The disrespect shown to the PoC in Shadowhunters by the fandom is, at times, absolutely astounding. It may escape some people’s notice, but the main cast has FOUR PoC: Emeraude Toubia as Isabelle, Alberto Rosende as Simon, Harry Shum Jr as Magnus AND Isaiah Mustafa as LUKE.
Luke Garroway, a black man, is continually left out of main cast edits (@lukegarrowayisamaincharacter does the lord’s work when they point this out) and main cast fics (sadly I have done this myself). His importance in the narrative as Valentine’s parabatai, Clary’s father figure and Alpha of the New York Pack is constantly ignored or erased by fandom. His backstory, shown in 1.06, would undoubtedly be explored in depth in fanworks if he was a white man. We’d have hundreds of works about his intense relationship with Valentine (in fact, it would probably be a popular m/m ship), his love for Jocelyn, his life as a Downworlder. Luke is the perfect character to use when drawing comparisons between the treatment of Downworlders and Shadowhunters. But fandom doesn’t. Even minor characters get more exposure than Luke, who was a popular character in the book fandom (read: when he was white). What is particularly troubling is the inclusion of Lydia over Luke in main character sets. While I do love Lydia, she was intended to represent the prejudices of Shadowhunters (see when she plans to torture Meliorn). Yes, at the end 1.12, she does begin to learn, but her elevation over Luke reveals Fandom’s internal prejudices.
Magnus Bane, a bisexual asian man, is disrespected and labelled ‘predatory’ for his love for a white man. Magnus is one of very, very few lgbt poc, (and has a special place in my bi heart) yet white fandom insists he is ‘not good representation’ (@robbierreyes talks about this here). Because he has the audacity to fight for his happiness. Becuase he has the audacity to have a POV and motivations separate from white characters. Because he has the audacity to have had more than one lover during his 300+ years of life. While Alec’s actions are often analysed and justified, Magnus is rarely afforded the same attention, despite the fact that in S1, Magnus has to deal with Valentine’s return, and the death of one of his eldest friends- all on top of his complicated relationship with Alec. Fandom loves to discuss the age difference between Malec and use it to demonize Magnus; but where is the dicussion on the power Alec has due to his status? Fans go even as far as to erase Magnus altogether by shipping Alec with random white men/women- see this post, this one and here (@aleclightwoodisgay speaks about this often). Again, Magnus is a character with a rich, unexplored backstory. Where are all the fics about his powers, his history with his father, his previous relationships?
Isabelle Lightwood, a latina, is similarly neglected in fanworks. Most gifsets I see admire her style or her beauty. This is not inherently wrong; Emeraude is an attractive woman and Isabelle is a positive female character that is not shamed for owning her sexuality. But Isabelle deserves much more than just a fixation on her body. She is a character with great potential that is, as of yet, under-explored in both the show and fandom. Where are all the headcanons about her childhood, her interest in science or her relationship with Meliorn? Isabelle is often relegated to the role of Alec and Jace’s little sister, but Emeraude herself has even said that in S2, she wants to see Isabelle explore her own wants and needs.
Simon Lewis, a latin and Jewish man, has his heritage erased in fanworks (@autisticlynch mentions it here). His recent transformation into a vampire should have blossomed many metas and fics about his newfound immortality. Where are they? Simon is a classic nerd archetype, a trope that guarantees characters adoration in fandom. Why does he not recieve the same love Stiles, Seth, or countless other (white) nerds in TV receive? And as much as I love Saphael, both Simon and Raphael exist beyond the ship and deserve the kind of extensive character analysis usually awarded to white characters.
(@fandomshatepeopleofcolor speaks about Luke, Isabelle and Magnus.)
When it comes to recurring PoC, they are valued less by fandom than the white recurring cast. Meliorn was arrested and almost tortured because of his race- the show is clear to emphasise the immorality of such an act. So why does fandom bend over backwards to excuse the actions of Alec and Lydia? Imogen Herondale, a literal metaphor for white supremacy, is included in ~badass sh women~ sets, over characters such as Maureen or Dot (@nbalec speaks about this). I am 100% sure that if Alaric, Maureen and other recurring PoC where white, we would have TONS of headcanons and meta for them. While the casting is not perfect, the crew have done a great job in diversifying the source material- Luke, Simon, Isabelle, Camille, Maureen, Maryse and many others were all white in the TMI series (a series riddled with racism).
I’m not trying to say that it is wrong to sympathise with white characters, or that it is wrong to make fanfic/gifsets of them. I’m just saying that we, as a fandom, have a responsiblity to examine WHY we are so drawn to the white characters in Shadowhunters and to make sure that the PoC, Luke in particular, are not neglected, especially after the work the cast and crew have done to make Shadowhunters so diverse. Let’s not become The 100 or Teen Wolf Fandom, please.
(Fandom also needs to work on not whitewashing PoC in edits as well, but that’s a story for another day.)
what i do is not up to you 