Re: Twincast/Podcast Episode 68 "ReChrome"
Posted: Fri May 17, 2013 1:53 pm
Counterpunch wrote:Respectfully, I'd say that the topic has always been a discussion point since female Transformers were introduced in S2 of G1.
It has never been a simple or quiet issue with a lot of how and why questions remaining unanswered.
To complicate the matter further, gender and gender identity is a topic this very comic line tackles in a very strange fashion, leaving more questions than answers in its wake.
So when we have a new theme, the possibility of what might be"Romantic Love", it most certainly is a topic worth discussing at length and should not be simply taken at face value.
I don't think anyone on the cast would argue that the plot "moment' was poignant.
The questions that arise from it are, "Does this fit within the existing framework?" "Is it expanding the story framework?" "Will it have lasting relevence?"
On the gender matter, the writer has set up a few questions that really do need answers. "Are Transformers gender neutral? (This one solves almost every issue or point of discussion...)" "What does Arcee's engineered gender mean? Were the rest male? Were the rest genderless and 'females' are the only gender? Does any of it matter since gender is not a necessary element of procreation?"
Of course, even putting these questions out there is somewhat of a matter in embarrassing nerd analysis. However, this is a podcast, a discussion show, so when the fandom begins to discuss these matters, we try to do so openly and honestly.
I certainly see the need or want to discuss it. I'm just surprised the discussion for it went on for so long. I guess It just doesn't pose those questions for me. I take it that this character loves that character. Okay, I'm cool with that. Reading these in trades I am admittedly not up to the speed the rest of you are. However, I am three books in on each and Arcee's engineered gender hasn't been addressed since her Spotlight and adventures with Hardhead. It seems like it was a silly thing to do for the character IMO. I think the stance they took about gender was all wrong to begin with. Like I said before, these characters are as human as can be in their personalities. There seem to be very few exceptions. Concepts like emotion, compassion and romantic love just don't seem alien to me here. I don't think you're asking the right questions of it. From a reader's standpoint (mine, of course) the story should make me care about the characters I'm reading. Always. Otherwise, what is the point of telling their story. In More Than Meets the Eye, each character has their own interesting story, history, flaws. Things that should make you care. This simply seems like it would make me care more about the characters than I did before.
::EDIT:: Good to have you back, by the way.