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Every claim below was made in this piece, quoted word for word and numbered in the order the piece makes them, so you can read it there rather than take our word for it. The sentence above each quote is our reading of the claim, not their wording. Each quote was checked against a stored copy of the page at build time; where the two differ, the quote is the fact.
Their wordsIt appears that for some, it’s easier to suspend disbelief for fire breathing dragons, planet destroying weapons, or futurist dystopias–than Black people.
Their wordsOf course, the dust up over Lupita playing Helen of Troy isn’t based on anything remotely serious. Helen of Troy is not a historical figure. She is part of a mythology.
Our reading
The ancient Greek world was diverse, including peoples of various backgrounds and skin colours.
Their wordsThe ancient Greek world, in fact, was quite diverse–with interactions throughout the Mediterranean, bordering three continents, which included peoples of various backgrounds, types, and skin color.
Their wordsThe Illiad and the Odyssey are epic stories of fiction, which now exist alongside such works as Shakespeare’s Macbeth or Romeo and Juliet. It doesn’t matter who plays those roles.
Our reading
The only requirement for an actress playing Helen of Troy is that she is brilliant at her craft.
Their wordsthe only requirement of any actress playing Helen of Troy is that she is brilliant in her craft and can bring out the character in the role.
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