Current
issue:
When people
imagine the video game industry, it is thought that sexism is relevant to the
industry tightly. Women do not play games and the industry does not need women
to work in games;and they are
because of sexism. It is generally acknowledged as one of the views toward the
industry. However, according to Gabrielle
Toledano(2013), “there’s a big disconnected between perception and reality.” The
issue she has is that the video game industry is being painted as more sexist
than other male-dominated workforces. She says that the industry needs more
women because they can develop products to meet the need for women. Moreover
she states that women in the industry are necessary and equal, although sexism
is a reality of our times and women have to strive to change the dynamic.
I
suppose that this issue is related to Marginalization, Powerlessness, or
Cultural imperialism which is categories of oppression. The industry and the
society created the stereotype about women which women do not work in gaming
and also they are not needed. It has been thought that men are a dominant group
and the society has a lack of respectability toward women in the video game industry.
Therefore, it has not been easy for women to have an opportunity to participate
actively in the industry. Now, however, it is changed and results in direction
for change. It shows possible solution to the problem in cycle of socialization
we learned in a class. People working in the industry realized significance of
women. The most important thing is to understand reality and revise the wrong
impression toward the industry. To solve the problem, institution and culture
are needed to change, and at the same time, women as targeted social group also
have to realize reality and strive to get opportunities to work in the industry.
I happen to think most video games are very upsetting. What they sell is sex and violence to teenagers, sometimes children, and adults. Tying sex and violence together is a dangerous formula. People mix reality and at times can't see one without the other. Maybe if more women were in the industry then things can change. It is a male dominated film creating a very sexist product. There are going to have to be some really strong women that love what they do to get stuff done. Even then, will they be forced to make big breasted women and zombies destroyed by men? Probably. It will be a very daunting task to change it all. It will definitely take a league of extraordinary women. It's not impossible though. Things are changing everyday. We just need people who will keep fighting the fight.....one video game at a time.
ReplyDelete-Rachael Belcher
The sexism of video games starts early. Video games for children are extremely gender-ed. Walk down the aisle at a game stop or the electronics section of any store and you'll see a mom and daughter on the cover of a handheld game which teaches you to cook, or to take care of a pet, right next to one with a little boy fighting monsters. From a young age, the gender difference of games becomes apparent. However it doesn't end there. The games for "serious" gamers, i.e. males, are those which have grand stories, epic fights and the damsel in distress. And what do women get? Barbie, Sims, farming games, and cooking.
ReplyDeleteI'm not saying that no women are serious gamers but having played my fair share of video games, I can tell you that the atmosphere created by many of these online multiplayer games is not welcoming to women.