Oblivion is a work of art in subversive integration

[The Chronicler of Jiredh]

To begin with, my post is not about the body type argument...No, I'm going to address multiple reasons why conservatives won't want you playing, enjoying the depth and enlightenment that exists within Oblivion. There's far more involved in it than the comfort of titles/roles for a person...It's about social uprisings, change, and the decay of those who had long held power.

Think for a moment on the setting, in the heart of the empire, dotted with the ruins of the Ayleids. Think on the history that's showing up throughout the books (and npcs discuss books as often as they discuss 'news from other parts of the empire', mind you). What caused the war between humans and Ayleids? That's dealt with in detail, the fact that those mer had enslaved a people, tortured them for fun, even (read Adabal-A, for some details). And, in time, a brave woman organized a revolt that sent their realm into ruin. Their power was shattered, and it was done by those who opposed slavery, misuse.

Think about the fact that those gorgeous ruins that exist everywhere are testaments of how powerful the mer thought they were, and that their ruins stand testament to the results of misusing a people too greatly. Think about the exquisite marble and mosaic, vaulted ceilings and filigree doors. They had everything, power, wealth, but they lost it when the people chose to rebel against them. And now those ruins are inhabited only by the Dead, monsters, bandits, and cultists/necromancers, all of which are what the society 'now' in Tamriel considers the outcasts. Even those who research those ruins don't do so to bring back the glory of the ancient rulers, but rather to scavenge what might be useful without taking on the hubris of the past.

The daedric plotlines also center around this. Mephala teaches us how easily allies can be turned against each other. Namira wants you to weaken those who are trying to bring the wretched to a better existence, by removing the light which they hold. Molag Bal's quest clearly shows what happens when you poke and prod someone until they respond negatively. Among survivor groups, this has a name, btw, 'Reactive Abuse'. These can teach us a lot about how we are manipulated, caused to do things which are not in our own best interests, if we let them.

Then there are the plot lines of the Fighters Guild and Mage's Guild. The Fighter's guild shows us the seduction of an 'easy way' which ends up destroying those who follow it. The mage's guild shows how leaders may look reliable, trustworthy, then turn on you, hungry ever for more power (see Falcar for more information).

This is what the discussions about body types is covering up, overall. It's covering up how much the history of Tamriel has bits of our own here and there. We should learn from what we see here, rather than becoming monsters in the end. And all of us have the potentials for monstrosity. It's resisting it that is important (for a good example of that, consider Count Hasidor, and the restraint he shows with regard to his condition).

[Roma Invicta]

I think about the fact that you dont feel well to post something like that...I feel really sorry for you......

[The Chronicler of Jiredh]

*chuckles* Don't feel well? Delving into the depths of what Oblivion teaches us about our own society, our history, the ease with which we can be driven into ever smaller factions, that's glorious to me. I'm not saying that I dislike the Elder Scrolls. On the contrary, I love them, for just this reason. The Elder Scrolls is series of vibrant storytelling artwork, which helps people to see our own history and social strife depicted 'at a safe distance', so that someone can immerse themselves without becoming instantly defensive, that defensiveness is one of the things which makes it difficult to bring a society toward progress.

I take pleasure in seeing the mirror of reality, and being able to use it to help teach people ways to improve ourselves. This is a good option for that.

[EricHVela]

People see what they want to see. The OP wants to see social commentary (as the OP has done in another game) in a game that was largely unchanged from almost 2 decades ago and will find the weakest threads to try to validate it when there are so many things that can also go against what the OP claims. The OP doesn't want to see it, though.

I would wager that anyone bringing up other possible interpretations that contradict the OP will be met with flat out rejections and denials rather than considering any contests.

[The Chronicler of Jiredh]

It is very telling that both posts of people trying to criticize me are by people with a steam level of 0....*smirks* I think I may rest my case.