Part 6/9:
Supporters of these changes argue that expanding representation is necessary and symbolically powerful. However, critics contend that such modifications often amount to cultural appropriation or erasure, distorting stories and characters with deep historical and cultural significance.
In the case of The Lord of the Rings, the fanbase's attachment is rooted in how faithfully Tolkien’s work portrays the cultures, characters, and themes of his universe. Deviating from these depictions risks alienating core fans and undermining the story’s authenticity.