Is Modern Fantasy Racist (or is it just the fans?)

A lot of people have hot takes about fantasy and the implications of the various races. Some people say orcs are Black people. Others say elves are fascists. And a few call goblins antisemitic stereotypes. But as for me? Well...the reality is a lot more complex than anyone looking for an easy answer things. A lot of people insist they know how ALL fantasy is written. The woke and anti-woke folks each act like they know what's what, but the reality is far, far more complex. Thumbnail by ‪@thecrimsonender‬ Chapters: 0:00 The Problem with Fantasy Races 1:53 We Start With Orcs 3:21 Where Did the Orcs are Racist Idea Come From? (Extra Credit) 7:02 Oversimplifying A Complicated Topic (Rags) 10:56 Racial Coding in History (Bright, Ingagi, King Kong) 15:10 Tribal Orcs vs Industrious Orcs (Tolkien) 21:29 Tolkien and Language 22:22 The Real Culture Orcs are Based On 23:38 Orcs vs Goblins 27:15 Defying Stereotypes 31:19 Orcs Never Stop Changing (Dungeons & Dragons, World of Warcraft) 36:23 What if Orcs Weren’t Evil? 41:09 The Problem May Be Fans are Racist 42:46 True Existential Threats to Survival (Bugs, Illithids, Demons) 48:42 In-Universe Racism (Tieflings, Drow) 51:27 Why Do Gamers Hate More Options? 55:03 The Problem With Elves 1:01:14 Ways to Avoid Writing Elves These Ways 1:03:47 Elves as Immortals 1:09:04 Demons are “Always” Evil 1:11:54 Glorifying Elves Over Humanity (Lily Orchard and Elves) 1:29:05 What About Dwarves