Quiet Portrayals of Minorities

We, along with many others, have said time and again how important it is for us to have marginalised people depicted. Erasure is extremely damaging, and tokenism is little better improvement.

Many authors and writers are catching on to that - either due to a genuine hope to make things better or because they’ve caught on that diversity may be a useful marketing ploy in some circles (yes, I tend to be that cynical - indeed anyone looking at the conquest of the Shondaverse should have realised there’s money in diversity).

One of the things that feeds my cynicism are the “Quiet Portrayals.”

“Quiet Portrayals” can come in many forms: the Blink-and-you-miss-it-bisexual, the ambiguously-olive-skin-tone, the absent POC ancestor, the careful avoidance of labels and identities, relying on vague descriptors or relying on brief one off mentions in long series.

Ultimately, they are portrayals of marginalised characters - but kept as low key as possible. It very closely resembles the idea of having to Google The Minorities, but while there you can only tell that a character is marginalised by looking for extra-textual clues and statements by the author (the infamous Word of Gay which renders Dumbledore gay, honest), in this case you have to carefully study every book and every episode and pick out the one or two references that indicate that a character is a minority. The information is in the book, it’s definitely there - it is just very brief and easily missed to people who aren’t taking careful notes.

The marginalised person is portrayed as marginalised in the book or on the show - but

but carefully masked, subtly presented to not be too overt or too present or too offputting for the privileged mainstream. That’s not saying that the writers here are expressly thinking in those terms - in many cases I would say certainly not. However the pressures of “maketability”, the societal default and our overwhelming sense of what a protagonist should look like, as well as the ongoing insistence that a book with marginalised characters must be entirely about marginalised issues make the Quiet Portrayal a very easy trap to fall into.

For marginalised readers this may be a portrayal of themselves - but it comes with a subtext: yes you can be in these stories so long as you are quiet. So long as you aren’t TOO Black/gay/Asian/trans. So long as you don’t “flaunt” or “stuff it down people’s throats.” Again, this may not be the intended message of the author - and they may even have more overt marginalised characters (but who are probably not more prominent, not as major a character or not the protagonist), but it does carry this message. The main characters, the protagonist can be marginalised so long as they are sufficiently “low key” while marginalised characters who cannot hide, cannot pass or whose marginalisation is not easily overlooked are pushed to supporting roles.

There are many ways this Quiet Portrayal can be achieved. One of them is to make references to the character’s marginalised nature to be brief and one off in a more overarching story. Take Sanctuary, Dr. Helen Magnus, who despite being a co-protagonist and appearing in 58 episodes over 4 seasons there is one, one single episode, where her bisexuality was referenced. If you missed that episode, you would think this series completely lacked LGBT characters, it certainly didn’t help that this belated revelation only crept onto the scene in the second-to-last episode of the show. Doctor Who also lept on that trope with River Song giving us a last minute spoiler that she is bisexual. Witches of East End lasted only two seasons - but it was two seasons full of overwhelming amounts of graphic sexuality and sexual relationships between opposite sex couples; except two episodes. Two episodes in which it was revealed Joanna is bisexual and has had a female lover who we briefly meet. Her bisexuality is not mentioned before this and never mentioned again - in a show that is wall-to-wall naked skin and humping.

The Witches of East End, Season Two, Episode Four: The Brothers Grimoire

Tommy and Wendy are on a picnic date and doing just fine until a rat comes running out of the bushes and crawls up Tommy's body and he starts freaking out.  Wendy grabs the rat, looks it in the eye as she squeezes it and then tosses it back into the bushes.  Tommy tries to calm himself with a beer but clearly the mood has most certainly been ruined.

Victor is still being held captive and because Joanna is expecting him home, Ivar uses Victor's phone to send a text explaining that he missed his flight, in order to by them more time. Isis enters the cave and transforms from the rat that crawled up Tommy into a woman.  Isis says that she found Wendy but because Wendy was so focused on Tommy, she didn't realise who she was holding when she picked up the rat.  Isis has a wound in her leg from when Wendy grabbed her, so Ivar licks her leg to heal it.

Dash goes to see Ingrid to see how she is holding up and Ingrid assures Dash that he didn't know what was happening to him and she knew.  Dash questions if Ingrid believes what happened was her fault and Ingrid confirms that she wonders if she had told Dash earlier, if all of this could have been avoided.  Dash expresses his gratitude for Ingrid's timely arrival and promises to be there if Ingrid needs anything.

Wendy has returned home and Joanna questions if the date went badly because Wendy is actually home.  Wendy explains that the date went well until a rat crashed their picnic and explains it away as an example of the Beauchamp women's horrible luck with men.  Joanna points out that her relationship with Victor is good. Wendy reminds Joanna that she was estranged from Victor for three centuries and didn't talk to him for two.  Joanna says that things between her and Victor have been good lately and that Victor will be home today. Wendy says that Tommy wants a do-over date but questions if she is up to and Joanna snarks about her having an eternity to find a mate.

Dash and Killian chat about how Killian met Ava and Dash clearly feels relief when he learns that Killian has no idea what really happened to him. They are interrupted by a knock on the door and it turns out to be their mother's executor. The executor drops off a box revealing that he was told to deliver it upon her death, only of the two brothers were together. When Dash opens the box, he finds a cryptex. When Killian grabs the other end of the cryptex, it immediately lights up, causing the brothers to decide that it's time they had a little conversation.

Back in the torture chamber, Ivar threatens Victor with death by a thousand cuts, which Isis apparently is a master in.  Isis brings up the portals and reveals that they know the one in East End was opened. Isis demands to know where the key is because she and Ivar want to return home. Victor tells them to go to hell, so Ivar suggests that if Victor does not break soon, they can try to break Wendy. Isis confirms that she is fine with that as long as they stay away from Joanna because Joanna scares her. Ivar intercepts a text from Joanna to Victor, saying that Frederick is looking forward to seeing him. Ivar and Isis realise that Frederick must have come through the portal and call it good news for them and bad new for Victor.

Dash opens the cryptex and finds a note in Latin saying follow the trail.  The brothers begin to wonder what it means and marvel at the fact that they are warlocks.  Killian reveals that Ava is a witch and that is why they found each other. Dash in turn reveals that the Beauchamps are witches and calls Freya a lying bitch, after admitting that she never shared that information with him. Killian may no longer be in love with Freya but having him sit there after she flew so far to find him and not respond to her being called a bitch is problematic.  This scene represents a lost opportunity in how to use a slur and still make sure that it is understood as wrong. Dash explains that Freya told him that their powers were dormant and that their mother's death must have brought them on.

Tommy and Wendy are playing darts and she uses her magic to make a better shot than him. When Tommy moves to withdraw the darts from the board, Wendy throws a dart hitting him in the shoulder.  Wendy uses magic to quickly heal him and calls him a baby. Tommy snarks about Wendy delivering a nice apology and points out that they are not having the best of luck on their dates. Wendy grabs her bag and suggests quitting while they are ahead but Tommy is determined to forge on, calling it the best time he has had in a long time.

Frederick brings some booze up to the bar and sees Ivar and Isis.  Frederick is instantly uncomfortable, as Isis invades Fredrick's personal space. When Freya does not recognize Isis and Ivar, they realise that she is a new Freya. Ivar explains that back in the old country, they all used to be friends and get into a lot of trouble together.  Frederick is quick to assure Freya that she is a good girl. Freya asks for details and Isis promises they will only tell the stories about Frederick.

Dash and Killian continue to talk about what follow the trail means. Dash suggests that it is a form of spell and Killian points out that the cryptex didn't open until they both touched it and therefore they should say the spell together. When they say the spell, the paper drifts across the room and lands on the floor and bursts into flames, as it leaves a symbol in the wood. When the brothers pry the floor boards up, they discover their family grimoire.  Of course, Dash wants to try a spell.

Back at The Bent Elbow, Isis and Ivar tell the story of how Frederick stole the sacred scrolls. Frederick explains that he did so so that the people would know that those in power bent the law to serve their own ends. Frederick explains when he was young and stupid, he was quite the daredevil. Ivar says that he and Isis took their rowdy behaviour too far and as a result were banished by Frederick and Freya's grandfather. Frederick tells them that they are lucky because they didn't have to face the king's wrath, when Isis says that they didn't have it easy on this side. Ivar points out that Isis had her big brother to look for her and the two kiss. Isis and Ivar tell Freya that they are twins like she and Frederic and Freya is quick to point out that she and Frederick are not like that.  Frederick asks to speak to Freya for a moment and explains that Isis and Ivar are bottom feeders whose clan are despised in Asgard. Freya points out that Ivar and Isis were Fredrick's friends and Frederick explains that he was acting out and that were happy to come along for the ride.  Freya makes it clear that they need to get rid of Ivar and Isis and Frederick promises to take care of it.

When Frederick returns to the bar, he finds only Ivar waiting for him.  When Frederick asks what the twins want, Ivar explains that they are owed because they took the fall for Frederick in Asgard. Frederick is quick to deny owing them anything and suggests that they leave before things get rough. Ivar however will not be scared away and pulls up an image of Victor on his phone. Freya is now at the back of the bar when Isis suddenly appears.  Isis strokes Freya's chin saying that Freya was always so pretty and that they should have some fun. When Freya declines the offer, Isis blows some sort of black smoke into her face.

Witches of East End, Season Two, Episode Three: The Old Man and the Key

Joanna watches Frederick sleep and this is a segue into a flashback. We see Wendy, the girls and Victor rushing towards the portal to meet Frederick.  As they rush, the girls worry that their grandfather will cause a problem for them because he had them banished. When the portal opens, Joanna makes it through but sadly tells her family that she lost Frederick.  In the present, Joanna grabs a blanket to toss over Frederick and pauses when she notices the marking on his chest.

Later in the morning, Joanna meets with Wendy in the garden and tells her that Frederick has the king's symbol branded on his chest. Wendy believes that her suspicions about Frederick have been confirmed because the brand is the ultimate sign of loyalty, but Joanna reminds Wendy that they don't know what it means. Wendy argues that Frederick is spiritually bound to their father for eternity but again Joanna comes to Frederick's defense, pointing out that they don't know the circumstances under which Frederick took the oath. After a bit more back and forth, Joanna finally admits that she is suspicious of Frederick and given that two people have been killed in town, they have to be careful.

Before leaving for her trip, Freya pops in to see Ingrid, who is busy packing up her things to move out. Freya says that it feels strange to go through a lifetime of things and Ingrid expresses her happiness for her. Ingrid expresses concern about Freya's trip but Freya says that she has to go now that she has seen a vision of Killian's death and adds that she is not necessarily safe staying in town. They then switch to Dash and the danger that he poses now that he has power and is filled with so much anger over the way his relationship ended with Freya. Freya suggests that they should just leave him alone but Ingrid sees Dash as a victim and suggests that what he needs is guidance. Freya points out that Dash could do a lot of damage if he knew what he is capable and this causes Ingrid to assert that this also means he could hurt someone accidentally. In the process of cleaning out the closet while the sisters have been arguing, they come across a secret door. When they try the handle, the door is locked.  Joanna appears and gives the excuse that it was a door she had closed off when she changed the layout of the house.  Yeah, I wouldn't buy that in the least. Joanna is saved by the bell when Freya's cab arrives.

Dash is lying awake in bed after having a one night stand when ghost Killian makes an appearance. Killian questions why Dash isn't dealing with the black mailer and Dash reveals that he hired someone to look into the IP address of the blackmailer.  What Dash does not realise is that his lover has awakened and to her, it appears as though Dash is talking to himself. Ghost Killian taunts Dash about the fact that he has always been the good guy and challenges him to prove that he can be bad.  I cannot believe I actually had to watch this ridiculous pissing contest. Don't ever say I never do anything for the Fangs readers. Dash's little fantasy comes to an end when his lover asks who he is talking to and ghost Killian disappears.

Wendy is in the morgue and she uses a spell to resurrect Dr. Foster to find out who killed him in the bushes. Foster ends up grabbing Wendy screaming that she is one of them and that he knows what she is, forcing Wendy de-animate him again. When Wendy notices that Foster's corpse bears the brand, she takes a picture for what I can only assume is evidence. Joanna is chopping up vegetables in the kitchen when she gets the text from Wendy but she has to quickly lower the phone when Frederick walks in. Frederick has just come in from running and he explains that he loves the air here because everything smells like food and the terrain is flat. When he starts to excuse himself, Wendy asks about the power structure of Asgard. Frederick admits that his grandfather still rules what is left of Asgard and that entire cities have been burnt to the ground at the first sign of descent. Frederick goes on to add that there isn't much descent around his grandfather anymore and that the man is worshiped like a God. Joanna asks Frederick if he worshiped his grandfather and Frederick says that he loved him and that his grandfather was the only family he had left in Asgard. Joanna points out that Frederick could have joined them in rebellion because he knew his Grandfather was corrupt and Frederic defends himself saying that he was fed lies about his family. Joanna claims to understand when Frederick questions her trust in him but she does push a little further to ask why he left. Frederick claims to be traumatized and says that he just wants to forget it all. Frederick heads upstairs saying that he likes it there and is headed out to meet people at the Bent Elbow. When Joanna tells Frederick she loves him, he pauses and says thanks. Hmmmm Frederick clearly has some mommy issues if he couldn't say I love you back.

In another flashback, Joanna reveals that she has the portal key because she stole it from a Kings guard. Wendy immediately suggests they use it but Joanna is adamant that they wait for Frederick. Wendy insists that they cannot wait and that it may already be too late. Victor is quick to take Wendy's side and says that if they don't close the portal, the king will come after them. Finally, he points out that Frederick is a warrior and will survive. Joanna yells that Frederick is their son but Victor points out that their daughters are at risk. Wendy adds that no one wants to do this but they are running out of time.  Suddenly, a bright light comes through the portal and Fredrick comes through the portal claiming that he had to fight three guards and knock his grandfather down. Fredrick asks for the key to seal the portal and Joanna quickly hands it over, only to watch as Frederick throws the key back into the portal. Joanna immediately demands to know how Frederick could betray them this way.

Dash is sitting on a park bench using a tablet to look at the facebook page of Kyle Hutton. Of course, ghost Killian makes an appearance to declare that Kyle is the blackmailer because his boat was in the perfect position to record Dash killing Killian. Ghost Killian does his devil on the shoulder routine and encourages Dash to kill Kyle.

The Witches of East End, Season Two, Episode Two: The Son Also Rises

Joanna is worried about Ingrid and asks Freya what time Ingrid came home from the bar the night before. As Joanna is leaving a message for Ingrid, Freya looks out the window and sees a comatose Ingrid on the ground outside. The women rush to Ingrid and discover  that no only is she unconscious but has marks on her body.  I suppose tentacle sex will do that to you.

In the meantime, Dash is occupied trying to marshal his powers. Phantom Killian appears long enough to taunt Dash about shooting blanks.Yeah, that was a less than subtle and unsurprisingly unfunny double entendre.  Dash then gets a call from his blackmailer asking if he wants to the tape of him killing Killian sent to the police. The blackmailer demands fifty thousand dollars and Dash balks because it's a public holiday and the banks are closed but he is told to figure it out.Killian again taunts his brother warning that he needs to get a hold of this before he kills someone else.

Ingrid comes back to consciousness and Joanna suggests that Ingrid was sleep walking again.  Freya suggests that Ingrid could have simply passed out because she was pretty drunk the night before. Joanna says that they are going to need to find a spell to deal with the sleepwalking and Ingrid says that last night was the best nights sleep she has had in years. I suppose this means that tentacle sex works for her. When the women head into the house, Joanna tells the girls about Frederick and how leaving him behind was one of the hardest decisions she has ever had to make. Wendy is quick to point out that Frederick chose to stay. Joanna goes on to explain that Frederick has been through a lot and barely escaped with his life. Anyone else wonder how Joanna knows this given that he hasn't been particularly forth coming about what happened in Asgard?  Joanna then tells the girls that it was Frederick who cured her. They then discuss Frederick coming through the portal and a trusting Joanna suggests that someone else came through the portal with Frederick. Frederic comes downstairs and has a conversation with the girls about the things they used to do together as siblings and we learn that Frederick and Freya are twins.

Joanna is outside working on the garden and a concerned Wendy points out that Frederick is alone with the girls.  Joanna however is not just engaging in a hobby, she is pulling truth root to get to the bottom of what is going on with Dash. The big plan is to put the roots in a pie and then deliver it to Fair Haven. Wendy points out that because Dash is so angry and volatile that they have to approach the situation carefully. Wendy suggests giving Frederick a piece of the pie but Joanna claims that when he healed her, she felt his pain and regret. Wendy is still not convinced and suggests that Frederick only pretended to escape to play with Joanna's guilt and sympathy.

Wendy and Joanna return to the house to find the siblings still engaged in a chat.  It seems that they were all royalty in Asgard but Joanna says that this fact has zero relevance in this world. Wendy sneaks the truth root under Frederick's nose and asks how it's been for him in Asgard.  Frederick answers that not long after everyone left, he realised his mistake and tried to get his grandfather to change and that in the end, things got so bad, he almost wished for death.

Killian is still on his island paradise with his new love Eva and now his wound had completely healed. Killian tries to convince Eva to spend the day with him and she confesses that though they have only been together a short time, it feels like they have known each other forever. For his part, Killian says that landing on the island is the best thing that ever happened to him.

Wendy is getting dressed and ready to go out when she notices that one of her ear rings is missing.  It turns out that Frederick has the ear ring and he uses it for some sort of spell and then swallows it.

Wendy is in cat form and she heads to see the EMT from the last episode. When she looks in the window, she sees the EMT sitting down with what looks like a wife and child. When the EMT returns to the door with a treat for what he assumes to be a stray cat, Wendy is gone.

Ingrid has arrived at work and finds Dr. Foster already sorting through the materials. Ingrid says that he is doing her job but Dr. Foster tells Ingrid that he didn't really hire her.  Apparently, his supervisor ordered Ingrid hired over his objections. Foster claims that he is there to oversee because if something happens, it will fall squarely on him.  Ingrid assures Foster that she can do this and suggests that she just get started so that he can see how she works

Dash is packing up his blackmail money and he leaves the house followed by ghost Killian, who warns Dash that this isn't going to end here. Dash screams for Killian to leave him alone and when Dash turns around, he is confronted by Wendy and Joanna, who have a pie and wine.  Dash isn't interested in a peace offering though and asks if they are sorry because he was gilted at the alter, or that his mother committed suicide. Joanna tries again suggesting that since they all live in the small town, they are going to have to talk to each other eventually but Dash makes it clear that he wants nothing to do with either woman before walking away.

Killian sits at the poker table and he is reading the mind of his opponent.  When Killisan calls a hand with an obvious low pair, his opponent suspects that something is up because no one can be that lucky.  His opponent draws a weapon and demands his money back and Killian's power activates forcing his opponent to drop the weapon, as people in the room call Killian a Brujería and back away closely.

Wendy and Joanna are setting a table at a fourth of July picnic, when Wendy pauses because she feels a supposedly ominous cool breeze. Wendy then looks wistfully over at the EMT who is setting up with his family. Yep, with Killian away on the island the EMT longing just had to happen because otherwise, there wouldn't be love angst on the show and we cannot possibly have that.  When Joanna notices that she is missing the bottle opener, Frederick uses his magic.  Joanna tries to explain that they don't do magic in public and then thanks him for saving her life.  Freya and Frederick talk about the adjustment that Frederick has had to deal with. Freya then smoothly asks if Frederick can use astro projection to find someone.

Back at the library, Ingrid is hard at work with Foster, when she comes across a book which has drawings and notes of the family.  Under Ingrid is the word key.

Back at his room, Killian is trying to drink away his worries.  When Eva asks what happened, he tells her about being able to read his opponents hand and then asks what a Brujería is. Eva explains that Brujería means witch and that Killian's opponent thought that Killian was an obeah - someone who has magic.  Eva points out that Killian has won a lot at poker and that he said that he knew what the cards were, even though he didn't see them. Eva offers to do a ceremony to find out if Killian is closely attuned to the spirit world.

Frederick and Freya have begun the spell to find Killian. Together, they arrive on the island and decide to look around to see if they can figure out where they are.  Frederick tells Freya that no matter what she does, she is not to let go of his hand. They find an ashtray with the name of the hotel and take note of it. When they open another door, an owl flies towards them and a startled Freya lets go of Frederick's hand, which forces them to transport home.  Frederick says that owl can either be a symbol of fortune or doom. Now that Freya knows where Killian is, she decides that it is time to go and find him.

Later, at the bar, Freya tries to book a direct flight to Santo Domingo but is disappointed to learn that there are no flights for the next two days.  Frederick sits at the bar trying to charm a young Asian woman. Freya comments on how amazing the spell was that they did and Frederick says that it's all about twins (come on, you know you wanted to say, "wonder twin powers activate") before excusing himself and promising to meet Freya for fireworks. Freya warns Frederick about doing spells and he promises to follow the rules.

Ingrid is doing research about herself in the archive she found and learns that she has four arcane abilities. Suddenly, Ingrid sits up when she gets the sense that someone is watching her. Ingrid looks around but doesn't see anyone and is startled when Dr. Foster appears, wondering what she is up to. Foster notices that Freya is looking through the oldest book in the collection and is upset that she is not handling it properly. A disagreement quickly ensues and Foster declares that he is taking the book. When Foster tries to pick up the book, he cannot lift it, so Freya snarks that he wasn't handling it properly. Foster warns that if anything happens to the book between now and Monday, he is holding her responsible.