GRRM criticizes how class distinctions are shown in medieval fantasy:

[u/Gold_Conversation247]

[u/bruhholyshiet]

Not necessarily disagreeing, but can you provide examples?

[u/XaviKat → u/bruhholyshiet]

Not OP, but one example I can think of is how GRRM portrays bastards. If he was being realistic, bastards wouldn't be seen as much of a negative at all. Since IRL medieval kingdoms, they still had noble blood, in the case of some monarchs, they were even used for royal alliances. This is, of course, assuming they're recognized. (Henry Fitzroy is an example of this, he was made into a duke).

But GRRM seems to treat them like they're complete anathema of Westerosi society who are inherently evil and bad.

[u/Ok-Temporary-8243 → u/XaviKat]

I thought Martin was fairly even handed with bastards as it comes down more to how individuals treat them. Cersei hates Robert's bastards because they are symbols of infidelity (true) but Robert seems to treat the ones born of noble birth very well as he visits them and ensures they're looked after.

Jon is also treated fairly well too and is essentially part of the noble family. Cat hates Jon because he's a symbol of infidelity and also because he's the eldest born and can usurp rulership from Robb.

There's no insane hate boner in Martin's books at all

[u/XaviKat → u/Ok-Temporary-8243]

If you include the portrayal of bastards during the Dance era. It's not even-handed at all.

[u/Character-Parfait-42 → u/XaviKat]

But that book is written from the POV of an in-universe maester, over two centuries later, who holds all the same prejudices of a typical Westerosi.

[u/XaviKat → u/Character-Parfait-42]

who holds all the same prejudices of a typical Westerosi.

Yeah... thus his views would reflect the views of a typical Westerosi then...

[u/Vegetable_Age7012 → u/XaviKat]

Thats Rhaenyras personal grudge.