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DanielLB
Elvenhome
Nov 30 2012, 8:51am
Post #1 of 16
(910 views)
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Errr ... what? Article in The Telegraph: "Send these horrid Hobbits back to the Shire"
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I'm slightly surprised by this article in today's Telegraph
The most disturbing part being the last 2 paragraphs:
But what is worrying is the cult-like following that the Tolkien films have encouraged. Many of the acolytes seem victims of arrested development – detaching themselves from the real world with its real people and its real challenges. In the same way that superhero movies actually emasculate the audience by convincing them that their problems are so big that only a man in a cape can solve them, so the fantasy racket returns us to the emotional paralysis of early childhood.
The true horror comes when someone can no longer tell the difference between what’s real and what’s not and they end up living their lives as dwarves or wizards. It’s only a matter of time before the Tolkien cult grows so big that we have to treat it like a serious part of our culture. Expect Labour councils to snatch children from foster parents because they’re a member of a political party that is anti-orc. It’s only a matter of time.
I wouldn't really expect to see this in The Telegraph. I'm a little shocked, and offended. 
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Silverlode
Forum Admin
/ Moderator
Nov 30 2012, 9:11am
Post #2 of 16
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Wow, that's quite the diatribe.
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Pretty much every anti-Tolkien sentiment ever, all compressed into one article! 
Sounds like this guy doesn't approve of escapism in any form. While there are plenty of good points to be made about the dangers of excess or obsession (over anything), there is nothing constructive at all about his approach and it just comes off as sour grapes. In fact, I'm left wondering what he does for entertainment, or if he believes in having fun at all. 
Silverlode
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demnation
Nargothrond
Nov 30 2012, 11:19am
Post #3 of 16
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'live and let live' comes to mind. Seriously, he should calm down before he gives himself an ulcer or something.
In a manner similar to the way obsessive fans behave, he is kind of blowing the whole thing way out of proportion. It's important (for me) to keep it in perspective. I love Tolkien. I love his work. It has changed my life in so very many positive ways. But in the end, they are just books (and movies!!)
I guess what I'm saying is that he is being nearly as 'bad' with his vicious and highly judgemental attacks as the sometimes obsessive and over-the-top fans are. But again, live and let live.
Use Well the Days
(This post was edited by demnation on Nov 30 2012, 11:25am)
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kareniel
Menegroth
Nov 30 2012, 12:43pm
Post #4 of 16
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I think somebody needs a chill pill.
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Goodness, he's angry! And a little confused. He warns that fantasy gamers are "unlikely to grow up looking like Daniel Craig." Right. James Bond. The spy star of that most realistic series of films. No fantasy there. Nope! None.
I wonder if Mr. Stanley or his friends (Do they look like Daniel Craig?) ever don colorful scarves or badges to support their favorite football team as they engage in an epic "battle" over a football. Hmmm. Now that sounds like living in Fantasy Land.
People's tastes differ. It's okay! Some like to escape their problems by watching movies; others by attending football games, hiking wilderness trails, going to fantasy conventions, traveling in exotic lands, or reading books.
And if you prefer Dostoevsky over J.K. Rowling, good on ya'. But don't be a snob about it. There's room in the literary and cinematic worlds for all levels of realism and the casts of characters who inhabit those levels. Including hobbits. Mister Stanley should pick on somebody his own size.
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Alassëa Eruvande
Doriath
Nov 30 2012, 2:20pm
Post #5 of 16
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In some circles it's cool to hate the popular thing.
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I think that's what's probably going on here.
The cult-like following is indeed alive and well and has been so, long before PJ's films were around.  
I am SMAUG! I kill when I wish! I am strong, strong, STRONG!
My armor is like tenfold shields! My teeth like swords! My claws, spears!
The shock of my tail, a thunderbolt! My wings, a hurricane! And my breath, death!
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DanielLB
Elvenhome
Nov 30 2012, 5:14pm
Post #7 of 16
(495 views)
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I'm surprised The Telegraph allowed such tripe to be published!
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I wasn't aware the same happened for HP. It's just ridiculous. I thought it was a joke ...
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Tampa Phil
Ossiriand
Nov 30 2012, 6:15pm
Post #8 of 16
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I'm completely unsurprised by it.
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You must not be familiar with the british media/literary intelligensia.
My favorite line was the one about the alleged 10% of HP fans who exhibited symptoms of substance abuse. I expect the pundit class (to which he belongs) can better that by some margin.
The purpose of these columns is to provoke a reaction. Angry and/or obsessively detailed responses provide the confirmation bias the writer was looking for. Bear that in mind. In an ideal world, nobody would respond at all.
TP.
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Starling
Gondolin
Nov 30 2012, 6:42pm
Post #10 of 16
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I actually found parts of it very funny.
Have a cup of tea, DanielLB, and don't let the guy wind you up. That's what he wants!
There was a good comment after the article from someone who pointed out that you could write a similar piece about all sorts of 'fandoms', from soap operas to sports.
Remember the old quote: Those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind.
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Moahunter
Nargothrond
Nov 30 2012, 7:27pm
Post #11 of 16
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The Telegraph publishes a lot of tripe DanielLB
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After all it is the unofficial voice of the Tory Party. It also gives a platform to a number of climate change deniers.
Did you notice that the author has written a biography of Pat Buchanan, that says it all.
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Ardamírë
Doriath
Nov 30 2012, 8:47pm
Post #12 of 16
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Well that certainly seems over-the-top//
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"...and his first memory of Middle-earth was the green stone above her breast as she sang above his cradle while Gondolin was still in flower." -Unfinished Tales
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Faenoriel
Dor-Lomin
Nov 30 2012, 9:02pm
Post #13 of 16
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The true horror comes when someone can no longer tell the difference between what’s real and what’s not
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Like the author of this so called article.
Let Bender tell us how to react to this.
But every word you say today
Gets twisted 'round some other way
And they'll hurt you if they think you've lied
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Laerasyn
Nevrast
Nov 30 2012, 11:18pm
Post #15 of 16
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Bender is a wide robot. :-) //
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'Good and ill have not changed since yesteryear; nor are they one thing among Elves and Dwarves and another among Men. It is a man's part to discern them, as much in the Golden Wood as in his own house.'
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Crunchable Birdses
Nargothrond
Dec 11 2012, 7:07pm
Post #16 of 16
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Chris Tolkien probably gave the Telegraph a huge wad of cash
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...to s*** all over the movies. Did you read the Telegraph's review of the film. Wow....
* crunch *
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