this was requested so... ask and you shall receive i guess ??
quick disclaimer: most of the issues i have with this "culture" are racial. i am white. these issues don't affect me directly, but i agree that the whole ordeal is problematic and have read many accounts from poc fans who have had their religion or actual culture appropriated.
and let's begin.
one of the biggest problems i have is with the fricking "helm of awe." THAT IS LITERALLY A BINDI. alycia debnam carey admitted it herself in an interview with the huffington post:
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in case you don't see why this is a problem, a bindi originates from hindu culture and can be used to symbolize a married woman or to ward off bad luck. alycia debnam-carey, marie avgeropouolos, and lola flannery (the 3 women who have worn it) are white. they are not hindu. this was not chosen with the culture in mind or to honor it. it's basically the same thing as a white person wearing a native american headpiece as a halloween costume for funsies.
the original helm of awe came from the vikings. it was supposed to instill fear in the wearer's enemies and stuff, but it wasn't always a physical object worn between the eyes and ABOVE THE HEAD (it could be a power from within) but if it was, it was scratched on the inside of a helmet. also, the helm of awe is made of runes, not a gear-like symbol.
actual helm of awe:
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"helm of awe" in the show:
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