Botanical's Replies


I get that it wasn't historically accurate or might have come across as pandering, but as a poc it was really nice for me to see other ethnic people in a fantasy setting. I love fantasy, especially good old fashioned fairy tales; for me they are a form of escapism, so it really helps to see other poc in these films, because then it is easier to see and visualise myself in these stories. When I was younger a lot of stories and media didn't contain poc, or if they were included it was often in a negative or stereotypical or 'they are the loser' format - not really ever the protagonist or hero. This combined with the discrimination I would receive in my real life made me wish I was white when I was younger, and it also created some internalised racism. For years, I would struggle to even imagine myself in my dream settings because I didn't feel like I was allowed to or deserved to. Seeing poc people in films makes me feel seen and heard and worthy. It makes me feel like: 'yes I do belong and I can be here'. Hope this helps! <3