From Current TV, we're happy to bring you that rarest of delights: Reporting on gaming from a non-gaming outlet that's reasoned, competent and (wonder of wonders) well-researched. The story of GayGamer is told by those who breathe life into the site, showing not only why they're an important part of gaming culture, but what drove them to stick together in the first place. You can find it right after the jump.
The only downside is that the section on homophobia makes the community look so bad; but honestly, it's only bashing those of us that deserve it. ... You know what? We're kicking homophobes out of "us." We're officially making them "them." Sorry guys. Leave your fake guitars with Shelia on the way out.
I think good on gaygamer.net for doing what they're doing, and good on joystiq and other web media for backing them up (no pun intended).
I haven't played online much outside of MSN Hearts and the amount of shit that people spout on that "civilised" game is outrageous. It's not just the homophobic comments that piss me off, it's the racist comments, the sexist comments and generally alot of dumbassery that goes on.
When I was growing up, it was normal for me and my peers to make homophobic comments - but as an adult I realise that was wrong and I just find it quite disgusting that other adults habitually make such comments. Do they really hate gays/other ethnicities? Probably some do, some don't, but either way it's a very hateful language and ugly attitude to present. Allowing such comments to continue unchecked is really tantamount to society saying that it's ok to speak in that way and to hold those hompophobic/racist/sexist views. And that's not good enough.
Personally I think more should be done about stopping such hate-speech, and I'm confident that alot more can be done if the will was there. I go to gametrailers.com, for what it's worth, and although hate-speech is against the rules, it is still rampant and essentially goes unchecked to a large extent. Start a thread on their forums criticising one of the consoles and it will get closed soon enough. Calling someone a nasty, hateful name, and see it continue unabated. The priorities need to be changed.
I'm thinking that alot of the media can take a more active stance to significantly discourage hate-speech by banning offending users. I'm sure the technology is there (to identify audio hate-speech).
If the web-site mediators and other users take a stronger stance against the users of such hate-speech, it would not only make such internet spaces more pleasant for all, but would encourage the homophobes/racists etc to really consider their own attitudes.
Well to Joystiq's new sister site, Gaygamer.net Post Fanboy. This is the hottest post in while, with good reason. Great job guys and thanks for turning me on to this site.
When I play games with my friends, they would pound me if I said something that hurt their feelings. I just think that we gamers need to realize we are all friends because of the unity of the game, and if name calling(including racism) and homophobia hurt feelings, as they so cleary do, we need to give that up and grow up.
The real problem with homosexuality in gaming is the same problem with homosexuality in politics.
They have no heroes.
When was the last respectable gay character in a video game? Hell, when was the last RESPECTABLE black character in a video game? I can only think of two that are relevant. Where are the midgets, the latinos, the cripples, ect?
Problem is that most of the people in the game industry are white/asian hetero males that grew up on Tolkin and Star Wars. So obviously, the games they make star white/asian hetero males (or females with big titties) whose stories and settings are rip offs of Tolkin and Star Wars.
gosh, all you christian zealots remind me of my mom, and she kicked me out of home for being gay. christian complaining things are "against their religion" is hilarious. All christians need to watch "Zeitgeist" (google it) and realize what a crock of shit it all is.
Unfortunately, the truth is that you need to stop using both the derogatory terms and the profane vulgarities and incorrectly used words that people seem to "redefine" whenever it suits them.
Things only change when ALL THE IDIOCY stops, not when you just remove a part of it.
I say, it becomes painfully obvious why the majority of gamers play single-player only now, and avoid the internet or online portions like the plague... because of the idiocy, immaturity, profane, and pathetic way of interaction and communication that reveals itself from the majority of people who decide to ruin things for others, or simply bring events to higher levels of stupidity.
Cleansing the methods of society COMPLETELY of all forms of idiocy, immaturity, and pathetic thoughts... is the only way to bring about change...
The worse thing these days, is that the majority is in control... and the saddest part about that is that the majority of society are idiots, or at the least, show aspects of idiocy.
