maybe its just me, but i feel like some critique of keeper of the lost cities treats the series like all decisions were made at the same time. by which I mean people critique present-day 2026 shannon for choices she made in drafts in 2010.
which is not to say that the all-white cishet cast and misogynistic undertones and otherwise are not deserving of critique. but that you also have to consider what Shannon is doing now--and what she's doing now is better! we have more non-white characters, we have fewer "*rolls eyes* girls amirite?" comments, we have an on-page conversation positively acknowledging queerness.
it's less important to me, personally, what choices Shannon made in 2010 than what she's done and learned in the 15 years since, and what choices she's making now, and whether she's grown. and she has! so I can forgive the series' early sins, or at least acknowledge them in a detached context, because she is not the same person. continuing to drag her for choices from 15 years ago when she's demonstrated she has already learned those lessons isn't helpful. she quite literally can't do anything about what she chose in the past. what she can do is make different choices now to try and make up for that--which is exactly what she's trying to do.
is it perfect? no. many people have made extensive, valid critiques of the ongoing series, too. i'm not claiming otherwise. and I think those conversations are incredibly important and we should continuing having them! I just also think there's a balance of acknowledging growth, too, and focusing on the present rather than a version of shannon that hasn't existed for over a decade
just some thoughts :)
