Magic has always been a source of fascination and intrigue for people around the world. It has the power to captivate and astonish, leaving audiences in awe of the impossible. However, it is essential to recognize that not all experiences and reactions to magic are the same. For black people, the perception and reception of magic can be influenced by historical and cultural factors. As with any form of entertainment or art, individuals react differently based on personal preferences, beliefs, and backgrounds. Black people, like any other group, can have diverse reactions to magic performances.
Black people, like any other group, can have diverse reactions to magic performances. Some may be thrilled and amazed by the illusions, while others may not be interested or find it unremarkable. It is important to acknowledge that there is no universal response among black people, just as there is no universal response among any racial or ethnic group.
Iron teteh wotch
Within the world of Throne of Glass - a universe created by Sarah J. Maas - there are many familiar creatures - magic-wielders, fairies, shape-shifters, demons, and witches. The main character of the series, Celeana Sardothein, is Fae herself, able to wield the power of fire. But aside from the Fae, the other race which gets the most attention is that of the witches. Maas’ witches are unique - in their powers, their history, and their culture.
To best understand the witches of Throne of Glass, one must look back at their history. Legend says that witches were first created when the Fae (fairies) and the Valg (dark, evil demons) bred. Their offspring could be split into two categories: those that took after their Fae parent, and those that took after their Valg parent. These two kinds of witches are classified as Cochran witches and Ironteeth witches, respectively.
Long ago, both races of witches lived in a place called the Witch Kingdom. The Ironteeth witches had divided up into three separate clans - the Blackbeaks, the Yellowlegs, and the Bluebloods. The Cochran family ruled the land - Cochran queens ruled justly, in wisdom and peacefulness. That is, until the Ironteeth clans formed an alliance and declared war on the Cochran.
“Dorian had heard the legends of the fallen Witch Kingdom, where bloodthirsty witches had overthrown the peaceful Crochan Dynasty and then ripped apart the kingdom stone by stone. Five hundred years later, songs were still sung of the deadly wars that had left the Ironteeth Clans the only ones standing on a killing field, dead Crochan queens all around them.”
(Crown of Midnight, 154)
Although the Ironteeth witches had won the war, they had lost their home. During her final moments, the last living Cochran queen cursed the Ironteeth witches, ensuring that “as long as Ironteeth banners flew, no bit of soil would yield life to them” (Crown of Midnight 155).
Ironteeth Witches
“Manon smiled broader,
and a row of dagger-sharp iron teeth
pushed from the slits high in her gums, snapping down like armor.”
(Heir of Fire 31)
Both images are from Sarah J. Mass' Throne of Glass Pinterest board; you can check it out here.
The last remaining Cochran witches now hide out as wise-women and healers, evading the bloodthirsty Ironteeth witches who seek to exterminate them all. And bloodthirsty is the perfect description for the Ironteeth witches, who enjoy spilling the blood of humans - and drinking it, too.
As stated above, the Ironteeth witches get their name from the iron teeth and nails that they have. In the world of Throne of Glass , iron suffocates magic, acting as a buffer. Anything made of iron cannot be affected by magic. Legend says that the Ironteeth witches were given iron teeth and nails by the Three-Faced Goddess as a way of keeping them tethered to earth and to keep their magic in check.
The Ironteeth witches are brutal, ruthless killers. Manon Blackbeak, an Ironteeth witch and heir to the Blackbeak clan, is one of the main characters of the Throne of Glass series. It is from Manon's point of view, and her story, that we learn much about the world of Maas' witches. They are rumored to be born soulless, without compassion and certainly without mercy. They are raised and trained to be killers, of both humans and of their mortal enemy, the Cochran witches.
The Blackbeak Clan
"Obedience, discipline, and brutality were the most beloved words in the Blackbeak Clan. All else was to be extinguished without second thought." (Heir of Fire, 90)
The Blackbeaks are the clan that Manon belongs to. Manon is the heir, chosen by her grandmother, the Matron of the clan. The Blackbeak clan prides themselves on being the most ruthless of all of the clans.
“Manon had been born soulless, her grandmother said. Soulless and heartless, as a Blackbeak ought to be. She was wicked right down to the marrow of her bones.” (Heir of Fire, 65)
The Blackbeaks have an interesting heirarchy, varying a bit from that of the other clans. There is the Matron, who is the head over all the other witches. Then, there is Manon, the heir, and what she calls the Thirteen - Manon and twelve other Blackbeak witches who are sworn to serve and protect the matron. Under their rule are all of the other Blackbeak witches.
The Yellowlegs Clan
The first encounter the reader has with the Yellowlegs clan is through Baba Yellowlegs, Matron to the Yellowlegs Clan and the "last-born witch in the Witch Kingdom" (Crown of Midnight 155). The Yellowlegs are a haughty and prideful bunch. They are the most visually obvious witches, since they keep their iron teeth and nails on display at all times.
The Blueblood Clan
The Blueblood clan is the oddest clan of the Ironteeth witches. They pride themselves on their appearances, always seeking to be beautiful in the eyes of everyone who happens upon them. They're an annoyance to the other two clans because of their uptight behavior and high-matinence characteristics. They also believe that they are the strongest of all of the clans, most blessed by the Three-Faced Goddess. Their Matron wears an iron crown at all times.
"The iron crown, supposedly, was proof that the magic in the Blueblood line ran so strong that their leader needed more— needed iron and pain— to keep her tethered in this realm." (Heir of Fire 89)
The last remaining Cochran witches now hide out as wise-women and healers, evading the bloodthirsty Ironteeth witches who seek to exterminate them all. And bloodthirsty is the perfect description for the Ironteeth witches, who enjoy spilling the blood of humans - and drinking it, too.
Furthermore, it is necessary to consider the historical context in which magic has been presented to black people. Historically, images of magic, witches, and sorcery have been associated with ancestral African spirituality, voodoo, and superstitions, perpetuating negative stereotypes. These portrayals often reinforced the idea of black people as primitive or backward, contributing to harmful racial biases and discrimination. Moreover, magic acts and shows have not always been inclusive or representative of black performers. The lack of diversity within the world of magic has limited the visibility and participation of black magicians, resulting in a limited perspective on magic as an art form. This lack of representation can impact how black people perceive and engage with magic, potentially leading to a sense of exclusion or disbelief. However, it is crucial to emphasize that these historical factors and limited representation should not be seen as definitive or all-encompassing. Black people have also contributed significantly to the art of magic throughout history, with notable magicians such as Richard Potter, who defied racial boundaries and achieved success during a time of slavery and segregation. These trailblazers challenged perceptions and paved the way for future generations of black magicians. Ultimately, black people's reactions to magic are as diverse as the community itself. While some may embrace the wonder and mystery of magic, others may have reservations based on historical stereotypes and limited representation. It is vital to approach magic with an open mind, appreciating the artistry and skill behind the illusions while recognizing and addressing any racial biases that may arise. By promoting diversity and inclusivity within the magic community, we can create a space where all individuals feel seen, heard, and captivated by the power of magic..
Reviews for "Black People's Immersive Involvement in Magical Experiences"
1. Sarah - 2 stars
I found "Black people react to magic" to be highly problematic and potentially perpetuating stereotypes. While the intention might have been to showcase the awe and wonder of magic, I felt that the video only served to highlight the perceived "otherness" of black people. It would have been more powerful if the video focused on showcasing diverse individuals of all races and ethnicities reacting to magic, rather than singling out one specific group.
2. James - 1 star
I was disappointed by "Black people react to magic" as it seemed to play into racial stereotypes and present black people as a spectacle, rather than showcasing their genuine reactions and appreciation for magic. It felt like a missed opportunity to create a video that celebrates the universal joy and wonder that magic can bring to people of all backgrounds. I hope future content creators approach similar concepts with more sensitivity and inclusivity.
3. Jessica - 2 stars
I was initially excited to watch "Black people react to magic" but was left disappointed after viewing it. The video seemed to focus more on exploiting the reactions of black individuals to magic tricks rather than genuinely appreciating their experience. It missed an opportunity to showcase the diversity, talent, and intelligence within the black community. I hope future videos will be more mindful of avoiding cultural stereotypes and focus on inclusivity to truly celebrate the beauty and wonder of magic.
4. Michael - 1 star
"Black people react to magic" was a disappointing watch for me. Instead of highlighting the universality of magic and the joy it brings, it seemed to reinforce racial divides and stereotypes. It's disheartening to see content that perpetuates harmful narratives, especially when there is an opportunity to create a video that emphasizes inclusivity and shared experiences. I hope content creators move away from such approaches and strive to produce content that uplifts and unites instead of dividing.