This Thomas Lockley Situation Is Insane

Summary

The video script discusses the controversy surrounding 'Assassin's Creed Shadows' and its portrayal of historical figure Yasuke, focusing on the backlash against historian Thomas Lockley. It explores the game's impact on cultural and political discourse, accusations of historical inaccuracy, and the debate over Lockley's credibility and alleged manipulation of Wikipedia. The Metatron, the channel's host, offers a balanced view, critiquing extreme reactions and advocating for fair examination of evidence before making judgments.

Takeaways

• 🎮 The video discusses the controversy surrounding the game 'Assassin's Creed Shadows', which started as a game review but escalated into a historical analysis, social media debate, and even a diplomatic crisis.
• 🗡️ The game is set in feudal Japan, and the protagonist is Yasuke, a historical figure of African descent. This choice of protagonist has sparked debates about historical accuracy and representation.
• 🌐 The video mentions that Ubisoft, the game's developer, has been accused of using the game for political correctness and manipulating historical narratives to fit a DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) agenda.
• 📚 Thomas Lley, a historian and author of 'African Samurai', has been at the center of the controversy. Critics accuse him of manipulating historical facts and promoting his book through Wikipedia edits.
• 🔍 The video suggests that many YouTubers and gamers have conducted their own research on Japanese history to challenge Lley's claims, leading to a surge in self-proclaimed 'experts' on the subject.
• 🇯🇵 The controversy has also involved Japanese gamers who feel misrepresented by the portrayal of Yasuke, and there is a debate about whether he was indeed a samurai.
• 🌐 The video highlights the involvement of politicians and the media in the controversy, turning it into a political issue rather than an academic one.
• 👨‍🏫 Thomas Lley is accused of using a pseudonym on Wikipedia to promote his work, but the video suggests that he was open about his identity and did not act with malicious intent.
• 🔥 The video criticizes the extreme reactions to Lley's work, including calls for his dismissal from his academic position and personal attacks, suggesting that these responses are disproportionate to the issue at hand.
• 🤔 The video concludes by emphasizing the importance of fair and balanced discussion, calling for evidence-based arguments and a rejection of cancel culture in historical debates.

Q & A

What is the controversy surrounding the game 'Assassin's Creed Shadows'?

The controversy revolves around the game's setting in feudal Japan and the choice of a non-Japanese protagonist, which has led to debates about historical accuracy and cultural representation.

Why did the discussion about 'Assassin's Creed Shadows' escalate to a national and diplomatic level?

The discussion escalated due to the involvement of politicians and the game's developers' claims of historical accuracy, which led to a broader debate about cultural representation and the impact of games on historical understanding.

What is the role of Thomas Lee in this controversy?

Thomas Lee, a professor, has been accused of influencing the game's development with his research on Yas, a historical figure, and of promoting a particular narrative that some perceive as politically motivated.

What are the accusations against Thomas Lee regarding his Wikipedia edits?

Thomas Lee is accused of using an alternate account to edit Wikipedia pages related to Yas, promoting his own book and research, and potentially manipulating historical understanding.

How does the Metatron view the accusations of Thomas Lee manipulating Wikipedia?

The Metatron expresses skepticism about the accusations, noting that Lee had publicly admitted to making edits under the account 'toor Tom' and that it may not be an attempt to hide his identity.

What is the Metatron's stance on the use of historical figures in video games?

The Metatron believes that while historical fiction and fantasy can be used in games, they should maintain a logical suspension of disbelief and coherent narrative integration to be believable.

What evidence does the Metatron provide to support his views on Thomas Lee's intentions?

The Metatron cites his own experience of exchanging emails with Thomas Lee, noting Lee's politeness and willingness to collaborate, which does not align with the image of a manipulative historian.

How does the Metatron address the involvement of Japanese politicians in the controversy?

The Metatron criticizes the involvement of politicians, suggesting that it has turned the academic discussion into a political one, with absolute statements that are uncharacteristic of professional historians.

What is the Metatron's opinion on the harassment and potential cancellation of Thomas Lee?

The Metatron does not support harassment or attempts to cancel Thomas Lee, advocating for intellectual debate and the presentation of counterarguments instead.

How does the Metatron suggest handling disagreements with Thomas Lee's historical interpretations?

The Metatron suggests that those who disagree with Thomas Lee should present their own evidence and reasoning, rather than resorting to personal attacks or attempts to silence him.