WTW74: The Woke Are Coming for Your DnD! - With Eli Bosnick
Jan 28, 2025
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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.
The podcast critiques the backlash against changes in Dungeons & Dragons, particularly the shift from 'race' to 'species', viewing it as a necessary evolution toward inclusivity.
Safety tools introduced in role-playing games are emphasized as essential for fostering a respectful environment, allowing players to communicate their boundaries effectively.
The hosts argue that resistance to progressive changes in gaming reflects broader anxieties about cultural shifts and a refusal to adapt to modern values.
Deep dives
The Rise of Woke Controversy
The discussion revolves around the so-called 'woke mob' and its perceived threat to various cultural aspects, particularly focusing on the gaming community. The speakers express their beliefs that diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts are being infiltrated by Marxist ideologies, which they view as an attack on traditional values. They humorously highlight the shift in the representation of popular characters, like the green M&M, to illustrate what they consider absurd changes brought on by this 'woke culture.' They assert that wokeness poses a danger, likening it to a viral pandemic that could strip away essential societal values.
Dungeons & Dragons and Cultural Shifts
A key topic of the episode is the evolution of Dungeons & Dragons, particularly the decision to change the terminology associated with player characters from 'race' to 'species.' This change sparked significant backlash among traditionalists who believe it undermines the game's legacy. The discussion addresses the historical context of the game, emphasizing that it has often been entangled with problematic racial stereotypes. The hosts argue that elevating discussions about characters—moving from racial classifications to species—attempts to align the game with modern understandings of race and inclusivity.
Introduction of Safety Tools
The podcast also delves into the introduction of safety tools in role-playing games, particularly emphasizing the importance of creating a comfortable environment for all players. These tools, including consent tools and signaling gestures like crossing hands to indicate discomfort, aim to foster a healthier gaming atmosphere where players can communicate their boundaries. The hosts argue that these adjustments are not only meaningful but essential to ensure all players feel respected and included, especially in a game that has historically faced criticism for being exclusionary. They contend that these updates are necessary and beneficial, rather than a threat to the game's integrity.
Pushback Against the Critics
Critics of these changes, which the speakers often describe as reactionary or backwards, are depicted as clinging to an outdated vision of gaming that is rooted in exclusion and antiquated norms. The conversation highlights specific examples of backlash from notable figures, including prominent social media personalities who have vocalized their disdain for the progressive changes. The hosts mock these reactions as being emblematic of broader anxieties regarding cultural shifts, asserting that such resistance is indicative of a refusal to adapt. They further explore the idea that the backlash is not based in genuine concern, but rather in a resistance to losing a sense of cultural dominance.
The Future of Inclusivity in Gaming
Looking ahead, the discussion emphasizes the potential for Dungeons & Dragons and similar games to evolve in ways that reflect contemporary values and diverse experiences. The rise of actual play podcasts and inclusive storytelling formats serves as a counter-narrative to traditional gaming stereotypes, inviting a wider audience to participate. The speakers highlight that inclusivity has revitalized Dungeons & Dragons, making it more accessible and engaging for a new generation of players. They conclude that embracing inclusivity is not just a progressive trend but a necessary evolution for the sustainability and richness of the gaming experience.
That's right, the woke are coming for YOUR Dungeons and Dragons! Look behind you, they're already here! These new woke rules are ruining the game and are actually the racists if you really think about it. Or maybe not and it's the same story of every fake woke controversy? We're not sure because we aren't NERDS*, so we invited an actual expert who is a huge nerd and host of an amazing DnD podcast, Eli Bosnick. Check out DnD Minus wherever podcasts are sold! Patrons get a very extended outtakes section!
*we absolutely are nerds just not that kind. If you enjoy our work, please consider leaving a 5-star review! You can always email questions, comments, and leads tolydia@seriouspod.com. Please pretty please consider becoming a patron at patreon.com/wherethereswoke!
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