Board Thread:General Discussion/@comment-4010415-20141223120240/@comment-14909251-20141230000417

MetallicArcher wrote: While that theory was popular for some time, I find it hard to believe now.

For once, Velvet has spoken fondly of Yatsu to te RWBY while there was none else there to listen if she wanted to complain.

Second, the team interactions during Breach didn't give us that vibe. Velvet starts the fight backing up Fox, she is then shielded by Yatsu and finally she goes to help Coco who isn't rude at all when telling her not to intervene (rather she even justifies her decision).

Also, in the scene you mention:

- the way team RWBY approaches Velvet amd they later talk implies they have an already established relationship which is logical if tou think they attend at least one class together, but CFY don't, so ot creates a situation of mutual friend rather than the friendship being between all the members of the team.

- while Velvet acted cheerful when first approached, it is clear she was really tired from the mission, it's only logic to assume the same about her team. If so, it's understandable they wouldn't feel like making the extra steps to stand sideline to a conversation they weren't called in. Also, Coco cam be seen turning towards the camera in the background. Velvet being cheerful and nice does not mean that she is treated well. I have never supported the idea that her team are bullies to her, but rather that they just do not treat her like a good friend. Basically, they may get along well with each other, but Velvet is simply treated as a fellow teammate with respectable gifts. It would actually be good since it represents racism that is less of a caricature. Her team respects her and treats her well generally, but they distance themselves from her in normal social outings. Maybe that is why Velvet is so cheerful coming back from a mission, because it is one of the few times when she is actually able to be somewhat social with them.

The story could be such that initially there was friction in the group at having a Faunus in their team, but they came to a sort of arrangement due to her demonstrated abilities. Velvet is not their friend, but they will defend her in battle. Perhaps one of them could be less inclined in that respect and more desiring to be friendly, but is pressured against it by the other team members. Much of the racism in the story has been simplistic and obvious and that would be a good way to show the more subtle aspects of racism.