Women in combat (MyGaming column)
Sexism, the gaming industry, and why it’s bad for everybody
Printable View
Women in combat (MyGaming column)
Sexism, the gaming industry, and why it’s bad for everybody
I find it hard to engage in articles like these, not because I don't have an opinion on the topic or that the facts are misrepresented but rather because the facts serve only to very brightly highlight a very small and specific argument that really leaves little room for anything else.
I agree that we need to address sexism in the industry but when I read an article entirely dedicated to saying how men are pigs and treat women like meat I can't help but have a negative reaction to that sentiment. The viewpoint is just so one sided that as a man it's almost impossible not to hold a contradictory opinion.
There are plenty of great examples of developers and individuals in the industry who are sensitive to the issue of sexism in the industry and do take it seriously but you wouldn't know that from reading this article. Yeah Booth babes are at some game conventions, most prominently E3 but then other places like PAX and PAX-East specifically ban them. When you look at it PAX is far more representative of gamers and gaming culture where E3 is more for the mass media market.
Without really investigating but rather just general impression I would argue that more games these days portray women in semi-realistic and/or non-demeaning roles than the other way round, for every boob physics DoA or SC you have far more Uncharteds, Red Deads, Mass Effects, Dragon Ages and Final Fantasies.
Just to clarify though in case you try to label me as a 'it's not that bad' man-type, I'm not saying the issue isn't serious or widespread what I am saying is that you can't just forecast doom if you want a mature discussion you have to acknowledge progress and positive aspects of what people are trying to do combat the issue.
Except that's not what this article is about. It's about the entire culture around it. It irritates me when men make this instant assumption that the article is criticising you, because it precludes real, meaningful discussion on the topic. Maybe that's the point?Quote:
Originally Posted by MOnk
Frankly, men should be insulted by this culture too, as it basically reduces them to one-dimensional fuck machines who can't pay attention to something if it isn't covered by women in bikinis.
Well that may not be how you intended it but that's how it comes across at least to me. Sure you may not be criticising me specifically but you do criticise men without really including an alternative to the kinds of men or male stereotypes which perpetuate these sexist viewpoints, so I'm not left with much of a choice than to assume that is the only category for me to associate with.
You realize that once we eliminate sexist men from the Internet women themselves will rise up and verbally abuse other women. You see this in all-girls schools.
Also, why do women find men who use such language attractive? They run away from the guys who don't because they're apparently boring. OMW.
Edit: I have two older sisters and a niece. I'm not sucking this viewpoint out of thin air :(
You mean "nice guys"?Quote:
Originally Posted by warr10r
I'm pretty sure every woman out there who has a respectful partner (including myself) would disagree with you.
That's a good article.Quote:
Originally Posted by Azimuth
I'm happily married now and I am truly blessed. However when I was younger I was unable to get a girlfriend. I was a nice guy. Too nice in fact.
The thing that changed my life was when I came to the realization that women like confidence. It's possible to still be a nice guy and have that aura of confidence and it's then when it's suddenly not that difficult to get a girlfriend anymore. So yes, the article that Azimuth linked to is very true.
I am exactly the same. Was too much of a nice guy when I was in my late teens early twenties. Now I am happily married to possibly the perfect woman for me.Quote:
Originally Posted by Solitude
Yes, I was also 'the nice guy' who was too nice in high-school/early twenties. Pretty over it now. Have yet to find Mrs warr10r :P