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University Course Claims Tolkien's Works Demonize People of Color

10/17/2025

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Summary

Story summary

The University of Nottingham is teaching a history module titled "Decolonising Tolkien et al" that argues JRR Tolkien's works demonize people of color.
Dr. Onyeka Nubia leads the course and argues that dark-skinned characters such as orcs symbolize "ethnic chauvinism," contrasting them with virtuous fairer-skinned characters.
The controversy follows other recent academic debates, including a Leicester University lecture comparing Margaret Thatcher to Adolf Hitler, which has drawn significant backlash.

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Story summary

The University of Nottingham is teaching a history module titled "Decolonising Tolkien et al" that argues JRR Tolkien's works demonize people of color.
Dr. Onyeka Nubia leads the course and argues that dark-skinned characters such as orcs symbolize "ethnic chauvinism," contrasting them with virtuous fairer-skinned characters.
The controversy follows other recent academic debates, including a Leicester University lecture comparing Margaret Thatcher to Adolf Hitler, which has drawn significant backlash.