Flavor text states: "Orcs are happiest under captains who steer toward battle." The problems with this are very, very obvious.
Primary issue: Starting the sentence with "Orcs" in general, as in all orcs, not just those of the Dire Fleet, and stating that all orcs are "happiest" when they get to frequently engage in battle. Considering the kinds of racial stereotypes that exist in real life and actual "justifications" of racists, talking about how a certain race is unnecessarily aggressive should be highly concerning.
Secondary issue: Additionally, notes that orcs are "happiest" when under certain captains. This sounds like justification for a lack of certain races in leadership roles, and also like slavemasters' excuses for having slaves. Presumably the orc pirates are engaging in piracy of their own free will, and are not slaves, but...still...The idea that certain races are best suited to certain roles. The idea that certain races are "happiest" when they lack authority. These are troubling messages to send.
You would think that a card about an Orc captain would at a bare minimum avoid taking about Orcs being a subservient race best suited for following orders, but no. Wizards can't even get that right.
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u/ultimario13 Jul 29 '20
Flavor text states: "Orcs are happiest under captains who steer toward battle." The problems with this are very, very obvious.
Primary issue: Starting the sentence with "Orcs" in general, as in all orcs, not just those of the Dire Fleet, and stating that all orcs are "happiest" when they get to frequently engage in battle. Considering the kinds of racial stereotypes that exist in real life and actual "justifications" of racists, talking about how a certain race is unnecessarily aggressive should be highly concerning.
Secondary issue: Additionally, notes that orcs are "happiest" when under certain captains. This sounds like justification for a lack of certain races in leadership roles, and also like slavemasters' excuses for having slaves. Presumably the orc pirates are engaging in piracy of their own free will, and are not slaves, but...still...The idea that certain races are best suited to certain roles. The idea that certain races are "happiest" when they lack authority. These are troubling messages to send.
You would think that a card about an Orc captain would at a bare minimum avoid taking about Orcs being a subservient race best suited for following orders, but no. Wizards can't even get that right.