Shadiversity and the Far-Right
We should probably talk about how Shadiversity, a YouTuber known for his being a gateway into Fantasy/Historical content, often put on par with the likes of Skallagrim, Metatron, and others that dip into historical-fantasy content, has recently done some discussion of the ideas of Masculinity with the Far-Right personality, Sargon of Akkad.
It’s also not the first time that Shad has boldly stepped up to defend Sargon for being demonetised for being considered a racist figure. As for whether Sargon is a racist, sexist, threatening, pedophilic excuse of a person, well…explore the links at your own risk.
There is an issue in historical/fantasy circles of the crossover between figures like Sargon (Carl Benjamin), who tend to glorify and romanticise the past in a way that entirely fits their narrative. While one can always argue ‘but history is always down to interpretation’, the purpose of the Far Right is much more sinister, taking historical concepts, and defining them through a perverse lens that justifies their atrocity. This is a form of stolen valour.
Moving from that, the central issue we can see is that Shadiversity, whatever his claims over opinions may be, has elected to give a platform to a Far-Right mouthpiece, and discuss and defend him as part of his image.
This is not an innocent act. Shadiversity is, of all figures on Youtube, choosing very deliberately to give consolation to, and support of, a figure that stands for some quite abominable beliefs. And Carl Benjamin is, to say the least, while not the most radical mouthpiece of the Far-Right, certainly one with a heavy agenda to push.
Having heard a bit of Shad’s own stance on the difference of opinion, I’d consider the stance of diversity of opinion valid…except to the point of defending and befriending a figure that holds the opinions that anyone remotely left of Centre-Right should be seen as demented, who projects homosexual and r*pe-based slurs at people when given a platform by which to disagree with others, and who seemingly believes that the US and UK (both very Conservative nations, with the UK approaching a decade of power in the hands of the Conservatives) have a leftist agenda on an academic level.
I’ve sparred with Shad before via tumblr (mostly him saying my opinions of him were because I was jealous of his fame and wealth…?), and have said on several occasions that I don’t consider him a great resource for…fencing, martial arts, and in-depth history at all, but that his fantasy concepts are usually quite resourceful. While my opinion of his clickbaity videos and his general knowledge and personality are low, my opinion largely has been: “I just won’t click on his videos”, and “I don’t recommend him”.
That’s going to need a revision. Anyone who gives a platform to, defends, and works alongside, a (frankly) even more horrific figure, is making an active choice to prop up the more horrific figure, not the other way around. And it seems Shadiversity has been supportive of (not condemning, like any rational, moral person) Carl Benjamin for several years now. While this does not make Shad a member of the Far-Right directly, it does make him a stan for the Far-Right; all evil needs to triumph is for good men to do nothing, after all, and Shad is not merely doing nothing, he is actively siding with a figure representing them.
As said to Shad himself via tumblr before, I don’t actively watch his content, I don’t like his videos, and that’s fine; he will not have to sob into his money over the loss of one person who already didn’t view his stuff.
However, in light of his association with all the above, I would strongly recommend to many people in the historical and fantasy world, to keep away from him, also. I would like to also formally request my followers no longer mention him in Asks to myself (when they do come up), as I’m going to elect from here on to avoid giving him further mention.
Freedom of speech (something Shad himself seems to allude to along with Sargon) protects one from Government retribution, but not from social response to one’s actions. In this case, I would recommend shunning or simply not electing to view Shad’s content as a way of response to his association with the Far-Right.
I would like to end this by adding that, while the above statements are true, and my personal feelings about Shad’s content and personality remain the same, I would strongly recommend his fans presently avoid him, not merely to manifest a form of punishment, but to prompt a change in a figure that is clearly beloved by so many people. If you do like Shadiversity, his videos and his manner of presentation, and wish for that not to be sullied by figures of the Far-Right, my suggestion is merely to allow Shad to have the chance to back away, change his stance, and support his viewers by terminating his connections. One can, and should, always allow for the opportunity for apology, or for reformation, in light of the current climate. However, as it stands, until such a change, I would like to reiterate that Shad’s current connections are, to say it diplomatically, problematic.
andulkaphoto
romaincrisis
origamiaround
yousharknotpass
snowghoul
2087
izzy806
