Where There's Woke WTW74: The Woke Are Coming for Your DnD! - With Eli Bosnick
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Jan 28, 2025 Eli Bosnick, the host of D&D Minus and a Dungeons & Dragons expert, dives into the heated debate over 'wokeness' in gaming culture. He humorously tackles the backlash against changes like the shift from 'race' to 'species' in D&D terminology. The conversation delves into the cultural evolution of the game, the need for inclusivity, and the reactions from both fans and public figures, including Elon Musk. From personal anecdotes to broader insights, Bosnick encourages embracing diverse narratives to enhance the gaming experience.
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D&D's Racial Essentialism History
- Dungeons and Dragons' original racial classifications reflected outdated racial essentialism.
- The game is now evolving to remove these essentialist tropes to create more inclusive play.
Old D&D Reflects Outdated Norms
- Early D&D was created in a time with harsh, intolerant social norms favoring white men.
- Its original content often reflects juvenile, exclusionary, and offensive ideas.
Podcasts Revived D&D Inclusively
- Actual play podcasts revived D&D by making it inclusive and storytelling focused.
- Shows like Critical Role and The Adventure Zone brought queer and neurodiverse representation to the game.