Thavnair verges on white savior tropes and presents a caricature of South Asians

[TitanMenII]

Although I understand that Final Fantasy XIV draws inspiration from a variety of cultures in the real world, I find the depiction of Thavnair in the newest expansion to be highly problematic. As a person of color, I feel uncomfortable with the level of cultural appropriation present in this creation, despite being aware that Japanese culture can often be insensitive to such issues.

My concerns about Thavnair are twofold. Firstly, the accents of many Thavnairians appear to be based on a stereotypical Indian accent, which in no way resembles the way in which typical Indians speak. The fact that Matsya's voice actor does not appear to be Indian is also concerning, as it suggests that a Westerner is responsible for perpetuating these stereotypes.

Secondly, the story seems to have an underlying white savior complex, with the light-skinned, blue-eyed Scions rescuing the Thavnairians from the Final Days. This trope is problematic as it perpetuates the "noble savage" stereotype that has been problematic in the past. Nidhana's portrayal as an Other who possesses a mystical force of nature reinforces this stereotype. Additionally, the Scions' appropriation of Nidhana's culture to identify dynamis and save the day further contributes to the problem.

While Square Enix has portrayed Thavnair in a generally respectful manner, the underlying tones of cultural appropriation and insensitivity to postcolonial discourse and ethics are still present. I hope that the company will become more sensitive to these issues in the future when portraying different cultures in the game.

[Thaciscokidd]

[Antharaes]

[TitanMenII]

As a society, if we don't have the tenacity to talk about these issues in the open we won't move forward.

[Antharaes]

As a society, if we don't have the tenacity to talk about these issues in the open we won't move forward.

As a society we do, but in a FANTASY game we don't have that obligation.

[TitanMenII]

As a society we do, but in a FANTASY game we don't have that obligation.

Art has always been used as a way to reflect society... Justice doesn't disappear just because it's media.

[Antharaes]

Art has always been used as a way to reflect society... Justice doesn't disappear just because it's media.

Dude/dudette, you know what....have it your way. We have cats, giants, elves, talking elephants and you go on about real life issues. Have a nice life and welcome to my ignore list. You'd be pleased to know, that you are the first, so number 1 on the list.

[Zalosk]

Because nobody thinks it's an issue besides you lmao

[Oizen]

Matsya is an elephant. I cant blame them for not casting the voice to a talking elephant.

[Thelasoriao]

Matsya is an elephant. I cant blame them for not casting the voice to a talking elephant.

Careful there, OP is going to cry that they didn't cast an IRL elephant to voice Matsya KEKW