The New ‘Odyssey’ Movie Is Sparking a Right-Wing Backlash. This Female Scholar Knows It Well
The article explores the right-wing backlash against the casting of a Black actress as Helen of Troy in an upcoming film adaptation of The Odyssey. It highlights how classical literature has become a battleground for modern culture wars and the role of scholars like Emily Wilson in navigating these tensions.
Why it matters
It illustrates how historical and mythological narratives are increasingly weaponized in contemporary political and cultural discourse.
Still from The Odyssey. Photograph: Universal/Everett Collection Comment Loader Save Story Save this story Comment Loader Save Story Save this story Who’d have thought Helen of Troy would cause so much trouble?
The framing characterizes the backlash as 'conniption fits' and 'reactionary,' showing a clear perspective on the cultural debate.
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