How Video Games Reward Misogyny and Abuse Nicole Mormann - TakePart
go to original September 2, 2015

Women as Reward - Tropes vs Women in Video Games (Feminist Frequency)

On YouTube, Anita Sarkeesian explores the concept of women as objects - specifically trophies - in this episode of her show Feminist Frequency, which discusses gender representation and myths in media culture.

...“In a game, you’re not just watching someone else being rewarded with a woman,” the YouTube star said in the video. “You, the player, are earning a woman as a reward yourself for the actions you yourself have performed.”

A lot of women are playing video games these days - which can make that sort of casual misogyny awkward. As of this year, women represent 44 percent of all gamers - a 4 percent decrease since 2014, according to Entertainment Software Association.

However, women continue to be underrepresented and over-sexualized in the video game industry, which can lead to bigger issues than games with promiscuous female characters.

“When games use a woman’s affection, her body, or her sexuality as a carrot on a stick, they’re actively encouraging men to think of women as objects, prizes, and status symbols,” Sarkeesian said.

The women's rights activist highlights dozens of games that disrespect gender, including three ways players can unlock rewards by objectifying women.

Read the rest at TakePart

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