3.1 Going Local

There are some great people at Whiterun. There are also some foul people as well. The moment I stepped into the city, I was met with racism against the Regards and a Battle-Born harassing a female shop owner. As I toured the grand city, I was met with a family feud erupting due to the current war. The Grey-Mane and Battle-Born families are at each others throat due each family supporting different sides of the war, storm cloaks and imperials respectively. This often leads to discussion about war with these groups of people as well as inquiries directed at me asking who I support. However despite myself supporting the Imperials, I do not enjoy the company of the Battle-Borns as many of them are quite rude. Not only this, but I learned that the Battle-Borns might have kidnapped a member of the Grey-Manes for being a storm cloak soldier. I will not stand for this act and I will rescue him in time. Not wanting to dwell on such a despicable act, I went to talk with more locals.

War is very much the subject in this rather peaceful city, the Jarl of this city has not taken a side in the war and seems to be battered often with questions as to who to support. I fear for this city's innocence. Children live in the city and their parents who I have spoken with are verbal about the war which means when war comes, these children might be left without parents. This war is approaching fast, I know it. Wanting to distance myself from this thought, I approached a vendor named Carlotta and struck up conversation about how she was often the subject of men, but that her daughter was the only important person in her life at the moment. This led to me dealing with a rather flirtatious bard named Mikael. As stubborn as most nords I have encountered before, I had to beat him down to convince him to leave Carlotta alone. 

This interaction with Mikael left me wondering how much more trouble could be around Whiterun despite it's gentle appearance. War is close to home in this town, kidnapping, racism and some slight sexism has left a sour taste in my mouth. This city is not horrible, but there are shades of prejudice I will not stand for here.

Racism and sexism are encountered in Whiterun and is common along other cities in the game as well. Traditional Redguards dressed in desert gear were told they were not allowed access to the city which can be seen as allusion towards the rather rude behavior towards middle eastern during this game's production. Khajit traders are also not allowed into the city, which can be encountered outside the city during some travels. This is also another allusion towards races, as the khajit often trade narcotics across borders and talk with an accent alluded to middle eastern accents. Unequal sex representation is also relevant in this game. Women, if not warriors in the game are often treated less by more abrasive men as they are seen as fragile women. Carlotta was harassed by Mikael and required an outsiders help to deal with the issue.Other topics are also prevalent in Skyrim: war, religion, and moral issues as well, but are not dealt with as much in Whiterun.