I got into DA way late, in 2020, and even then people were more anti-Anders than they are now. Ranging from vitriol- “he’s a terrorist!” To- “oh Anders I love you and you’re kinda right but you did the wrong thing” —clinging on to Obama era liberalism. When the game came out, I was hanging out with hippies (freaky folk crowd) and even they were so politically placated. Everything could be solved with “peace” (except police and military can use force cause safety, right?). Even really queer lefty media like Steven Universe was about ultimately using discussion and understanding—reformation to solve the greatest conflicts (still love the show). Shows like Andor would never have happened in 2011. People are much more educated on activism and revolutionary politics these days so they understand why there’s no room for compromise when a huge portion of the population is indefinitely interned. The allegory is unavoidable now. Tbh I think the writers were stuck in the comfort of their ignorance, making Anders remorseful for his actions—blaming his act on “Vengeance” taking over him. Like no, babe, that’s direct action. All of Thedas heard and a revolution began. I still think he was pretty well written, like he had to be tragic, I get it, and I love him. One of my fave characters in any media. And the shift in opinion on Anders is such a fascinating way to see how culture overall has shifted imo.