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Author-ized L.J.
Author-ized L.J.
@ljwrites@writeout.ink  ·  activity timestamp 5 days ago

As a #Tolkien fan it still boggles my mind that "Palantir" is a real company that exists and is being unironically used by corporations and governments. Are they proud to be the baddies here? #fantasy

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The Doctor
The Doctor
@drwho@masto.hackers.town  ·  activity timestamp 5 days ago

@ljwrites My professional assessment is "yes.'

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Author-ized L.J.
Author-ized L.J.
@ljwrites@writeout.ink  ·  activity timestamp 5 days ago

@drwho That makes their actions coherent at least xD

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The Doctor
The Doctor
@drwho@masto.hackers.town  ·  activity timestamp 5 days ago

@ljwrites It certainly makes them predictable.

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Author-ized L.J.
Author-ized L.J.
@ljwrites@writeout.ink  ·  activity timestamp 5 days ago

Per Wikipedia, the palantíri "are used in some climactic scenes by major characters: Sauron, Saruman, Denethor the Steward of Gondor, and two members of the Company of the Ring: Aragorn and Pippin." That list isn't exactly a ringing endorsement, my guys: Big Bad, midgame boss, abusive dad, hero who possessed the "great strength of will and of mind" to use a palantír safely, schmuck who endangered himself and unwittingly tripped up the Big Bad. I guess Thiel & c. imagine they are Aragorn, but the whole point of the books is that EVERYONE who uses one of these objects of power thinks they're an Aragorn and they're usually Saruman at best, and a few are Sauron level to be destroyed by their own hubris. But first they'll destroy and harm a lot of good folks and beauty in this world that can never come back, and that will be their only true legacy.

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Author-ized L.J.
Author-ized L.J.
@ljwrites@writeout.ink  ·  activity timestamp 5 days ago

Characters like Galadriel and Gandalf who refuse the corrupting power embodied in the One Ring were essentially refusing to be heroes, or rather the sole heroes going mano a mano against Sauron. They had the humility to realize they couldn't do it alone and needed comrades and allies who were, in the logic of the world, lesser beings than they. Otherwise they would simply perpetuate the system of absolute power and the destructive conflict to seize it, losing their souls in the process as Saruman and Denethor did. And the seemingly impenetrable armor of that system has cracks of arrogance, temptation, and hubris built into the foundation, flaws burst wide open by solidarity, organizing, friendship, and mercy.

This recognition of powers beyond individual goodwill and heroism makes LotR institutional storytelling in a fantasized form, and can be a revolution narrative as well because destroying the baddies is not enough: The whole rotten system of absolute, concentrated control must be broken, melted down along with those who refuse to let it go.

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Author-ized L.J.
Author-ized L.J.
@ljwrites@writeout.ink  ·  activity timestamp 5 days ago

While Tolkien's books have a lot of interesting substance, I have ZERO intention of excusing his racism and a bunch of other issues in his stories. Like I was tempted to make my display name "Least Lovely Mongol-Type" from his blatantly racist description of Orcs but it was too long lol (and fucking racist, of course). The use, some would claim misuse, of Middle Earth by modern white supremacists isn't even a Misaimed Fandom because Tolkien left his own world wide open to supremacist hijacking no matter what his personal beliefs or stance about racism. Middle Earth still reflects the racist attitudes ✨ of his times ✨ and those are what blatant white supremacists are drawing on.

Also there is no hard, sealed wall between Tolkien's "times" and our own like some liberals and progressives want to think. What can be said in polite company might have changed, and even that cosmetic improvement is ephemeral when you look at the mainstream discourse including from people winning popular elections. The material and ideational foundations have barely budged, making Tolkien and Middle Earth still relevant in understanding the racist underpinnings of Western civilization, so-called.

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