Warhammer 40k vs Mass effect Space Alien Racism

Warhammer 40K vs. Mass Effect: The Hypocrisy of Space Racism

Warhammer 40K and Mass Effect: A Tale of Space Racism

This meme humorously compares the inherent xenophobia in Warhammer 40,000 and Mass Effect using a classic Simpsons format. In the first panel, Marge (labeled Warhammer 40,000) reassures Bart that “everyone’s racist against at least one alien race,” acknowledging the setting’s widespread hatred of xenos. This is a direct nod to how the Imperium of Man in Warhammer 40K views all non-human species as threats that must be exterminated, with their xenophobia being an integral part of their survival doctrine. The Imperium’s hatred of xenos is total—whether it’s the Eldar, Orks, or Tyranids, humanity sees them all as enemies to be purged.

Mass Effect’s Hypocrisy on Alien Relations

In the second panel, Homer, representing Mass Effect, smugly proclaims, “Heh heh, not me,” as if he and the universe of Mass Effect are free of the same kind of xenophobia that plagues Warhammer 40K. Mass Effect is known for its diverse alien species, with humans coexisting (and often forming alliances) with races like the Asari, Turians, and Salarians. However, the punchline of the joke lands in the third panel, where Marge simply utters the word “Batarians,” causing Homer to panic. This references the fact that, despite its progressive stance on interspecies diplomacy, Mass Effect still maintains a strong bias against certain alien races—most notably the Batarians, who are frequently portrayed as slavers, criminals, and aggressors.

The Double Standard in Sci-Fi Universes

The final panel shows Mass Effect (Homer) immediately reacting with alarm and hostility, yelling “WHERE?!” as he rushes to confront the perceived Batarian threat. This exaggeration highlights the hypocrisy within Mass Effect’s universe, where humans claim to be more accepting of alien species but still harbor deep-seated prejudices against specific ones. Meanwhile, Warhammer 40K at least remains consistent in its absolute hatred of all xenos, making its approach less hypocritical, if equally brutal. The meme cleverly contrasts the two franchises’ takes on alien relations, using humor to expose the selective prejudices that exist in even the most “inclusive” sci-fi settings.