The nationalistic feeling is pretty understandable, given how their rules are constantly pushing the people to war with one another. But it's more akin to "russophobia" than racism.
I'd go with the Blight, since I don't see this cultural similarity. Besides the warrior mentality, and even that seems different (Arafellian duelling and their perception of honour come to mind. Was that meant to imply that they had somehow been influenced by ji'e'toh? Like Alanna's need to be punished for her perceived failure during Egwene's Test).
At least in the Tower, yeah. But for Tarna, it was clearly something that's OK for younger girls, but not really an option for adult women. I suppose she was more of a "situational lesbian". And for Galina, I can imagine her using sexuality as a way to control and dominate. She must have approached other young Red sisters besides Tarna; many would have found it difficult to decline due to her position, making her plot with Therava all the more poignant.
How do you mean? I just remember the Kandori man who was fussy about his appearance 
Well we can start with a bad stereotype right there, but also the rampant "situational lesbians" sort of bugs me ... It's a bit male power fantasy, but at least he wasn't overly salacious on the writing so it tends to come across as more emotional support than horny young co-ed. Aran'gar as a transgendered villain was amusing to me, especially since it's hinted that she enjoys sex with men as much as she ever did when she was a man.
From the Companion... "As was common with a good many friendships in the cloistered society of novices, Siuan and Moiraine turned to one another more and more for comfort, and they eventually became pillow friends... Neither was lesbian; they were simply young women with normal libidos in a situation where they were cut off from the opposite sex."
The situational lesbian theme is not completely outrageous considering they're not exposed to men at all. It seems more like what goes on in prisons between straight males, but it introduces that controversial theme of fluid sexuality.
I don't think BS handled it badly in AMOL. He merely said that two of the men liked men - that's completely accurate in an open and accepting society. He also added Pevara's exasperation that Androl couldn't see it, and this is more than realistic.
Aran'gar, well I don't know. Clearly Balthamel was straight and then he became bisexual when he got into a woman's body, but that is controversial again - what determines sexuality, the mind, the brain or the body? RJ clearly believes that if you expose a male soul to female hormones then their sexuality can change, but I think this is unlikely.
Fan of Lanfear
