Remake and Rebirth Barret shows that he's more than just a stereotype
Hear me out.
The further away from 97' we got, the more people and journalists especially made the point that Barret as FF's "black character" was the epitome of the stereotype at the time. A strong hot-headed man with little intelligence.
When I played OG, I didn't get thus from him at all. I think in the initial midgar prologue he shows those traits, but beyond that, you can see he is much more than just a one-dimensional archetype.
I think Remake and Rebirth have only helped to show how wrong and contrived a take it is for people to believe him a racial stereotype. It helps that his VA is absolutely incredible and steals all of the scenes he's in (especially emotional ones such as when the plate comes down and he cries out for Marlene)
I just find it rich that people would even paint him to be a placeholder figure when he is one of the best party members in all of FF for me.
Side note: The original reason that inspired me to make this post are how well his eyes are animated. I mean - Look at him! As soon as the shades come off you can see him for the gentle giant he really is beyond the tough exterior.
Hear me out.
The further away from 97' we got, the more people and journalists especially made the point that Barret as FF's "black character" was the epitome of the stereotype at the time. A strong hot-headed man with little intelligence.
When I played OG, I didn't get thus from him at all. I think in the initial midgar prologue he shows those traits, but beyond that, you can see he is much more than just a one-dimensional archetype.
I think Remake and Rebirth have only helped to show how wrong and contrived a take it is for people to believe him a racial stereotype. It helps that his VA is absolutely incredible and steals all of the scenes he's in (especially emotional ones such as when the plate comes down and he cries out for Marlene)
I just find it rich that people would even paint him to be a placeholder figure when he is one of the best party members in all of FF for me.
Side note: The original reason that inspired me to make this post are how well his eyes are animated. I mean - Look at him! As soon as the shades come off you can see him for the gentle giant he really is beyond the tough exterior.