@kwiipti — I feel obligated to note that Hermione’s actress is also multiracial. That said, I do understand the concerns that many people have about Snape, who is initially presented as an antagonist (though most tuning into the show will be aware that he’s more of an anti-hero), being portrayed by a black person. However, most of the concern seems to be coming from the rhetoric that “black people portraying villains in media is always racist” which is a whole topic in itself that revolves around the “othering” of black people and not treating them like normal humans (or in this case actors). Something that much smarter and more articulate people have broken down for years. But, from what I’ve seen is that, if it’s just one guy who’s bad and also happens to be portrayed by a poc, it’s not inherently racist but if every bad guy, even the small ones, are poc while there are no positive portrayals of poc, then, yeah it’s racism. From what I know, the real big bad is still a white guy, Draco is still white as well, and Parvati has not been excluded. Most people tuning in to watch the show will most likely know what they’re getting into with Snape and his character, so, to suddenly hate him more or believe that people will hate him more just because he’s played by a black man is where it starts to become bigoted. For all we know, Paapa Essiedu could end up being the best, most book accurate Snape we’ve ever seen and he shouldn’t be limited from that role because he’s black.
