Which isn’t a valid excuse, so I responded “It doesn't really matter the intention when the difference in skin color is so drastic. Plus, the factor of features doesn't really take into account in racial differences here, when many people of color also have straight black hair and similar features as well, especially in this racially ambiguous artstyle. And this applies to people in the real world as well, where many people who over-tan also receive criticism.
On top of that, the depiction of his darker skinned version being in charge of doing more potentially shady businesses, while his lighter skinned version portrays his perfect image, feels racially charged.
People of dark skin tones have always had stigma and stereotypes placed upon them in this similar fashion. It inadvertently sends the idea that darker skin must be hidden, while lighter skin doesn't. Although your intentions may not have been malicious, the impact is still inherently negative.”
In conclusion: the story sucks, the author is a dumbass, and the artstyle is ass. Happy reading!
So when I read their story on tapas, the official website, I finally reached the part of the story where they take away the man’s melanin. When I commented “Ain’t this racist?? Like the sheer contrast of skin color makes me so uncomfortable. It’s like he’s posing as a different race entirely in his disguise.” And the author then replied with some bs that was basically saying it was intentional and that no, it’s not racist, it’s for the plot