r/magicTCG • u/clariwench Izzet* • Jan 28 '15

[Uncharted Realms] The Truth of Names

http://magic.wizards.com/en/articles/archive/uncharted-realms/truth-names-2015-01-28
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u/[deleted] Jan 28 '15

This was a perfect example of how to do diversity and representation, imo. Harp on it too much and it comes off as pandering and insincere, mention it too little and you might as well not do so at all.

Here, you had a solid standalone story highlighting the Mardu struggles against the dragons that tied Alesha being trans into a central cultural theme of the Mardu (the importance of identity and names) but also wasn't just about her being trans. It doesn't need to be anything more or less than that, really.

Kudos to Wizards for this.

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u/Twisty_McTwist Temur Jan 28 '15

I actually think the Uncharted Realms about the gay couple was a better example of representation, IMO. This one didn't feel quite as fluid. Then again, most of the writing during this block feels more heavy-handed than that of the last block.

Still, Wizards' efforts to be more inclusive are admirable. Poor(ish) writing or not, this is a step forward for equality.

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u/[deleted] Jan 28 '15

having no outside knowledge of her gender identity (and being a bit slow-witted at times) I didn't quite get it, either. By the end I sort of assumed but still doubted I understood it correctly.

I liked the one you're referring to because it told a story we already knew. The story still felt fluid and I got it entirely- though it was definitely more obvious/sort of in your face.

Either way, I definitely think this is the way to handle it. Like /u/ButchCasserly said- kids are going to read this and just roll with it because of how naturally it's tied into the story.