Chapter 1: The Rise of Review Bombing

This morning, I was taken aback to discover that Amazon Prime's recent series, The Rings of Power, faced a wave of negative reviews largely due to the diversity of its cast. Some viewers were unsettled by the portrayal of black hobbits, elves, and dwarves. Rather than simply choosing to skip the show, these individuals opted to flood the internet with unfavorable reviews, prompting Amazon to disable the review feature entirely.

I felt uneasy about this situation, especially since I had just shared my own review of the series days prior. My sentiments were mixed; had I been aware of the review bombing, I might have approached my review with a more lenient perspective.

Nonetheless, I stand by my assessment, which was based solely on the show’s content. I appreciated the representation and thought the performances of the black actors were commendable, even surpassing those of some white actors.

Yet, it's disheartening to highlight the distinctions between actors based on race. In 2022, shouldn't diversity be an accepted norm? Shouldn't we evaluate actors based on their skills rather than their skin color?

As the film industry gradually embraces more black talent (though there's still a long way to go), the next logical step is to expand this inclusion to Asian, South American, and Middle Eastern actors. It’s time we normalize this practice.

Section 1.1: The Broader Context of Diversity

The issue extends beyond race; sexuality plays a significant role as well. The Sandman faced review bombing for its diverse representation of queer characters. Online communities erupted in outrage against Netflix and Neil Gaiman, accusing them of pushing a leftist agenda.

This controversy arose shortly after Netflix canceled First Kill, a sapphic fantasy series with a varied cast, following criticism of its lack of support for LGBTQIA+ representation and interracial relationships.

Subsection 1.1.1: The Nature of Artistic Criticism

Creating art invites critique; artists learn early on that not everyone will appreciate their work. As we share our creations, we must accept that some will express disapproval, regardless of its validity.

Review bombing escalates this to a different level; it’s not just a passive dislike but an active campaign fueled by animosity. It’s a concerted effort to silence voices that don’t align with certain beliefs, veering dangerously close to censorship. This intimidation can stifle creativity, threatening powerful figures with overwhelming negative feedback.

This dynamic explains why we see many shows like Sweet Magnolias or Virgin River, while innovative series like The Sandman, Heartstopper, or First Kill are in short supply, despite their unique contributions.

Chapter 2: The Consequences of Review Bombing

The first video titled "Review Bombing: When Culture Wars Are Brought To Fan Reviews" explores how cultural conflicts manifest in fan reviews, highlighting the implications of such actions on media consumption.

The second video titled "Terrorism and Its Aftermath: Oklahoma City and September 11" discusses the broader societal impacts of violent backlash, drawing parallels to the cultural terrorism seen in review bombing.

Reflecting on my own preferences, I found Sweet Magnolias a bit too saccharine for my taste, yet I recognized its merit. If I dislike something, I may write one review and then move on. I don't have the inclination or energy to invest in negativity.

It seems almost rebellious to support and consume media that embraces diversity and queerness—most viewers appreciate it quietly without vocalizing their support.

We often assume that minorities are the loudest voices, but history shows that it’s typically the vocal majority who resist change, fearing their children might encounter "indecency."

But rather than disengage from content that challenges their views, some choose to undermine it for everyone.

This is merely my perspective, yet it's alarming to witness how reviews increasingly influence what gets produced—or fails to be produced. I genuinely hope that review bombing is a fleeting trend, allowing us to return to a more rational discourse about media.