I just got an ask from somebody that makes a great point.  I won’t include their name, as I don’t know whether they’d want to be publicly associated with it or not.  If they do, I’ll give them credit with my humble thanks, but in any case I think it’s important to post this.

i don’t know if anyone else has mentioned this but i feel like it’s important to bring up — isn’t drawing sherlock and john, two white british dudes, as mythological/religious spirits from non-white cultures that historically have been oppressed by the british, really racially and culturally insensitive? i understand that it’s supposed to be fun and all, but it just seems incredibly uncomfortable.

You know, you may very well be right.  If I’ve made anyone uncomfortable or offended any of you, I am very sorry.

If it’s any help, I wasn’t really conceiving them as being actual British dudes in this version.  As they’re shapeshifters, they can look like anything they want.  Just because they live in modern London and blend in by wearing the skin of the people who surround them doesn’t mean that’s what they really are.

But I don’t know if that is a help.  You’re right, brave ask-boxer: now that you say it, it smells rather fishy, doesn’t it?

So.  I don’t really know what to do here.  I seek advice from those of you who’re in a better position to see the lines and boundaries than I am.  I was thinking of writing a story, but should I drop the idea?  Maybe some stories aren’t meant to be written.  Or if it is meant to be written, maybe this one would be better off separated from its fanfic roots and made into an original story.

Honestly I don’t know.  I’m not good enough at feeling out the boundaries to know where I might be treading on somebody, in this case.  Thoughts?