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  #1  
02-09-2005, 07:09 AM
Volsung
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What is Normal? (Spoilers)

In the De-Pantsing scene, the major outlaw says "You thought you could be like us? You thought you could be normal?!" The only major difference I can see is that Stranger has four legs. Is that all that normal refers to? Because if that's the case, it explains why the entire cast is anthropomorphic.

But then there's the Vykker. He's got four arms and three legs. That's definitely not normal, yet he's in a position of power.

The only other thing I can think of is what one of the clakkerz says in dusty hollow, "Them steefs are too stupid to talk" or something to that effect. Clearly they see them as animals, but next to the Vykker--forgive the pun--what's so strange about stranger?
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  #2  
02-09-2005, 07:32 AM
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I think the outlaws are making fun of his four legs, horns and other features cuz steefs are so strange to him. Or maybe not. And normal, is no horns, two legs and face! I think.
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  #3  
02-09-2005, 08:22 AM
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It's about predjudice. "what's so strange about stranger?" You could ask the same question to any person that has experienced predjudice. Racists use the same judgement on different ethnic groups, based on a lack of knowledge. It's ironic because we are not all that different.
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  #4  
02-09-2005, 10:10 AM
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I understand prejudice, I'm just wondering if all its based on is physical appearance. The presence of a socially accepted Vykker seems to imply that the bias has more to do with culture than with anatomy. But its a conundrum, because at the same time, the only thing that keeps Stranger from fully integrating is his "extra" pair of legs. Why isn't the Vykker treated similarly?

I think it might have something to do with the fact that Steef are indiginous to the area, but Grubbs are as well, and they haven't been exterminated wholesale. Oppressed and routinely executed, but not hunted outright. Why the Steef? I'm just trying to understand on what grounds they've been persecuted. I feel like its more involved than it at first appears.
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  #5  
02-09-2005, 12:53 PM
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That scene is the strongest case for the whole "racism against Steef" theory.

As far as I can tell, there is a big, ugly stigma on the race of Steefs (ie being stupid or inferior even by Clakker standards).

Although I suppose you could argue that Steefs are so rare that it's more of a "freak" effect than racism. I still stand by the racism theory, though. I'm just waiting to see "No Steefs Allowed" on buildings in the next game...

That would be great...

Well, not great. You know what I mean.
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  #6  
02-09-2005, 06:41 PM
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Ohhhhhhh!, I don't get it!
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