The Consigliere
2004-04-12 02:22:50 UTC
FAQ ON TOLKIEN AND RACISM
---------------------------
I have been involved in a lot of discussion with friends who are
genuinely concerned with the perceived racial elements of Tolkien.
Also seeing the volume of posts on this subject I thought it might be
advisable to compile all the arguments into one single FAQ so as to
save future effort and redundant recycling of arguments. Next time
someone comes up and asks whether Tolkien was a racist I can just copy
and paste it.
It took me a while to find all the quotes but using Stuart Jensen's
comments from http://tolkien.slimy.com/faq/External.html#Racist and
Mike Brinza's FAQ as starting points helped to find them a lot
quicker.
As a biased fan and I may have missed a lot of points so I would
appreciate any further arguments from either side.
Anyways, here it is:
------
1. There are no African, Indian, Japanese ( etc) humans in the story.
Is Tolkien guilty of racism because of this?
------
As many posters have repeatedly mentioned, the story was written as a
mythology for Northern Europe and specifically England. Tolkien
explicitly states his motivation in Letter #131; "I was from early
days grieved by the poverty of my own beloved country; it has no
stories of its own (bound up with its tongue and soil), not of the
quality that I sought, and found in legends of other lands. There was
Greek, and Celtic, and Romance, and Germanic, and Scandinavian, and
Finnish; but nothing English; and does not replace what I felt to be
missing."
This would explain why most human races in the story are 'white'. You
wouldn't expect to see a large number of Caucasians in an Indian,
African or Chinese myth would you?
Another factor is that Tolkien had used Celtic and Teutonic myths and
the myths of the Anglo-Saxons of pre-medieval England as inspiration
for his story.
An internal answer would be that Middle Earth resembles the
descriptions of the English countryside, the northern reaches of
Scandinavia, Ireland and Scotland therefore it would damage the
authenticity of this geographical setting if races from other parts of
the world inhabited these lands.
As a testament to how inclusive he was it may be worthwhile (even if
it is irrelevant) to mention that he had considered non-European
societies when constructing some of his cultures. Evidence of this can
be found in Letter #211 where Tolkien compared several significant
aspects of the society of Gondor to that of ancient Egypt.
-----
2. Why was he so concerned about England and Northern Europe over
other parts of the world? Isn't he overly preoccupied with Nordic
regions?
-----
Personally I think this question is counter-intuitive but I have heard
it being asked in earnestness many times so I will answer it using the
following quote from Letter #294: "Auden has asserted that for me the
North is a sacred direction'. That is not true. The North-west of
Europe, where I (and most of my ancestors) have lived, has my
affection, as a man's home should."
He also takes offence at the use of the word Nordic' as "a word I
personally dislike; it is associated with racialist theories". And in
any case "the action of the story takes place in the North-west of
'Middle-earth', equivalent in latitude to the coastlands of Europe and
the north shores of the Mediterranean. But this is not a purely
'Nordic' area in any sense. If Hobbiton and Rivendell are taken (as
intended) to be at about the latitude of Oxford, then Minas Tirith,
600 miles south, is about the latitude of Florence. The Mouths of
Anduin and the ancient city of Pelargir are at about the latitude of
ancient Troy."
-----
3. Orcs are black and Elves are white. Isn't this showing that 'black'
represents evil and 'white' represents good?
-----
Yes; but I don't believe this to be racial distinction. Almost all
mythology and imaginative stories in human history, whatever culture
or society, have made the association of 'Darkness' to Evil and
'Light' to Good. This should not be mistaken for distinction based on
colour of skin.
The sun is the primary source of energy for all living things. Humans
are diurnal creatures and have always been afraid of the night. Thus
it is not very hard to see why light and darkness have created these
associations in our historical psyche.
The reasons are obvious as Tolkien states in Letter #131; "Light is
such a primeval symbol in the nature of the Universe, that it can
hardly be analysed".
-----
4. Orcs are bad, Elves are noble, Dwarves are selfish and greedy.
Doesn't this mean that character traits are predetermined by race?
-----
It is important to remember that Orcs, Elves and Dwarves are
completely different species, not different races of humans. It's a
bit like comparing a domesticated dog to a tiger in the wild. In fact
orcs aren't really even natural' beings, but were actually
manufactured by the Enemy.
-----
5. How about the different classes of Humans that are defined by their
blood and ancestry? In the Gondorian society why are the men of
Numenorean decent considered nobler than men of mixed blood?
-----
This is probably the question that has the least satisfactory answer.
During Tolkien's time there was a commonly held conception in his
society that blood carried a set of rights with it. Even in this day
the British (and many other societies) have a monarch and an
aristocracy. This is really more to do with the right of material
inheritance rather than the qualities inherent in blood.
We can find a more plausible answer in the story of the Edain,
ancestors of Numenoreans, who "alone of the kindred of men fought for
the Valar (gods), whereas many others fought for Morgoth." and for
this they were rewarded with "wisdom and power and life more enduring
than any other of the mortal race have possessed" (from the
Akallabeth). I think all three characteristics were not just 'learnt'
but were permanently endowed in their biology, to be passed on to
their heirs. In addition to this the descendants of Elros further
enriched the Numenorean blood. (Elros being the Elf who chose to be a
human, one of only two Elves to be given that choice.)
Even given these gifts we know that the Numenoreans commit grievous
crimes, eventually resulting in great catastrophe. The damage that
they caused due to their arrogance and thirst for power was far
greater than any other that Humans or Elves have caused since.
-----
6. Ok then let us look at the different races of humans, the Haradrim
and the Easterlings were described as swarthy and squint-eyed. Tolkien
mentioned in the Two Towers that "they were ever ready to His
(Sauron's) will". Doesn't that imply that they are racially
predisposed to evil?
-----
That statement was made by the character Damrod, a Ranger of Ithilien,
and thus you must take into account his biased view towards his
country's historical enemies.
It is true that at the time of the War of the Ring, the Haradrim and
the Easterlings were allied with the Enemy, but this was not always
so. During Nirnaeth Arnoediad, Bór, the Chieftain of the Men from the
East allied himself and many of his people with the Sons of Feanor
against the forces of Morgoth.
We also have to consider their particular geographic position. The men
of the West have access to the knowledge and experience of the Elves
and Numenoreans, who have had extensive prior dealings with Morgoth
and Sauron. The Southrons and Easterlings on the other hand are left
to fend for themselves without such information.
It may also be true that the men of the West are more technologically
advanced than those in the south and the east, because they had
extensive connections with Numenor in it's prime. In addition the
exiles of Numenor had formed kingdoms and colonies in the west.
Unfortunately for the Southrons and Easterlings, they had no such
technological advantage available to them, making them a weaker
opposition. They simply had to comply with the wishes of Mordor.
In LotR Tolkien has in fact made a point of making sure the reader
considers the terrible situation that these 'strange' men were in. He
wants us to understand what compelled them to do what they did. Sam,
after witnessing the death of an Easterling in a skirmish, wonders
"what the man's name was and where he came from; and if he was really
evil at heart, or what lies or threats had lead him in the long march
from home; and if he really would rather have stayed there in peace."
Also as I mentioned earlier, even the Numenoreans, who are considered
the most noble of Humans did commit great crimes.
We also know that some of the men of Gondor and Bree are dark skinned.
-----
7. Aren't the bad characters predominantly black or swarthy', i.e.
Melkor, Sauron, Bill Ferny?
-----
How about Saruman, Grima, Gollum, Boromir, and Denethor? There are
just too many exceptions when you consider individual characters.
Melkor is a Valar and Sauron is Maia in any case.
-----
8. This statement was made by Tolkien in Letter #210: "Orcs are squat,
broad, flat-nosed, sallow-skinned, with wide mouths and slant eyes: in
fact degraded and repulsive versions of the (to Europeans) least
lovely Mongol-types." How is this not racist?
-----
This statement gave me a lot of grief initially. At first glance it
can be taken as evidence of racism. However as a poster on this board
(I've infortunately forgotten who it was) mentioned a long while back,
the qualifier; "to Europeans" actually proves otherwise. It shows that
he actually acknowledges the different measures of beauty existent in
different cultures. He shows that beauty is not an absolute quality
but is rather in the eye of the beholder whose opinions are shaped by
social constraints.
I have to admit that by today's standards this statement is highly
inflammatory and insensitive and can be taken as evidence of his
sub-conscious prejudices.
-----
9. He also stated in Letter #45 (9 June 1941) that: "There is a great
deal more force (and truth) than ignorant people imagine in the
'Germanic' ideal." Isn't this admitting support for the policies of
Nazi Germany?
-----
The term 'Germanic Ideal' has been used in modern historic literature,
erroneously and far too prolifically, to describe the ideals of Nazi
Germany. This identification is racist in itself. The term could very
easily mean the ideals of Kant, Hegel, Heidegger or Schopenhauer; all
more influential than that "ruddy little ignoramus" (Tolkien's words);
Hitler.
"You have to understand the good in things to detect the real evil".
These words follow almost directly from the above statement. To me
this shows a mind more than ordinarily aware of the importance of
empathy and understanding of those who are different from us.
And goes on to say that the Nazis are "ruining, perverting,
misapplying, and making for ever accursed, that noble northern spirit,
which I have ever loved and presented in it's true light."
Tolkien does admit to feeling that obedience and patriotism are
virtues, but then again most people still feel this way today.
-----
Here are some further statements made by him that goes a long way in
showing that he is in fact ahead of his times when it came to ideas of
pluralism and equality:
"There was a solemn article in the local paper seriously advocating
systematic extermination of the entire German nation as the only
proper course of after military victory .The German have just as much
right to declare Poles and Jews as exterminable vermin as we have to
select the Germans; in other words, no right". Letter #81
To me this communicates his ability to perceive beyond the prevalent
mists of nationalistic antagonism to come to a rational outlook of the
whole matter. If only the political leaders of his time and ours had
such clear sight.
This next scathing letter was written to German publishers who
inquired whether he was arisch' or Jewish. The laws of Germany at the
time required this inquiry before any work was to be published:
" 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 Hindustani, 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 to have no
ancestors of that gifted people. My great-great-grandfather came to
England in the eighteenth century from Germany: I have accustomed to
regard my German name with pride
I cannot, however forbear to comment that if impertinent and
irrelevant inquiries of this sort are to become the rule in matters of
literature, then the time is not far distant when a German name will
no longer he a source of pride." Letter #30 (25 July 1938:
Unfortunately his London agents failed to pass on this letter to the
intended recipients for fear of financial repercussions.}
In my mind this letter absolves any doubt about Tolkien's values. He
is not only extraordinarily modern and rational but he also has the
courage to stand up for his pluralistic values. His tone and dry
sarcasm shows how deeply he is offended by the racist attitudes of the
German publishers.
As Aule said a while back (in a post that I had luckily saved); "One
of the major themes of Lord of the Rings is the coming together of the
races in a common cause. It's just that the races are elves, dwarves,
men, and hobbits rather than Whites, Blacks, Orientals, etc."
The fact of the matter is that most of us have preconceptions and
prejudices in our minds. Tolkien is no exception. But by considering
his rhetoric in social context I think we can safely claim that he was
indeed far ahead of his time in his inclusive and pluralistic
perspective of the world.
The key to dealing racism is to accept that they exist within each of
us and do everything you can to defeat it within yourself.
Take care, TC
-----
PS; This is a copy of an essay I originally posted for the Tolkien
board on IMDB:
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0866058/board/nest/4761136
BB's reply to my post on that site was quite insightful and I would
like to repost it here in the near future. But till that time please
follow the link provided above to access it.
-----
---------------------------
I have been involved in a lot of discussion with friends who are
genuinely concerned with the perceived racial elements of Tolkien.
Also seeing the volume of posts on this subject I thought it might be
advisable to compile all the arguments into one single FAQ so as to
save future effort and redundant recycling of arguments. Next time
someone comes up and asks whether Tolkien was a racist I can just copy
and paste it.
It took me a while to find all the quotes but using Stuart Jensen's
comments from http://tolkien.slimy.com/faq/External.html#Racist and
Mike Brinza's FAQ as starting points helped to find them a lot
quicker.
As a biased fan and I may have missed a lot of points so I would
appreciate any further arguments from either side.
Anyways, here it is:
------
1. There are no African, Indian, Japanese ( etc) humans in the story.
Is Tolkien guilty of racism because of this?
------
As many posters have repeatedly mentioned, the story was written as a
mythology for Northern Europe and specifically England. Tolkien
explicitly states his motivation in Letter #131; "I was from early
days grieved by the poverty of my own beloved country; it has no
stories of its own (bound up with its tongue and soil), not of the
quality that I sought, and found in legends of other lands. There was
Greek, and Celtic, and Romance, and Germanic, and Scandinavian, and
Finnish; but nothing English; and does not replace what I felt to be
missing."
This would explain why most human races in the story are 'white'. You
wouldn't expect to see a large number of Caucasians in an Indian,
African or Chinese myth would you?
Another factor is that Tolkien had used Celtic and Teutonic myths and
the myths of the Anglo-Saxons of pre-medieval England as inspiration
for his story.
An internal answer would be that Middle Earth resembles the
descriptions of the English countryside, the northern reaches of
Scandinavia, Ireland and Scotland therefore it would damage the
authenticity of this geographical setting if races from other parts of
the world inhabited these lands.
As a testament to how inclusive he was it may be worthwhile (even if
it is irrelevant) to mention that he had considered non-European
societies when constructing some of his cultures. Evidence of this can
be found in Letter #211 where Tolkien compared several significant
aspects of the society of Gondor to that of ancient Egypt.
-----
2. Why was he so concerned about England and Northern Europe over
other parts of the world? Isn't he overly preoccupied with Nordic
regions?
-----
Personally I think this question is counter-intuitive but I have heard
it being asked in earnestness many times so I will answer it using the
following quote from Letter #294: "Auden has asserted that for me the
North is a sacred direction'. That is not true. The North-west of
Europe, where I (and most of my ancestors) have lived, has my
affection, as a man's home should."
He also takes offence at the use of the word Nordic' as "a word I
personally dislike; it is associated with racialist theories". And in
any case "the action of the story takes place in the North-west of
'Middle-earth', equivalent in latitude to the coastlands of Europe and
the north shores of the Mediterranean. But this is not a purely
'Nordic' area in any sense. If Hobbiton and Rivendell are taken (as
intended) to be at about the latitude of Oxford, then Minas Tirith,
600 miles south, is about the latitude of Florence. The Mouths of
Anduin and the ancient city of Pelargir are at about the latitude of
ancient Troy."
-----
3. Orcs are black and Elves are white. Isn't this showing that 'black'
represents evil and 'white' represents good?
-----
Yes; but I don't believe this to be racial distinction. Almost all
mythology and imaginative stories in human history, whatever culture
or society, have made the association of 'Darkness' to Evil and
'Light' to Good. This should not be mistaken for distinction based on
colour of skin.
The sun is the primary source of energy for all living things. Humans
are diurnal creatures and have always been afraid of the night. Thus
it is not very hard to see why light and darkness have created these
associations in our historical psyche.
The reasons are obvious as Tolkien states in Letter #131; "Light is
such a primeval symbol in the nature of the Universe, that it can
hardly be analysed".
-----
4. Orcs are bad, Elves are noble, Dwarves are selfish and greedy.
Doesn't this mean that character traits are predetermined by race?
-----
It is important to remember that Orcs, Elves and Dwarves are
completely different species, not different races of humans. It's a
bit like comparing a domesticated dog to a tiger in the wild. In fact
orcs aren't really even natural' beings, but were actually
manufactured by the Enemy.
-----
5. How about the different classes of Humans that are defined by their
blood and ancestry? In the Gondorian society why are the men of
Numenorean decent considered nobler than men of mixed blood?
-----
This is probably the question that has the least satisfactory answer.
During Tolkien's time there was a commonly held conception in his
society that blood carried a set of rights with it. Even in this day
the British (and many other societies) have a monarch and an
aristocracy. This is really more to do with the right of material
inheritance rather than the qualities inherent in blood.
We can find a more plausible answer in the story of the Edain,
ancestors of Numenoreans, who "alone of the kindred of men fought for
the Valar (gods), whereas many others fought for Morgoth." and for
this they were rewarded with "wisdom and power and life more enduring
than any other of the mortal race have possessed" (from the
Akallabeth). I think all three characteristics were not just 'learnt'
but were permanently endowed in their biology, to be passed on to
their heirs. In addition to this the descendants of Elros further
enriched the Numenorean blood. (Elros being the Elf who chose to be a
human, one of only two Elves to be given that choice.)
Even given these gifts we know that the Numenoreans commit grievous
crimes, eventually resulting in great catastrophe. The damage that
they caused due to their arrogance and thirst for power was far
greater than any other that Humans or Elves have caused since.
-----
6. Ok then let us look at the different races of humans, the Haradrim
and the Easterlings were described as swarthy and squint-eyed. Tolkien
mentioned in the Two Towers that "they were ever ready to His
(Sauron's) will". Doesn't that imply that they are racially
predisposed to evil?
-----
That statement was made by the character Damrod, a Ranger of Ithilien,
and thus you must take into account his biased view towards his
country's historical enemies.
It is true that at the time of the War of the Ring, the Haradrim and
the Easterlings were allied with the Enemy, but this was not always
so. During Nirnaeth Arnoediad, Bór, the Chieftain of the Men from the
East allied himself and many of his people with the Sons of Feanor
against the forces of Morgoth.
We also have to consider their particular geographic position. The men
of the West have access to the knowledge and experience of the Elves
and Numenoreans, who have had extensive prior dealings with Morgoth
and Sauron. The Southrons and Easterlings on the other hand are left
to fend for themselves without such information.
It may also be true that the men of the West are more technologically
advanced than those in the south and the east, because they had
extensive connections with Numenor in it's prime. In addition the
exiles of Numenor had formed kingdoms and colonies in the west.
Unfortunately for the Southrons and Easterlings, they had no such
technological advantage available to them, making them a weaker
opposition. They simply had to comply with the wishes of Mordor.
In LotR Tolkien has in fact made a point of making sure the reader
considers the terrible situation that these 'strange' men were in. He
wants us to understand what compelled them to do what they did. Sam,
after witnessing the death of an Easterling in a skirmish, wonders
"what the man's name was and where he came from; and if he was really
evil at heart, or what lies or threats had lead him in the long march
from home; and if he really would rather have stayed there in peace."
Also as I mentioned earlier, even the Numenoreans, who are considered
the most noble of Humans did commit great crimes.
We also know that some of the men of Gondor and Bree are dark skinned.
-----
7. Aren't the bad characters predominantly black or swarthy', i.e.
Melkor, Sauron, Bill Ferny?
-----
How about Saruman, Grima, Gollum, Boromir, and Denethor? There are
just too many exceptions when you consider individual characters.
Melkor is a Valar and Sauron is Maia in any case.
-----
8. This statement was made by Tolkien in Letter #210: "Orcs are squat,
broad, flat-nosed, sallow-skinned, with wide mouths and slant eyes: in
fact degraded and repulsive versions of the (to Europeans) least
lovely Mongol-types." How is this not racist?
-----
This statement gave me a lot of grief initially. At first glance it
can be taken as evidence of racism. However as a poster on this board
(I've infortunately forgotten who it was) mentioned a long while back,
the qualifier; "to Europeans" actually proves otherwise. It shows that
he actually acknowledges the different measures of beauty existent in
different cultures. He shows that beauty is not an absolute quality
but is rather in the eye of the beholder whose opinions are shaped by
social constraints.
I have to admit that by today's standards this statement is highly
inflammatory and insensitive and can be taken as evidence of his
sub-conscious prejudices.
-----
9. He also stated in Letter #45 (9 June 1941) that: "There is a great
deal more force (and truth) than ignorant people imagine in the
'Germanic' ideal." Isn't this admitting support for the policies of
Nazi Germany?
-----
The term 'Germanic Ideal' has been used in modern historic literature,
erroneously and far too prolifically, to describe the ideals of Nazi
Germany. This identification is racist in itself. The term could very
easily mean the ideals of Kant, Hegel, Heidegger or Schopenhauer; all
more influential than that "ruddy little ignoramus" (Tolkien's words);
Hitler.
"You have to understand the good in things to detect the real evil".
These words follow almost directly from the above statement. To me
this shows a mind more than ordinarily aware of the importance of
empathy and understanding of those who are different from us.
And goes on to say that the Nazis are "ruining, perverting,
misapplying, and making for ever accursed, that noble northern spirit,
which I have ever loved and presented in it's true light."
Tolkien does admit to feeling that obedience and patriotism are
virtues, but then again most people still feel this way today.
-----
Here are some further statements made by him that goes a long way in
showing that he is in fact ahead of his times when it came to ideas of
pluralism and equality:
"There was a solemn article in the local paper seriously advocating
systematic extermination of the entire German nation as the only
proper course of after military victory .The German have just as much
right to declare Poles and Jews as exterminable vermin as we have to
select the Germans; in other words, no right". Letter #81
To me this communicates his ability to perceive beyond the prevalent
mists of nationalistic antagonism to come to a rational outlook of the
whole matter. If only the political leaders of his time and ours had
such clear sight.
This next scathing letter was written to German publishers who
inquired whether he was arisch' or Jewish. The laws of Germany at the
time required this inquiry before any work was to be published:
" 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 Hindustani, 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 to have no
ancestors of that gifted people. My great-great-grandfather came to
England in the eighteenth century from Germany: I have accustomed to
regard my German name with pride
I cannot, however forbear to comment that if impertinent and
irrelevant inquiries of this sort are to become the rule in matters of
literature, then the time is not far distant when a German name will
no longer he a source of pride." Letter #30 (25 July 1938:
Unfortunately his London agents failed to pass on this letter to the
intended recipients for fear of financial repercussions.}
In my mind this letter absolves any doubt about Tolkien's values. He
is not only extraordinarily modern and rational but he also has the
courage to stand up for his pluralistic values. His tone and dry
sarcasm shows how deeply he is offended by the racist attitudes of the
German publishers.
As Aule said a while back (in a post that I had luckily saved); "One
of the major themes of Lord of the Rings is the coming together of the
races in a common cause. It's just that the races are elves, dwarves,
men, and hobbits rather than Whites, Blacks, Orientals, etc."
The fact of the matter is that most of us have preconceptions and
prejudices in our minds. Tolkien is no exception. But by considering
his rhetoric in social context I think we can safely claim that he was
indeed far ahead of his time in his inclusive and pluralistic
perspective of the world.
The key to dealing racism is to accept that they exist within each of
us and do everything you can to defeat it within yourself.
Take care, TC
-----
PS; This is a copy of an essay I originally posted for the Tolkien
board on IMDB:
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0866058/board/nest/4761136
BB's reply to my post on that site was quite insightful and I would
like to repost it here in the near future. But till that time please
follow the link provided above to access it.
-----