Talk:Pygmies/@comment-4708902-20190511155715/@comment-25099716-20190726184554

I also have a bit of a soft spot for pygmies in Warhammer and would like to see them fleshed out as a faction. I am fully aware that the original incarnation was (barely) acceptable in the 80s but would be considered very offensive by todays standards.

I think that, rather than ignoring the rich history and culture of sub-Saharan Africa, we can use it to inspire a new and characterful representation of Pygmies in Warhammer. All factions use generalisations and stereotypes to some degree, whether it is the gruff, dour and industrious Dwarfs or woad-painted, claymore wielding maniacs.

As most of the Warhammer World is viewed from an Old Worlder perspective, any interactions between Old Worlders and Pygmies will be viewed with the colonial history of our own world in mind. Perhaps the best way to approach this is to parody rather than ignore the racism of our own history and present. Subverting the prejudice and ignorance of the Old Worlders would be in keeping with the tongue in cheek irony that characterised earlier editions of Warhammer and also avoid any potential whitewashing of the colonial past.

Since GW and Creative Assembly are unlikely to explore the potential for including Pygmies, it is up to us fans to take up the baton. Just for the record, I am White British/Irish and have no connection whatsoever to Africa, the Caribbean or Native Americans.