EA dev speaks out against sexism and racism in the gaming community

Sweden is an interesting place, and not just because they put mashed potato on their hotdogs. For example, each week, the official @sweden Twitter account is handed over to a member of the public, to say whatever they want.

This week, that member of the public is Battlefield Heroes dev Naseer Alkhouri, who’s decided to take the opportunity to talk about sexism and racism in the gaming community (and vikings).

“Gamers tend to be misogynist, racist and rather unpleasant overall, especially online,” he said. “We treat women and people not like us badly. This is of course partly to blame on the games industry as well. I am rather saddened by the behaviour of my peers, for me gaming is an inclusive hobby. That’s why I got hooked after all.”

Responding to some of the more (inevitably) hostile replies, he added that, “Sure, anyone can buy a game. That’s not my point. But do you dare to be yourself online unless you are a white, heterosexual male?”

Because, of course, if you’re not a white, heterosexual male, this is what happens.

While I’ve no doubt his comments will be entirely ignored by the very people who most desperately need to think about them, it’s rather nice to see that more and more men are speaking up about this. Somebody give this guy a mashed potato hotdog.