In this video from Feminist Frequency (site) host, Anita Sarkeesian, takes notice of how game developers tend to create non-playable sexualized female characters whose only function is to add some substance to the background of these games and to keep presumably straight-white males interested.
I highly recommend you take 30 minutes to watch this video, even if you’re not into games. I promise it will remind you how we, as human beings, take some things too lightly, without thinking them through. And if it helps, I’d say it’s 30 minutes well spent.
Let me repeat the Author’s warning before the video. Content Warning: This educational episode contains graphic sexual and violent game footage.
So, did you watch it? If you found this video interesting, I suggest you visit Feminist Frequency’s YouTube channel, where you can find other great videos, not only game-related ones. There’s also part 2. I suggest you check it out as well.
Even if you disagree with the video, I think you’ll have to admit it makes some good points and is thought-provoking. As the Author says, it is possible to enjoy something while being critical of its problematic aspects. If there are aspects in our beloved games or other media that CAN send the “this should be your place” message to girls – and to boys that women are there for their entertainment, I would say this is problematic.
If another book or TV series does this too, that doesn’t mean it’s right. One bad thing from someone else or their show does not excuse a bad thing from you or your favourite show.
I suggest that from now on, at least take a moment and think about the ideas we expose our family and friends to. I would hope that people who come to this site are somewhat sophisticated, able to understand this, and will point out to their younger brothers and sons that some representations of women in the media and/or games are just wrong and should not exist.
Today’s culture is primarily male-oriented, which can be detrimental to society in the long run. While I cannot speak for every field, it is clear that the tech industry needs more women. Women often think and approach problem-solving differently, and this diversity is beneficial. It’s essential to explore various approaches to a problem and then select the best solution. No one, whether woman or man, can know everything or be right all the time.
We need to encourage women to pursue careers in tech, as the content in our favorite games and media does not help. Instead, it reinforces outdated stereotypes, which is detrimental to everyone.
Developers and designers are content creators, and their work has a significant impact on the world we live in. While their creations help clients and employers generate revenue, which in turn allows them to provide for their families, they can also carry cultural importance—even when we might dismiss the idea that games can have such an influence. Therefore, when you create or express something, take a moment to consider how it might affect others. Stay open-minded and have the courage to share opinions that may be unpopular.
