Friday, January 27, 2012

Inequality in Video Games

This abundance of inequality and stereotypes within video games is a subject that personally does not get a lot of attention. What I don’t understand is why is this allowed to happen. Yes in the past this inequality was throughout all media and most part of society. However here we are in the 21st century and video games, which are being played by the young generation, portray the ideologies of such a small-minded society. I know that media is a powerful tool and they know that these imageries are what sell. However all it takes is a little bit of change to allow the consumer to adapt to these new ideas. When looking at modern games it becomes obvious as to what is being portrayed. A macho masculine identity along side a feministic, submissive sidekick. Men are still dominant and woman still seem to be the lower equivalent in these virtual worlds. How does this make sense when we are supposed to be living in an equal modern society? This push towards gender equality is prevalent through the examples shown in tutorials, but for some reason they are still associating themselves towards the sexualized image.

Also through the concept of ethnic portrayal, why is it that the characters still reflect this white supremacy. When today’s world is actually predominantly interracial and is a combination of so many ethnicities. Shouldn’t the gaming companies try to adapt the games to the consumers, thus creating relatable circumstances? I know the industry is set in its ways but a shift in focus and equality I hope is just around the corner. Where all we can hope for is just a little more equality to such a thriving industries that hopefully will be around for generations to come.

1 comment:

  1. It is just a part of social norms, it's not just in video games, its in almost all forms of media, but a change is imminent, Just because its the social norm, doesn't mean its right. This kind of thing can't simply change, less than a century ago there was huge inequality, it's only recently that people are beginning to change and do way with prejudices. It's bad yes, but its not too long until we are on all good terms. I just hope I'm alive to see it.

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