Shocking article- Why do they say that Tolkien is a racist????

[Peppyy]

Can be considered racist to Tolkien? Blaming Tolkien of racist usually is the last resource that uses those that normally is incapable to criticize it from the merely literary point of view. And it is a this one relatively habitual accusation: from messages in forums of the type "they have said to me that...", "I have heard that...", until articles appeared in magazines and pages Web. One of the first arguments that are used is: "perhaps one was not a South African white citizen, or one already forgot who invented the apartheid like political and social system?"... then it goes, it is certain, Tolkien was white, and in addition it was born in South Africa, in Bloemfontein more exactly. Although sure if we better paid attention a little to its biography we will see that it was born in 1892, and in 1895, that is to say, at the age of three years, it divided for England with his mother and her smaller brother. But it is that the first measures of apartheid were taken in 1913, not receiving naturalization paper until 1948, with the ascent of the nationalistic party to the power. ... it seems well that the first argument has a serious "temporary" problem. But, and its personages; the "good ones" are all blondes, Nordics, Aryans, could be said (although, as it is seen, of mistaken form); whereas the "bad ones" come from the east, or the south, and are of dark or sallow faces. This is, at least partly, certain; but it does not stop being a coarse simplification. It is not possible to be forgotten that the Average Earth northwest corresponds approximately with Europe, where the predominant race is the white, and the great historical invasions always have come from the east (like the Hunos) or from the south (the Arabs). The only that did Tolkien went to extrapolate this situation to its own mythical past. But it is that the idea that the Average Earth was "Nordic" even disliked to him. Thus was made it notice the publishers of the Daily Telegraph Magazine when they sent the rough draft to him of an interview that had done to him; in the text of the article they said that the Middle Earth "... corresponds spiritually to Nordic Europe ", to which Tolkien responded: "nonNordic, please! A word that personally displeases to me; although of French origin, is associated it with racist theories. Geographically, northern [ Northern ] is generally more suitable. But an examination will demonstrate that even this word is inapplicable (geographically or spiritually) to the ' Middle Earth '... "Auden has affirmed that pa me ' the North is a sacred direction . That is not certain. The Northwest of Europe, where I (and most of my ancestors) have lived, has my affection as he is own that has the home of a man. Master its atmosphere and I know more of its histories and their languages that of other parts, but are not ' sacred nor exhaust my affection. For example, I feel a particular love by the Latin language, and between its descendants, by the Spanish. That it is not truth in relation to my history, would have to demonstrate it the mere reading of the synopses. The North ones was the seat of the strength of the Devil [ Morgoth ]. The advance of history culminates with which it is looked much more like the reestablishment of a Sacred effective Roman Empire with his seat in Rome that to that it had been conceived by a ' Nordic '." (Letter nº 294) But it is that, in addition, nor all the Elfos is blond (are predominantly brown, although of white complexion), nor all the Eastern ones are evil (the tribe of Bór was loyal to Maedhros), nor all "the good" races (if the expression is allowed) are fitted to an aesthetic one of target-high-handsome individuals... It is very clear that our dear Hobbits does not adjust to that canon of beauty, and either the Dwarves; but more end is a case still: the Drúedain. Of them Tolkien says: "To the eyes of the Elfs and the other Men they were from disagreeable aspect: they were low (some of little more than a twig), but very wide, with heavy rumps and short heavy legs; the wide faces had sunk eyes, with heavy eyebrows and flat noses... " (Unfinished Stories, "the Drúedain") But it is that of those beings of" disagreeable aspect "a little is said more only advanced that: "the Eldar called Drúedain and they admitted them in the hierarchy of the Atani, because very they were loved while they lasted." And it is more, Ghân-buri-Ghân, descendant of the Drúedain of long ago, is allowed to recriminate the behavior of the Men of Rohan, one of the towns by which Tolkien felt more affection, when it says: "But if you survive the Dark, you leave Wild Men them live calm in the forests and plus you never persecute like a beasts." (the Gentleman of the Ring, "the cavalcade of the Rohirrim") Peculiar" racism "the one of Tolkien that cries out by the love and the respect to a supposedly inferior town. And not only that, but that also demonstrates compassion by the fallen enemy, like when Sam sees the corpse of a South-man: "It was the first time that Sam saw a battle of Men against Men, and not it liked nothing. One was glad of not seeing the face him the dead. It was wondered how the man and from where would be called would come; and if he would be really bad of heart, or what threats would have dragged it to this long march so far from their earth, and if it had not preferred in truth to remain there peacefully... " (the Gentleman of the Ring, "aromatic Grass and stew of rabbit") we have preferred to leave for the end the one that can that is the test most important to demonstrate the not-racism of Tolkien. History so and as is counted in Letters, is the following one: "Allen & Unwin had negotiated the publication of a German translation of the Hobbit with Rütten & Loening, of Postdam. This company wrote to him to Tolkien asking to him if era of origin ' arish' (Aryan)"[ note the Letter nº 29 ]. The answer of Tolkien was the following one: "25 of July of 1938 20 Dear Northmoor Road, Oxfords Sirs: Thanks for its letter... Moan not to know very clearly to what they talk about with arish. I am not of Aryan extraction: that is, Hindu-irani '; that I know, no of my ancestors spoke indostano, Persian, gypsy nor to no compatible other dialecto. But if I must understand that they want to find out if I am of Jewish origin, I only can respond that moan not to be able to affirm that I do not have ancestors who belong to that equipped town. My ancesters arrived at England from Germany in century XVIII; most of my ancestry, therefore, is purely English, and I am subject of England; that would have to be enough. However, I have myself customary to consider my German last name with pride, and thus continued considering it throughout the period of the lamentable one last war, during which I served in the English army. Nevertheless, I cannot let comment that if impertinent and irrelevant inquiries of this species have to become the rule in questions related to Literature, he is not then distant the moment at which to have a German last name stops being pride source. The inquiry in which they become jumbled without a doubt obeys to the laws of your own country, but that these must be applied to subjects of another State is not correct, if they even had (and they do not have it) the smaller relation with the merits of my work or the convenience of its publication, of which seem to be satisfied without reference some to my Abstammung [ genealogy ]. I kindly trust that they found the answer satisfactory, his, J.R.R. Tolkien "(Letter nº 30) Hay very little to add to this letter... perhaps only that would be well been seeing the face of the publishers Germans when they read who are authentic" the Aryans ".



They didn't convince me that he is a racists...... In a lot of books the menace coms from east or south.......
Tha article was on Spanish.... I just wanted for you to read it....

[Cassandria]

I agree Peppyy, they didn't convince me either. In fact I have read so many passages in Tolkien's own words that convince me that he is a compassionate and caring man, that they will never convince me he is racist.

Just for the sake of accuracy (no offense to the translation) I'd like to post the actual english words of his letters no. 29 and 30 that you quoted:

29 From a letter to Stanley Unwin 25 July 1938
[Allen & Unwin had negotiated the publication of a German translation of The Hobbit with Rütten & Loening of Potsdam. This firm wrote to Tolkien asking if he was of 'arisch' (aryan) origin.]
I must say the enclosed letter from Rütten and Loening is a bit stiff. Do I suffer this impertinence because of the possession of a German name, or do their lunatic laws require a certificate of 'arisch' origin from all persons of all countries?
Personally I should be inclined to refuse to give any Bestätigung1 (although it happens that I can), and let a German translation go hang. In any case I should object strongly to any such declaration appearing in print. I do not regard the (probable) absence of all Jewish blood as necessarily honourable; and I have many Jewish friends, and should regret giving any colour to the notion that I subscribed to the wholly pernicious and unscientific race-doctrine.
You are primarily concerned, and I cannot jeopardize the chance of a German publication without your approval. So I submit two drafts of possible answers.1 German 'confirmation'

30 To Rütten & Loening Verlag
[One of the 'two drafts' mentioned by Tolkien in the previous letter. This is the only one preserved in the Allen & Unwin files, and it seems therefore very probable that the English publishers sent the other one to Germany. It is clear that in that letter Tolkien refused to make any declaration of 'arisch' origin.]
25 July 1938 20 Northmoor Road, Oxford
Dear Sirs,
Thank you for your letter. .... I regret that I am not clear as to what you intend by arisch. I am not of Aryan extraction: that is Indo-iranian; as far as I am aware none of my ancestors spoke Flindustani, Persian, Gypsy, or any related dialects. But if I am to understand that you are enquiring whether I am of Jewish origin, I can only reply that I regret that I appear to have no ancestors of that gifted people. My great-great-grandfather came to England in the eighteenth century from Germany: the main part of my descent is therefore purely English, and I am an English subject – which should be sufficient. I have been accustomed, nonetheless, to regard my German name with pride, and continued to do so throughout the period of the late regrettable war, in which I served in the English army. I cannot, however, forbear to comment that if impertinent and irrelevant inquiries of this son are to become the rule in matters of literature, then the time is not far distant when a German name will no longer be a source of pride.
Your enquiry is doubtless made in order to comply with the laws of your own country, but that this should be held to apply to the subjects of another state would be improper, even if it had (as it has not) any bearing whatsoever on the merits of my work or its suitability for publication, of which you appear to have satisfied yourselves without reference to my Abstammung.1
I trust you will find this reply satisfactory, and
remain yours faithfully
J. R. R. Tolkien. 1 German 'descent,genealogy'

[Periantari Andruil]

More views and opinions about Tolkien and Racism here:

http://www.warofthering.net/forums/vbulletin225/upload/showthread.php?t=6989

Thanks for posting about the article, Pepppy! :thumbs: I'll read it later but i'm sure that Cassie's post will definitley refute any claims that Tolkien is racist.

[Peppyy]

Just for the sake of accuracy (no offense to the translation) I'd like to post the actual english words of his letters no. 29 and 30 that you quoted....


Well, my sister translated it (she's 16, 2nd year of Spanish), so there can be some mistakes in it. Thank you, Cassie, for posting English transcript of his letters :rose:
And no matter what, they woun't convince me that Tolkien is a racist...... he seemed like too good person for that, and let us hope that the world will memorise him as a good man, and that memory of him will stay as beautiful as his works are.....

[Cassandria]

You are most welcome Peppyy, and I must say if your sister is only 2nd yr Spanish, she did a fine job of translation. :rose: And I agree with you, Tolkien's works are truly beautiful! :cuddles:

[Stormcrow]

I do not believe on any level that Tolkein is a racist at all.

[Flame of Anor]

Tolkien racist?! Yeah right. if he was a one, feel free to kiss my petunia/tell me so :grin:. Because he wasn't! :flamer:

Edit: I agree with you FoA, but lets try not to be so graphic okay sweetie. ;)

[Stormcrow]

Of coarse he wasn't. Ridiculous article writer.

[Peppyy]

It was stupid even to thought about Tolkien as a racist........ I can't believe people can think so :-/

[Stormcrow]

Neither...pathetic, isn't it?

[Peppyy]

Ah... Here is an example of people who think bad of Tolkien:
I was a bit depressed today when after a rough and tough day at school one of my best friend, who was then with me in the library, told me that Harry Potter is a horrible book, and when we reached the bookshelve with Tolkien, he said that LOTR is junk :o ! And that Hobbit is stupid! I was shocked.... and terrible day had its own nightmare ending...... OK, I'm overreacting, but I really hate when people talk that way about any book, especially Tolken's!

[Stormcrow]

How dare they say that about HP and Tolkein!

*sharpens sword*

Where do they live, Peppyy?

[Cassandria]

lol Aww dear Stormcrow, now, now put your swords away. lol

The problem with people like that is they feel all mankind should think the same way they do. So they express their feelings in such a way that it offends us. Yet we often do the same thing by expecting them to love Tolkien just as we do. We are all different in many colors and need to respect and accept each other the way we are. Think of how boring the world would be if we were all the same! ;)

We don't however have to accept racism. It should never be tolerated :angry: ...but in a peaceful kinda way! lol

[Peppyy]

How dare they say that about HP and Tolkein!

*sharpens sword*

Where do they live, Peppyy?

No need to be radical...*whispers* They live in my town lol

You are right, Cassie, we need to accept and respect every opinon, but the most important thing is to always have our authentic opinion which cannot be destroyed, if it is really ours.

[Stormcrow]

Yes, you guys are right. But I think we all are gonna get mad when people say bad things about the things that we love so much. We can stil accept them, but we ain't gonna like what they say most of the time. Racism, however, should never be tolerated at all, as you said Cass.

[Peppyy]

I never tolerate racisism, as I always say, I hate when people have prejudices. I always had a free and open mind(do you say it that way?) and I would never tolerate any kind of form of racism...

[Stormcrow]

I am an indigenous Australian and I have put up with a bit of racism in my life, as have many of my family members. I absolutely hate racism and it should not be tolerated anywhere, anytime, anyway. Tolkein never exhibited racism, at all.

[Cassandria]

I agree Stormcrow, if any of those people who accused him had ever read Letters of JRR Tolkien, they would know beyond all doubt that he is not. ;)

[Stormcrow]

Indeed.

After all, we are his biggest fans. We know plenty about him, that critics would not.

I feel proud to be blessed by Tolkeins genius masterpieces. :grin:

[Elvaril]

the article and what your friends said, Peppy, proves that they do not know Mr Tolkien or his work well enough to say anything decent about him(sorry if anyone else already said this, I'm not good at reading)

so Peppyy, don't worry, because we know that it's not true, and that's all that matters. As long as we, his fans, believe it

[Stormcrow]

Preach Elvaril! You are so right. :thumbs:

Tolkein was a decent and very respectable man. Racism with such a true genius does not make sense to me at all.

[Elvaril]

lots of people think that I'm a racist and even a neo-nazi because my father is/was a neo-nazi and he tried to raise me as one. "thanks to" his "education" I have developed an interest in the second World War, and I cannot deny that I find the German uniforms beautiful and stunning. But I can't see why that makes me a nazi or racist, yes I also like the swastika, but I don't wave it around, and I don't spread words of racism. The swastika was stolen from the Celts and inverted, the Nazi eagle was stolen from the Romans (I also have a very large interest in the Roman Empire), so me liking those things pure for their beauty does not make me a racist.
About the uniforms, they are made to impress people.

Anyway, for school I've made lots of works about racism in Belgium and in South-Africa and all over the world.
I'm not a victim of racism, but I am a victim of discrimination (yeah, everyone once was)

it is stupid to discriminate, it is stupid to think that one person is better than another because he/she has another colour of his skin.

sorry that I rant (sp?) like this, topics like racism and discrimination make me angry :angry:

[Stormcrow]

it is stupid to discriminate, it is stupid to think that one person is better than another because he/she has another colour of his skin.

sorry that I rant (sp?) like this, topics like racism and discrimination make me angry :angry:

Preach! I can relate to that as well, because I am indigenous Australian, and I have dealt with a fair bit of racism in my time.

[Elvaril]

Preach! I can relate to that as well, because I am indigenous Australian, and I have dealt with a fair bit of racism in my time.

I haven't been the victim of real racism, but I can understand that it's really hard, I really admire people like you for going on. I've always been a very emotional and "weak" person and have been tempted by suicide and other means of "escape" a lot.

:brave:

I fear that racism and discrimination will be a problem of our world, and that the following generations will have to face it aswell. we can only hope that maybe someday the racists will realize that they need us and that we are all equal.

[Mel Aina Fea]

I for one don't believe Tolkein was racist, this is speaking as a Sri Lankan. The key to the allegiences of the various ethnic groups can be found in the Silmarillion in the Akallabeth. In brief, the men of Numenor take lordship over the men of middle-earth ( I am guessing that these were non-white people ) and lead or encourage them in the worship of Morgoth & Sauron.

On a historical note, until the 1800's the planet did not experience vast amount of peoples moving ( relativley ) quickly from one nation to the next. I.e. the Hmong people migrating out of Viet Nam post 1970's. Many wars that were fought in ancient history were fought between different ethnic groups, i.e. the Mongols invading China and the Central Asia.

You can almost say that Tolkein was being realistic.

[Stormcrow]

That was exceptionally well put. I am really impressed, Mel Aina Fea! You know your stuff! ;) :thumbs:

[Periantari Andruil]

On a historical note, until the 1800's the planet did not experience vast amount of peoples moving ( relativley ) quickly from one nation to the next. I.e. the Hmong people migrating out of Viet Nam post 1970's. Many wars that were fought in ancient history were fought between different ethnic groups, i.e. the Mongols invading China and the Central Asia.

You can almost say that Tolkein was being realistic.

Well.. realistic in a way that saw that "Easterlings" had a darker complexion and such? :blink: I mean i know that Tolkien didn't mean to be allegorical and such but that seems to be where the "ethnocentric", "racist" remarks come about with critics, it seems.

It's been discussed already on how "ethnocentric" and "racist" is different in meaning and we have threads on both topics in this forum but i just want to be sure of your meaning because by what you're saying, it seems that you're saying that Tolkien could be a bit "allegorical" in how he wants to arrange the armies that the War of the Ring had...

i am in no way saying that Tolkien was being allegorical but perhaps it was just coincidence that he had the people the way they were...

you say Tolkien to be realistic but that's really bordering on saying that he's a bit allegorical.... can you elaborate, Mel?

And welcome to WotR, mellon nin! :thumbs:

[Stormcrow]

Well, we all know that Tolkein despised using allegory in his works, and he didn't use it at all in LOTR. I think we can draw a line between realistic and allegorical when it comes to Tolkein. All knowledge or thoughts stem from somewhere, so in a way, I guess we all use allegory when writing something fictional. But not entirely fictional. We know that Tolkein, did for a fact, use real influence in LOTR. References to the vikings through the Dwarves and the saxons through the Rohirrim and the like. So to say that he was being realistic isn't neccessarily bordering on being allegorical at all. ;)