, and incentivising us to think more and to be be more of us instead of following the crowd and to judge those in power (if you are literate and have the ability of a 6th grader, you know the theme Genshin Impact is showing in its story). In a world where they aren't able to live as freely as people outside of mainland do, they shouldn't have to put their life at risk by creating a game that goes against the CCP's laws that will lead to a deduction to their social points (yes, those actually exist, WAKE UP). Yet they do, they update every month, telling stories, creating characters with many characteristics that goes against Chinese gaming laws, just for us to enjoy.
Do NOT accuse people of being racist just because your skin colour cannot be found in a game. Learn to know that people don't live in the same situation as you.
You are right to be mad, you are right to be upset, but do not condemn them for something they hold no power to. It's between their lives and your fantasies and if you choose to value your delusion over their livelihood then that just shows what kind of a person you are.
Where's this conviction towards other game companies aside from MiHoYo? Where's the rightful air when it comes to companies that breathe much fresher air? Do they not have the same responsibility? Or is it because you actually do not care and merely want to point your unbridled emotions towards something or someone? If so, you're pointing at the wrong person.
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Okay, I'm going to be real with you, we despise the cultural misrepresentation and appropriation going on with Genshin's new nation, Natlan. As someone of both taino and black descent, I was ranting for hours. However, after experiencing that level of euphoria from running around as a yumaka...we just had to make a flag.
I will make more Natlan flags upon request, but that doesn't mean I particularly enjoy or approve of the whitewashing and appropriation taking place. You can't help what you kin, so I won't judge anyone!
We just want to make it aware I don't support what's happening, and quite frankly, we're going to help with boycotting a few banners to send a message.
Yumkasaurus Kintype (Sauriankin)
A flag for alterhumans whose kintype is a yumkasaurus from Genshin Impact.
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