The Many Shades of White Feminism in Video Games
It’s always about empowering the woman, but which one? Were there sides to this whole “movement”? it’s a question that lingers in many minds across the board, but let’s take a look at the gaming industry. The amount of feminism in the game is off the charts, White feminism for that matter.
For those that don’t have a clue or pretend to wear wooden shades, white feminism is a type of feminism that only focuses on the needs and wants of the ever-praised and delicate white women. All the while disregarding the existence of women of colour who seem to have been sidelined and harassed in every possible way.
The white woman has been elevated in society and showered with all manner of praise while dark women have been on the receiving end of harassment. They get angry and that is also turned against them. The Asian women are seen as meek, brown girls seem more exotic and if she’s in a hijab, most likely a terrorist in disguise.
The Extension Of White Feminism to the Consoles
It is difficult to enjoy the rise of women as characters in multiple video games. Simply because most of them are white. Assassin’s Creed now has 2 characters to choose from. A man or a woman. But when will the woman of colour get a chance to star as a lead character in any game?
So, why can’t that happen? Here are a few theories. First, it is deemed that a beautiful woman is one with European features. Something along the lines of a tiny nose and a pale skin. It is a tired and lame approach to beauty. To add to that, the idea that women have to be beautiful to be recognized is bad enough.
Another theory is probably because the gaming industry is run by the white guys. According to the International Game Developers Association, 74% of 963 workers interviewed were cis males, 81% were heterosexuals and 61% were European/Caucasian/white. The topic of discussion was diversity and clearly, diversity has a new meaning.
Overall, it’s clear from the survey that the game is steered by the white men. It is also clear that the industry is allergic to colour when it comes to women. Don’t get it twisted though, this isn’t only advocating for the black woman. The Asians also need to be featured as characters in these games. It is heartbreaking for the black woman to see their fellow white women receive praise as though they were the only ones in the world.
You might be excited that Assassin’s Creed: Odyssey or Battlefront has a female and you hooray to that. But the black woman is not featured anywhere. Uncharted is a result of men’s rage on a lack of a male character in Tomb Raider. If such is possible, why can’t the same happen for the black girl or Asian girl or any other girl that has been discriminated against?
In the 21st Century, the lines of difference have been though faded to an extent, women, despite being black or white have made a mark for themselves in almost everything today. So much so that, they don’t shy away from visiting physical casinos or playing online, be it simple video slot games like Cleopatra, Starburst, Rainbow Riches slot games.
This is an eye-opener, food for thought and a demonstration of sought. It’s time the black girl is respected for who she is and not about their idea of what beauty is. These games are made for them. Keep that in mind.
