Which series has better representation of different cultures and ethnicities: Lord of the Rings or Game of Thrones?

When it comes to the representation of different cultures and ethnicities, both Lord of the Rings and Game of Thrones (GoT) have their strengths and weaknesses. LOTR, written in the mid 20th century, introduced many diverse races, including hobbits, elves, dwarves, Men, and Orcs who were clearly portrayed as good or evil.

On the other hand, GoT by George R.R. Martin, which started as a book series in the 1990s and turned into a popular TV show, depicts a more realistic medieval-like world where different races and cultures blend and interact in intricate ways. GoT has more black, brown, and Asian actors, albeit playing secondary characters, and addresses some important issues, such as same-sex relationships and slavery.

However, both series lack depth in their representation of non-Western cultures. LOTR mainly revolves around European medieval history and mythology and includes few references to the outside world, while GoT borrows heavily from European history and mythology but lacks any reference to Africa or Asia. Moreover, the showrunners of GoT have been criticized for perpetuating stereotypes, such as Dothraki and Unsullied warriors being primitive and brutal, respectively.

In conclusion, while both LOTR and GoT have their merits and flaws when it comes to cultural representation, GoT seems more diverse and relevant to current societal debates.