John Sanbonmatsu says in his intro "the video-game is both a mirror of existing relations of power and authenticity and a powerful cultural force in it's own right...[for example] the vast majority of game protagonists and heroes are male." Likewise there are also racial stereotypes such as the Asian being a ninja, or blacks and Hispanics as the antagonists or the person the game is trying to "beat." Also, video games also make violence seem norma, and without consequence: physical or legal. Characters just regenerate after being blown up with a grenade (hint:this does not happen in real life).
I am not, and have never been an avid video game player...maybe because I'm following my gender stereotype. I also prefer games where you can't die such as Animal Crossing or online scrabble. One game I have been exposed to as a result of hanging out with jocks/ male sports fans is Madden, MLB the Show, and fantasy sports.
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| I prefer the calm of fishing in games |
Sports knowledge is considered an indicator of masculinity in our society. The biggest, strongest and winningest players are the most coveted. Successful passes or scoring is often indicated by a loud "Fuck yeah!" or some other form of "boo-yah." Shit talking is also included in there. You lost in Madden? you're less of a man, and will hear about nothing less for the next 24 hours or until you play again and win. In MLB the show, graphics have been updated to make the characters as realistic as possible, including their batting stances, favorite pitches to throw and hit. The players physicality is also copied, so better players are marked by their muscles and strength. Once players succumb to "the Madden Curse": players on the cover either get injured or suspended, they are not the most sought after ones anymore. More manly players have to take their place
Secondary players, i.e. not the star of the team are disappointing to have and can be embarrassing for the male players of the game. Fantasy sports echoes this, as it can be a head to head competition to see who can draft the best, strongest team and be the best. There are the "joke" players, and always shit talking going on. Fantasy sports is also a male pastime, with paid leagues and prize money. I have listened to countless conversation debating the athleticism of Peyton vs. Eli Manning, or the power numbers of Albert Pujols vs. Prince Fielder.
These players, with the best records, stats, and stature, are all the faces of their respective organizations. You will also never see a fantasy woman's soccer or softball team, the players and lineups are mostly male. I got into a fantasy discussion and argued that Ray Rice is more of an asset as a runningback then Ben Roethlisberger is as a quarterback. The response I got was "I'm not sure about all that, bro." Once I responded "it's not 'bro', it's sis," that was the end of the discussion, no further debate. I've been denied trades when my logo was pink, but have no problems when I stick with team colors. Women are not supposed to be allowed in on the male pastimes of fantasy and Madden..as long as video games, including war games, are male dominated.
Sidenote: My current record in fantasy baseball is 30-9-2....and i'm in first place. None of my league knows i'm a girl. Just Sayin'
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