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Message: <blockquote data-quote="M_Natas" data-source="post: 9522940" data-attributes="member: 7025918">To the argument that Gygax wasn’t as bad as others of his time:The key issue isn’t whether Gygax was worse than his contemporaries; it’s the pedestal he’s placed on and the lasting legacy he has in gaming culture.Let’s use Lovecraft as an example. Was Lovecraft the worst racist of his era? No. He died in 1937, and plenty of people at the time held more overt and violent racist beliefs. However, Lovecraft is celebrated today as the father of modern horror, particularly cosmic horror, and his cultural influence endures. That’s why it’s essential to critically examine his flaws—especially the racism that heavily influenced his work. If we overlook those aspects, we risk perpetuating the same problems.For instance, someone today might want to write cosmic horror but isn’t well-versed in the historical context of Lovecraft’s racism. They could inadvertently replicate those same problematic elements in their own work. And unlike Lovecraft, this new writer would be judged by today’s standards, as they should be. However, if Lovecraft’s racism isn’t openly discussed, the next generation of creators may repeat these mistakes out of ignorance. Sweeping these issues under the rug doesn’t protect his legacy; it perpetuates the harm.The same principle applies to Gygax and Dungeons & Dragons. Early D&D modules and rules contain problematic elements, particularly regarding race and sexism. This is not just a historical issue—these elements have persisted. A glaring recent example is the Spelljammer set for 5e, which included the Hadozee, a concept with deeply offensive implications. These issues arose, in part, because the problematic aspects of early D&D weren’t sufficiently acknowledged and critiqued.When a cultural work or figure has significant influence, it’s crucial to examine both the good and the bad. This critical reflection ensures that we learn from the past, avoid repeating its mistakes, and preserve the best parts of the legacy while leaving the harmful parts behind. Ignoring or whitewashing these flaws doesn’t protect a legacy—it diminishes its growth and understanding.</blockquote>

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