Racism in Games: What Color is Your Hero? [Archive]

Kugyince

03-18-2010, 02:08 PM

Consalvo led off with some startling data on depictions of characters in games. 150 games released in '05-'06, across platforms and genres, were studied to record the appearance of every character seen by a player. A total of 8,572 characters were coded, out of which only 10.45% were female. White characters accounted for 85% of the primary characters appearing in those games. Not a single Hispanic or Native American character played a primary role in any of the games studied. Black characters depicted were overwhelmingly athletes and gang bangers.

Consalvo also cited research on children suggesting that characters represented in media play an important role in the construction of self-image and images of others. Additional research indicates that exposures to stereotypes negatively impact how kids perceive minorities.

Brophy-Warren wondered why the industry seems willing "to leave so much money on the table." Why is there no Tyler Perry or Spike Lee capitalizing on an opportunity to reach an audience that's already there? Why, he asked, in a game like Heavy Rain - set in Philadelphia with a 50% black population - are the only two characters of color "Mad Jack" and a kindly old groundskeeper? It's a glaring and nonsensical disconnect.

I find it fascinating that Japanese companies, again and again, create games featuring predominantly white characters – or, to put it another way, games where there are no characters that look Asian. This is particularly interesting considering the demographics of Japan, and also their reputation, earned or otherwise, for colonization and nationalism. And as an American gamer who is Asian American, it's also an issue since most American and European game makers also make games where the majority of the characters are white.

Racism in Games: What Color is Your Hero? | Game Culture (http://www.gameculture.com/2010/03/16/racism-games-what-color-your-hero)

samejamesbond

03-18-2010, 02:12 PM

I really don't see anything wrong with race or gender imbalance in gaming,
they aren't trying to be racist to there's nothing to be upset about.

Mareeps

03-18-2010, 02:18 PM

There are a few exeptions...

Louis from Left 4 Dead, for example.
http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:dMgaMlkvtuaAMM:http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t280/left4dead411/screenshots/official-louis-face.jpg (http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t280/left4dead411/screenshots/official-louis-face.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.gamespot.com/users/Foolio1/show_blog_entry.php%3Ftopic_id%3Dm-100-25773534&usg=__2Xcql7VI4PveDAbmAFWSYmb8QhQ=&h=640&w=1024&sz=82&hl=en&start=3&um=1&itbs=1&tbnid=dMgaMlkvtuaAMM:&tbnh=94&tbnw=150&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dlouis%2Bleft%2B4%2Bdead%26um%3D1%26hl %3Den%26sa%3DN%26rls%3Dcom.microsoft:en-us:IE-SearchBox%26rlz%3D1I7ACEW_enUS336%26tbs%3Disch:1)

samejamesbond

03-18-2010, 02:20 PM

I thought the best example was Barret to be honest:

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/c/cd/Ff7-barret.png

But still, he's the first father figure in the entire series, before fan favorite Laguna Loire.

jim5cents

03-18-2010, 02:48 PM

i think something that should be pointed out is that many of the video game icons are white, most of these characters were created by japanese developers.

this comparison also translates into anime and manga...apparently, the japanese think it is easier to draw whites.

nikegirl2012

03-18-2010, 02:56 PM

I don't know if you've noticed, but some Japanese have a big obsession with the western culture. I can't remember what I was watching the other day, but they try to make their eyes look bigger, so that he can look more like, well... us white folks. It's not what the think is easier to draw, is what they think is more attractive, and well... if I have the option to customize my character, of course I want it to look like me, mostly like me. If I can't choose what the hero looks like, then I really couldn't care less what the hero looks like. If the game had someone from a different race or gender than mine, as long as it makes sense with the story, I wouldn't mind. Would you?

Tails

03-18-2010, 03:05 PM

This is retarded, who the hell cares if the guy is black white or purple.

samejamesbond

03-18-2010, 03:07 PM

Exactly my point Tails, this is pointless.

Mareeps

03-18-2010, 03:08 PM

This is retarded, who the hell cares if the guy is black white or purple.
Exactly how I feel.
It annoys me how people complain about there not being enough blacks in video games. Who cares? If they care so much, then maybe video games are not for them.

Kugyince

03-18-2010, 03:52 PM

I don't think anyone is really complaining or that developers are trying to be racist.

I do think it's very ironic how games are racially divided.

Can anyone here name two black main characters that isn't an athlete or a gangbanger?

Mareeps

03-18-2010, 03:53 PM

DrunkN

03-18-2010, 04:19 PM

Assuming that most game directors/concept planners(who ever the hell does it) are not native American or have African roots, they are probably going to have a hard time incorporating such characters in their games. When they make characters and want them to get attention, they are usually going to add unique characteristics, and because they have probably spent more time conversing and interacting with people of their own color, they're going to be unsure and/or feel unsafe about whether or not they are creating something that is politically incorrect, racially offensive, or stereotypical. Being generally nervous about making such a mistake, people of a higher "uniqueness" in ethnicity are probably going to get smaller parts in video games.

Well, that's how I see the situation any-who.

---------- Post added at 10:19 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:14 PM ----------

Can anyone here name two black main characters that isn't an athlete or a gangbanger?
General Leo and Sigint. (Actually forgot the name of the last one, had to look it up, which really only goes to prove the point)

samejamesbond

03-18-2010, 04:28 PM

Kugyince

03-18-2010, 04:48 PM

Louis and Rochelle, both from the Left 4 Dead games.

General Leo and Sigint. (Actually forgot the name of the last one, had to look it up, which really only goes to prove the point)

Sazh Katzroy (FFXIII) and Kiros Seagill (FFVIII).

My appologies, I meant lead character. Meaning Squall for FFVIII, etc...

samejamesbond

03-18-2010, 04:55 PM

Louis and Rochelle are main characters.

Dudebro

03-18-2010, 04:58 PM

This isn't shocking to me at all. Mostly white and asian guys buy the majority of games. I have no source for that info but I think it's fairly obvious. I doubt gaming companies are purposely being racist. They just market to who spends the most money.

DrunkN

03-18-2010, 05:13 PM

Louis and Rochelle are main characters.
They play an active role, but they are not lead characters. Trying to call the lead characters for Left 4 Dead is like trying to call the lead for FFVI. Sure everyone says they all have an "equal" place, but everyone knows that Terra/Louis is the one to remember.

fungusman

03-18-2010, 05:58 PM

Because not making your lead character something other then your predominate skin ton is racist. Anyone here make Lentil Daal soup for dinner this week ? You racist or something ?

mario90s

03-18-2010, 06:07 PM

Exactly my point Tails, this is pointless.

Tell me bout it. Like Tails said,

who the hell cares if the guy is black white or purple.

Really, I mean, why bother with this Tenser? I think he's just used to posting these articles now. I mean, the one with the girl getting shot with a gun is important to see. But videogames are bad for marrige? Really? Who the heck cares about that? If someone in a marrige is more in love with Videogames than his/her married partner, that's their problem, but you adress it like its a MUST SEE situation! And, with all the other articles you've been posting, especially the marrige one, it seems like your AGAINST some videogames and their componies, more than WITH them! Just saying.

JKool

03-18-2010, 06:47 PM

Really, I mean, why bother with this Tenser? I think he's just used to posting these articles now. I mean, the one with the girl getting shot with a gun is important to see. But videogames are bad for marrige? Really? Who the heck cares about that? If someone in a marrige is more in love with Videogames than his/her married partner, that's their problem, but you adress it like its a MUST SEE situation! And, with all the other articles you've been posting, especially the marrige one, it seems like your AGAINST some videogames and their componies, more than WITH them! Just saying.

That was a powerfull speech.

nikegirl2012

03-18-2010, 06:49 PM

I don't think it has to do with not wanting to be racist and get something wrong... or marketing. I think it has more with the fact that when you are creating the story, what type of character comes to mind. Not the the creator of the story is racist, he just probably wants the lead to resemble himself/herself or someone he/she knows. I know guys who are a bit uncomfortable playing as a girl, so they are more attracted to games with male leads that have awesome power. Yet, there are games with female leads, and they are not aimed to get more girls to play, I really think it's just how the created of the story pictures it, and if the story writer is a white American, he is very likely to make the lead a white American. (Note the fact that I said likely). I like writing stories, and many times I picture my characters white... not because I'm racist, but because I put part of myself, or people I know into the charters, so I picture them like me. There's nothing wrong with that. I think it's worse make the lead... say an Italian, just because no one is making a game with an Italian as a lead (I know Mario is Italian, doesn't count). It's like Disney making and African American princess because all the other princesses where "white".

Dudebro

03-18-2010, 07:11 PM

Tell me bout it. Like Tails said,

Really, I mean, why bother with this Tenser? I think he's just used to posting these articles now. I mean, the one with the girl getting shot with a gun is important to see. But videogames are bad for marrige? Really? Who the heck cares about that? If someone in a marrige is more in love with Videogames than his/her married partner, that's their problem, but you adress it like its a MUST SEE situation! And, with all the other articles you've been posting, especially the marrige one, it seems like your AGAINST some videogames and their componies, more than WITH them! Just saying.
He's posting them to start discussions. I think it's working just fine. Don't blame Tenser these are just the interesting articles he's finding. If you take the time to read the topics he's not against gaming. To even claim that is just ridiculous.

Mareeps

03-18-2010, 07:15 PM

To quote one of Tenser's earlier posts...
"I post them as I find them"

Kugyince

03-18-2010, 08:12 PM

I find it fascinating that Japanese companies, again and again, create games featuring predominantly white characters – or, to put it another way, games where there are no characters that look Asian. This is particularly interesting considering the demographics of Japan, and also their reputation, earned or otherwise, for colonization and nationalism.

mario90s

03-18-2010, 09:09 PM

He's posting them to start discussions. I think it's working just fine. Don't blame Tenser these are just the interesting articles he's finding. If you take the time to read the topics he's not against gaming. To even claim that is just ridiculous.

Oh. Well, Tenser, I'm sorry. It just looked liked you didn't like videogames, because you kept posting those ridiculous articles. And I never heard the quote Brawlmaster said, you said. And, I also might've posted something in another one of your posts. Just saying, I'm sorry.

DrunkN

03-18-2010, 09:15 PM

This is retarded, who the hell cares if the guy is black white or purple.

Exactly my point Tails, this is pointless.

Exactly how I feel.
It annoys me how people complain about there not being enough blacks in video games. Who cares? If they care so much, then maybe video games are not for them.

Hrm hrm hrm, looks like you fellas have something to hide?

nikegirl2012

03-18-2010, 09:21 PM

I think they mean who cares as in... if most leads in video games where little furry animals from the forest we wouldn't care as long as it were a good game, although it can get annoying to always play as a boy, but I really couldn't care less, I still play... I don't even really notice if it's a guy or a girl once I'm hooked on the game

TrakMastaTom

03-19-2010, 02:31 AM

All Brazilians have green skin and electric powers. Video games taught me that.

Racist? I think so!

DrunkN

03-19-2010, 07:18 AM

All Brazilians have green skin and electric powers. Video games taught me that.

Racist? I think so!
Brazilians? Give me a break, you ever seen an Albino in a video game?

Kong

03-19-2010, 09:15 AM

who the hell cares
Consalvo also cited research on children suggesting that characters represented in media play an important role in the construction of self-image and images of others. Additional research indicates that exposures to stereotypes negatively impact how kids perceive minorities.

They just market to who spends the most money.Maybe they spend the most money because they are the ones being marketed to.

in a game like Heavy Rain - set in Philadelphia with a 50% black population - are the only two characters of color "Mad Jack" and a kindly old groundskeeper?That is pretty stupid.

Black characters depicted were overwhelmingly athletes and gang bangers.This is not healthy for society. Same as how girls overwhelmingly have self image issues because media tells them they have to look like underwear models or be worthless. This type of thing causes the same thing. It tells kids their only way out of the ghetto is to be an athlete or gang banger. If you want people to stop making these choices then stop telling them they are the only options.

Really, I mean, why bother with this Tenser?These aren't his opinions. They are quotes from articles used to start discussions. You missed the point.

---------- Post added at 03:15 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:13 PM ----------

It's not just a problem with video games. It is in all media.

Tails

03-19-2010, 09:20 AM

Consalvo also cited research on children suggesting that characters represented in media play an important role in the construction of self-image and images of others. Additional research indicates that exposures to stereotypes negatively impact how kids perceive minorities.So you're saying color ingaming promotes racism? If so, I disagree. I mean if the color of someone skin has to be a certain way to like a game.. then the people inquestion are just complainers.

Kong

03-19-2010, 10:01 AM

So you're saying color ingaming promotes racism? Promotes negative sterotypes and has the power (if the designers choose to use it) to combat negative sterotypes without much effort or lose in sells or other negative issues.

Do you think magazines, tv and movies give girls complexes about their bodies? It is the same issue.

Tails

03-19-2010, 11:36 AM

I hate both issues, for girls like I've said the person inside the body counts most, of all. I know how it's the same issue, but I just hate it all as a whole.

Demon-Mask

03-19-2010, 05:05 PM

I hate both issues, for girls like I've said the person inside the body counts most, of all. I know how it's the same issue, but I just hate it all as a whole.
I agree, the same goes for racism. The whole reason these issues exist are stupid rednecks with closed minds.

Dudebro

03-19-2010, 08:28 PM

I hate both issues, for girls like I've said the person inside the body counts most, of all. I know how it's the same issue, but I just hate it all as a whole.
It doesn't matter if you hate the issue, Kong is asking if you understand the point. The point being that these stereotypes are unhealthy and they hurt society. He brings up the unrealistic female image thing because it's very similar to this.

Maybe they spend the most money because they are the ones being marketed to.
Good point and I'm sure it started that way. I doubt there's much racism going on with developers now though. I'm sure they just market certain games to those who they know will buy it.

Btw this reminds me, the new FF game has the typical FF looking asian characters(good looking girls, metro looking guys) but then they have one black guy with a half fro? I haven't played the game but that seems out of place. Honestly I suspect they threw him in to appeal to a more diverse crowd. I don't think it's the same as Barret in FF7, he was more of a stereotype(big gruff black guy with a soft spot).

Kong

03-19-2010, 09:01 PM

I doubt there's much racism going on with developersYeah, I don't think any of it is intentional. Just what happens. Innocent mistakes.

Dudebro

03-19-2010, 09:04 PM

Innocent mistakes or business as usual?

Tails

03-20-2010, 01:41 AM

It doesn't matter if you hate the issue, Kong is asking if you understand the point. The point being that these stereotypes are unhealthy and they hurt society. He brings up the unrealistic female image thing because it's very similar to this.
Yeah they are very unhealthy, so yes I do.

DrunkN

03-20-2010, 01:44 AM

one black guy with a half fro?
God I envy that hairstyle. I don't know diddly bout the character though.

Dudebro

03-20-2010, 01:53 AM

God I envy that hairstyle. I don't know diddly bout the character though.
My hair does that but I'm about as white as possible so fro isn't a good choice of words for it. I would have what some people call a jew fro. Yes I know it's silghtly offensive but many jewish people use the term and it's really not meant to be negative, it's just funny. Don't hurt me.:wilt:

Dojah

03-20-2010, 01:57 AM

My hair does that but I'm about as white as possible so fro isn't a good choice of words for it. I would have what some people call a jew fro. Yes I know it's silghtly offensive but many jewish people use the term and it's really not meant to be negative, it's just funny. Don't hurt me.:wilt:
LOL, my girlfriend is a hairstylist and told me about that term long long time ago. Its a term that really gets used in salons I guess so I dont think its offensive.

Tails

03-20-2010, 02:00 AM

My hair does that but I'm about as white as possible so fro isn't a good choice of words for it. I would have what some people call a jew fro. Yes I know it's silghtly offensive but many jewish people use the term and it's really not meant to be negative, it's just funny. Don't hurt me.:wilt:
My hair does that too, and I'm as white at possible.

Demon-Mask

03-20-2010, 02:05 AM

My hair does that but I'm about as white as possible so fro isn't a good choice of words for it. I would have what some people call a jew fro. Yes I know it's silghtly offensive but many jewish people use the term and it's really not meant to be negative, it's just funny. Don't hurt me.:wilt:
When my brother grows his hair out, it turns out like that as well, and he is extremely white, whiter then you.
I call him a poodle when he has long hair.

DrunkN

03-20-2010, 02:07 AM

It kind of hits me that the problem being created by these games isn't that it makes us dislike or necessarily create prejudices towards black, brown, or red people, it's that it makes us uncomfortable and evasive with the topic all together.

I think half of the people in this topic make for a good example, but it's an instantaneous theory. What say we?

Kong

03-20-2010, 07:37 AM

What is a half fro? I am picturing something kind of like a a mohawk + afro.

Tails

03-20-2010, 07:40 AM

Urban Dictionary: half-fro (http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=half-fro)

Kong

03-20-2010, 08:04 AM

Urban Dictionary: half-fro (http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=half-fro)Meh, my idea was better.

Tails

03-20-2010, 08:20 AM

Your idea reminds me of Bolo from Double Dragon.

KingRanech

03-20-2010, 11:04 AM