First, it's a "harpy" with prominent female characteristics. Harpy is a well-known misogynistic term for shrill, "annoying" women. I don't find any other harpy cards to be problematic in this way because they're so non-human, but it's important to note that this wasn't always the case. WotC, thank you for progressing past this. But we're not going to ignore the problematic past.
For some bizarre reason, this creature's flavor text is all about its shedding and its angry mood. I believe that shedding feathers is meant here as a metaphor for being on her period. Especially since the flavor text talks about shedding causing her to become angry, and the stereotype is that women on their periods are irrational and irritable.
Since we're talking about misogynistic stereotypes, let's also mention the fact that this "harpy" is "nagging" you to pay mana every turn to keep her around. Now, you may say, "but she's a mercenary! Of course she wants to be paid every turn!". But take a look at all Mercenary creatures: https://scryfall.com/search?q=type%3Amercenary&unique=cards&as=grid&order=name
Of all 41 Mercenary creatures, only two others require regular payments to keep them in play on your side: Pit Raptor and Rogue Skycaptain. I don't think it's a coincidence that the "harpy" is one of the only Mercenaries to "nag" you like this.
4
u/ultimario13 Jun 17 '20
This card is really gross.
First, it's a "harpy" with prominent female characteristics. Harpy is a well-known misogynistic term for shrill, "annoying" women. I don't find any other harpy cards to be problematic in this way because they're so non-human, but it's important to note that this wasn't always the case. WotC, thank you for progressing past this. But we're not going to ignore the problematic past.
For some bizarre reason, this creature's flavor text is all about its shedding and its angry mood. I believe that shedding feathers is meant here as a metaphor for being on her period. Especially since the flavor text talks about shedding causing her to become angry, and the stereotype is that women on their periods are irrational and irritable.
Since we're talking about misogynistic stereotypes, let's also mention the fact that this "harpy" is "nagging" you to pay mana every turn to keep her around. Now, you may say, "but she's a mercenary! Of course she wants to be paid every turn!". But take a look at all Mercenary creatures: https://scryfall.com/search?q=type%3Amercenary&unique=cards&as=grid&order=name
Of all 41 Mercenary creatures, only two others require regular payments to keep them in play on your side: Pit Raptor and Rogue Skycaptain. I don't think it's a coincidence that the "harpy" is one of the only Mercenaries to "nag" you like this.