I am seriously late to this party. The boy heard about this months ago and has been keeping me posted, but until now I hadn’t seen any of the material for myself.
Here’s the headline: A woman, Anita Sarkeesian, proposing a video series examining the portrayal of women in video games is harassed by an online mob and threatened with rape. Let me say that again: Threatened with rape…for proposing a series of educational videos. Grown men program a game where they could virtually beat her face until it bleeds. FOR PROPOSING A VIDEO SERIES.
In response, over 6 thousand people, men and women, log in to KickStarter and support her project to make the video series. The first of which was released last week.
I immediately wanted to share the video and the TEDx talk she gave on the experience (and I do, below). But, I realized that there are too many layers to this just to post to Twitter or Facebook with an “Awesome” or “This is great” and call it a day.
As a society and individuals, it is essential that we figure out how to be honest with ourselves about what we do that’s not so great. Suggesting that there is misogyny in video games is like suggesting that there’s gambling going on in Rick’s Cafe. Let’s all put on our shocked faces. Why on earth would anyone mind if someone analyzed the evidence to find out just how bad things are? And even if they minded, how could they mind so much as to become violent?
Perhaps because any criticism of something we like is perceived as an attack. That is patently ridiculous. I like hip-hop. Hip-hop is frequently misogynistic. I realize that and … still listen to hip hop. Because it has other good qualities. It’s important to know that the lyrics can portray women in a horrible light. It’s important to know the message the music sends and to understand the context from which many of these attitudes arise. I can do all of those things … and still listen to hip hop.
It happens in our politics: it’s not about the issue, it’s about I’m right and you’re wrong, I’m blue and you’re red. It happens in our sports: “You went to Michigan instead of Ohio State when you were 19 and I hope you break your ankle.” It happens in our socioeconomic conversations: “If you think racism exists, you’re being too sensitive.”
Accepting more than one idea has become a sign of weakness and I find that incredibly scary. Where is the room for nuance, where is the room to think?
I don’t blame men or video game fans. I know representatives of both groups who vehemently defended this critic and supported her project. In part, I blame a society where violent opposition, especially couched in the anonymity of the internet is considered de rigueur for anyone who disagrees with us. And I blame the perpetrators for their own clueless actions.
I like video games. But, if I’m playing video games (or watching movies or television, let’s be serious) with my future niece or my young cousin, I’m going to think about making sure I counteract the “Damsel in Distress” message. Being aware of the trope means we have a better chance of making sure that young women also get the right message in real life: that they are fully capable of saving themselves and of being the driving force in their own lives.
I can also imagine a scenario where someone watches the video and thinks, you know, I’m not sure I’m buying this analysis. And, while I might not agree with you, you have the right to have that thought and not be threatened with violence. We should all have that right.
If you have some time, watch the videos. And think about it.
Here is her TEDx talk on the experience.
Here is the first video in the series: Damsel in Distress, Part I