Part 6/11:
The panel emphasized how Tolkien’s portrayal of non-Western cultures in Middle-earth was rooted in mythic storytelling and not intended to mirror or criticize real-world groups. They also noted that accusations grounded in modern racial politics tend to distort the literary purpose and can be used as tools to undermine the work’s cultural importance.
The Attack on Literary Figures
Another layer of the conversation involved the broader trend of attacking revered literary figures like Tolkien and C.S. Lewis. Critics claim that wave after wave of negative critique erodes their legacy, slowly dismantling their cultural influence. This strategy involves attacking their characters—often citing their era, upbringing, or racial background—rather than engaging with the texts themselves.