Decoding Voltron’s Diversity: Who is the Black Character?

The question of “who is the black character in Voltron?” isn’t as straightforward as it might seem. The answer depends on which version of Voltron you’re discussing and how you define “black.” In Voltron: Legendary Defender, the Princess Allura of Altea, while not human, is reimagined with a darker skin tone and design elements that many viewers interpret as representing black or African heritage. Additionally, Hunk‘s character is explicitly depicted as having Samoan and African-American heritage in the Paladin Handbook, solidifying his position as a character of black descent.

Diving Deeper: Examining Allura’s Reimagining

The reimagining of Allura caused significant discussion and debate within the Voltron fandom. Prior to Voltron: Legendary Defender, Allura was consistently portrayed as a blond, fair-skinned character. The shift in her design raised important questions about representation, racebending, and cultural appropriation. Some praised the change, arguing that it brought much-needed diversity to the cast and allowed for deeper exploration of Allura’s identity and experiences. Others criticized the change, suggesting that it erased Allura’s original identity and that a new character of color should have been created instead.

Examining Hunk’s Mixed Heritage

While Allura’s case remains a topic of debate, Hunk’s mixed heritage is more explicitly defined. The Paladin Handbook, an official guide to Voltron: Legendary Defender, confirms that Hunk is of Samoan and African-American descent. This inclusion is a significant step in representing diverse ethnicities within the Voltron universe. Tyler Labine, Hunk’s voice actor, had also mentioned Hunk’s Samoan heritage prior to the handbook’s release, further solidifying this aspect of his identity.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Voltron’s Diversity

Here are 15 frequently asked questions (FAQs) about Voltron’s diversity, addressing character ethnicity, LGBTQ+ representation, and related topics.

1. Is Hunk from Voltron black?

   Yes, in Voltron: Legendary Defender, Hunk is explicitly identified as being of Samoan and African-American descent. This is confirmed in The Paladin Handbook and was hinted at by his voice actor, Tyler Labine.

2. What ethnicity is Shiro from Voltron?

   Shiro is Japanese. This is confirmed in The Paladin’s Handbook and is evident through his name and design.

3. What ethnicity is Keith from Voltron?

   Keith’s human ethnicity is never explicitly stated in Voltron: Legendary Defender. However, DreamWorks has implied he may be of Asian descent.

4. What ethnicity is Lance from Voltron?

   Lance is of Cuban descent in Voltron: Legendary Defender. This is a consistent aspect of his character’s background throughout the series.

5. What race is Pidge from Voltron?

   Pidge is Italian. This is confirmed in The Paladin’s Handbook, where her nationality is specified.

6. Is Shiro from Voltron LGBT?

   Yes, Shiro is confirmed to be gay. He is in a relationship with his Garrison flight partner, Adam, later marrying Curtis in the series finale.

7. Is Allura Black Voltron?

   Allura is not explicitly identified as “black,” but her reimagined design in Voltron: Legendary Defender features darker skin and characteristics interpreted by many as representing black or African heritage. She is an alien with Altean heritage.

8. Is Lance from Voltron straight?

   Whether Lance is bisexual is a matter of interpretation. He has a romantic interest in Allura, but some viewers interpret his interactions with other characters as suggesting bisexuality.

9. Did Keith marry Allura?

   In some fan fiction and interpretations, Keith and Allura are depicted as marrying. However, in the official series, Allura sacrifices herself.

10. Is there a girl in Voltron?

    Yes, Pidge, also known as Katie Holt, is a teenage girl in Voltron: Legendary Defender. She is the pilot of the Green Lion.

11. Does anyone kiss in Voltron?

    Yes, there are romantic interactions including kisses in Voltron: Legendary Defender, notably between Lance and Allura, and potential romantic interpretations of interactions between other characters.

12. Why is Shiro’s hair white?

    Shiro’s white hair is related to his experiences after being captured by the Galra and subjected to experimentation, including cloning.

13. Are there any couples in Voltron?

    Yes, the most notable couples in Voltron: Legendary Defender are Shiro and Curtis, and the romantic relationship between Lance and Allura.

14. Is the Green Lion in Voltron a girl?

    The Green Lion itself doesn’t have a gender. However, its pilot, Pidge, is a teenage girl in Voltron: Legendary Defender.

15. Why is Voltron controversial?

    Voltron has faced controversy primarily due to its LGBTQ+ representation, particularly the “bury your gays” trope applied to certain characters, which led to criticism and apologies from the showrunners.

Representation Matters: Why These Discussions are Important

The ongoing discussions surrounding race, ethnicity, and LGBTQ+ representation in media like Voltron highlight the importance of inclusive storytelling. By exploring diverse identities and experiences, media can foster empathy, understanding, and a sense of belonging for viewers from all backgrounds. When media misses the mark, it can contribute to harmful stereotypes and reinforce existing biases.

The Role of Fandom in Shaping Representation

Fandom communities play a crucial role in shaping the conversation around representation. Fans can voice their opinions, critique problematic portrayals, and advocate for more inclusive storytelling. Through fan fiction, fan art, and online discussions, fans can reimagine characters and storylines in ways that better reflect their own experiences and values.

Continuing the Conversation: Moving Forward

As media continues to evolve, it’s essential to continue the conversation about representation. By critically examining portrayals of race, ethnicity, gender, and sexuality, we can work towards creating more inclusive and equitable media landscapes.

Understanding how media represents different groups and the impact this has on viewers is crucial in today’s society. The Games Learning Society offers valuable resources and insights into the intersection of games, learning, and culture. Check out their website at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/ for more information. The GamesLearningSociety.org is dedicated to promoting a better understanding of how games and interactive media can be used for educational and social change.

The discussion around diversity in Voltron is more than just assigning labels; it’s about examining the complexities of identity, representation, and the impact of storytelling on viewers. It requires an open and honest dialogue, a willingness to learn, and a commitment to creating more inclusive and equitable media landscapes.