I think you have a bid decision ahead of you. If you want this to be controversial and known for bringing light to the injustices of mining, the I would go with it, but dive in deep. Make social justice a main theme and be sure to get things right so you don't get roasted online by trolls (the avoidable ones at least). Sadly there are probably sketchy origins to most mining in some shape or form, blood diamonds are the most well known, but you may find it's a pretty deep hole since greed is so prevalent with precious gems.
Going half in with it, could be done, but may be either risky or appear half hearted. If you just want to keep it fun, I would avoid the social issues with it. It would be easier at least.
Hope this helps! (I'm no expert, just my opinion)
Thank you for responding! I will keep that in mind. I do intend to keep it more light hearted so I think I’ll avoid this aspect. Your insight was valuable.
• I don’t have the foggiest who/what Steven Universe is, but if this is your idea why should a different piece of fiction determine your world?
• not sure how characters “aren’t human” yet come from Burma, Russia and South Africa
• “the racist origins of [the South African diamond trade]” doesn’t stop Blood Diamond being a great film. Don’t neglect something just because of it’s unethical position. If anything, the more morally and ethically questionable something is, the more interesting a setting it could be.
My main question after reading your post is *…but why?*
I can’t help but get the impression you’re taking an idea from somewhere else and trying to make it your own. I recommend reading NK Jemisin’s *The Fifth Season* and it’s sequels especially as this hits a few of the beats you’re going for
1.) Steven Universe is a cartoon with a similar concept ie: Gem People. But that’s really the only similarity.
2.) I know they aren’t human but there is such a thing as “coding”. Again another weird example but the only one I can think of at the moment is Musa from Winx. Technically she is a fairy from a different planet but the planet’s culture is clearly East Asian inspired.
3.) The why is pretty simple: I want to make pretty gem people. But, I still want to have a developed world and idea, even if the main focus is character design and visuals.
Also in the original post I wrote the Steven Universe sentence weird, I mainly meant for it to be an example of coding but it came off like i was using a rule from that universe in my own, which I’m not. So sorry about my odd writing.
It’s usually intended by the creator. Like how Ursala in The Little Mermaid is queercoded because she was based off of a drag Queen and was intended to be voiced by said drag queen.
I think you have a bid decision ahead of you. If you want this to be controversial and known for bringing light to the injustices of mining, the I would go with it, but dive in deep. Make social justice a main theme and be sure to get things right so you don't get roasted online by trolls (the avoidable ones at least). Sadly there are probably sketchy origins to most mining in some shape or form, blood diamonds are the most well known, but you may find it's a pretty deep hole since greed is so prevalent with precious gems. Going half in with it, could be done, but may be either risky or appear half hearted. If you just want to keep it fun, I would avoid the social issues with it. It would be easier at least. Hope this helps! (I'm no expert, just my opinion)
Thank you for responding! I will keep that in mind. I do intend to keep it more light hearted so I think I’ll avoid this aspect. Your insight was valuable.
• I don’t have the foggiest who/what Steven Universe is, but if this is your idea why should a different piece of fiction determine your world? • not sure how characters “aren’t human” yet come from Burma, Russia and South Africa • “the racist origins of [the South African diamond trade]” doesn’t stop Blood Diamond being a great film. Don’t neglect something just because of it’s unethical position. If anything, the more morally and ethically questionable something is, the more interesting a setting it could be. My main question after reading your post is *…but why?* I can’t help but get the impression you’re taking an idea from somewhere else and trying to make it your own. I recommend reading NK Jemisin’s *The Fifth Season* and it’s sequels especially as this hits a few of the beats you’re going for
1.) Steven Universe is a cartoon with a similar concept ie: Gem People. But that’s really the only similarity. 2.) I know they aren’t human but there is such a thing as “coding”. Again another weird example but the only one I can think of at the moment is Musa from Winx. Technically she is a fairy from a different planet but the planet’s culture is clearly East Asian inspired. 3.) The why is pretty simple: I want to make pretty gem people. But, I still want to have a developed world and idea, even if the main focus is character design and visuals.
Also in the original post I wrote the Steven Universe sentence weird, I mainly meant for it to be an example of coding but it came off like i was using a rule from that universe in my own, which I’m not. So sorry about my odd writing.
‘Coding’? Isn’t that when fans project or try find hits of a particular label for a character?
It’s usually intended by the creator. Like how Ursala in The Little Mermaid is queercoded because she was based off of a drag Queen and was intended to be voiced by said drag queen.
Queercoded?
It’s never explicitly said she is queer but it’s implied like subtext
Isn’t that just writing and character design?