Standing together against Gamergate
Not everyone I know will be aware of what Gamergate is, but it's not just a video-game thing. It's something with much bigger ramifications. So for those who don't know, here's a quick summary.
For many years now, there's been a growing environment of toxic misogyny (and racism, and homophobia, etc) within the video game industry. It's been an unfortunate truth of the industry, powered by a small but vocal minority of gamers (and tolerated by a larger swath), and those who have spoken out against it have been targeted for acts of terrorism. You might think that strong language, but it's exactly what it is. It's threats of rape, violence, murder... often accompanied by the victim's home address and phone number. These are realistic threats to push a political agenda. That's an act of terrorism.
Two weeks ago or so, a jilted ex-boyfriend made an unsubstantiated claim that his ex-girlfriend, a game developer, cheated on him with a game reviewer in exchange for a better review. Despite the fact that this was unsubstantiated and obviously the sort of talk that a jilted ex babbles about, a conservative celebrity coined the phrase #gamergate. Ostensibly about ethics in game-journalism, it quickly became a lightning rod for all those involved in threats of rape and violence. The ex-girlfriend was forced to flee her home. She would not be the first woman forced to seek safety away from her home.
There are a number of excellent articles about Gamergate out there; I'll link to them later. But I need to speak out myself.
Video games have NEVER been a boys-only-club, despite what some people might try to tell you. Despite what the industry itself has long tried to convince itself of. I've played video games alongside women as long as there have been video games. My wife is better in a wide range of video games than I, and she's been playing them just as long as I. I have female friends who work in the industry.
I can speak out against Gamergate, and I don't fear any kind of threats of violence, because I'm a man. And because I can safely speak out, I ethically must speak out, in support of my friends who cannot do so without fear of retribution. I've had some female friends speak out, including those in the industry, and I applaud their bravery. I stand with them. I stand with those calling for more representation in video games. I stand with those who refuse to bow to threats of violence from those who attempt to make video games into a place where straight white cisgendered men feel safe, but no one else is welcome.
I stand with my friends. Diversity in video gaming will not be shouted down by threats of rape and violence.
Some people might say, "But this is actually about video game journalistic ethics!" To which I reply: If you want that, really... sure. Nothing wrong with arguing for ethics, if you're ACTUALLY trying that. But to use the Gamergate hashtag to try to discuss ethics is counterproductive to your points. Gamergate, as a hashtag, is ethically bankrupt. Find a new hashtag. This one's ruined.
________________________________________
LINKS:
Why Gamergate is bigger than just the video game industry.
A genuine message buried somewhere in Gamergate... and why it's still toxic.
How Gamergate became so rife with vile ideas.
Why Gamergate isn't just "first world problems."
Chris Klue, football star, with various creative insults for the Gamergaters.
The Onion's take on this whole situation.
Felicia Day, internet celebrity, speaks out on Gamergate...
...and had her fears immediately proven justified.
Gamergate is doomed to failure.
For many years now, there's been a growing environment of toxic misogyny (and racism, and homophobia, etc) within the video game industry. It's been an unfortunate truth of the industry, powered by a small but vocal minority of gamers (and tolerated by a larger swath), and those who have spoken out against it have been targeted for acts of terrorism. You might think that strong language, but it's exactly what it is. It's threats of rape, violence, murder... often accompanied by the victim's home address and phone number. These are realistic threats to push a political agenda. That's an act of terrorism.
Two weeks ago or so, a jilted ex-boyfriend made an unsubstantiated claim that his ex-girlfriend, a game developer, cheated on him with a game reviewer in exchange for a better review. Despite the fact that this was unsubstantiated and obviously the sort of talk that a jilted ex babbles about, a conservative celebrity coined the phrase #gamergate. Ostensibly about ethics in game-journalism, it quickly became a lightning rod for all those involved in threats of rape and violence. The ex-girlfriend was forced to flee her home. She would not be the first woman forced to seek safety away from her home.
There are a number of excellent articles about Gamergate out there; I'll link to them later. But I need to speak out myself.
Video games have NEVER been a boys-only-club, despite what some people might try to tell you. Despite what the industry itself has long tried to convince itself of. I've played video games alongside women as long as there have been video games. My wife is better in a wide range of video games than I, and she's been playing them just as long as I. I have female friends who work in the industry.
I can speak out against Gamergate, and I don't fear any kind of threats of violence, because I'm a man. And because I can safely speak out, I ethically must speak out, in support of my friends who cannot do so without fear of retribution. I've had some female friends speak out, including those in the industry, and I applaud their bravery. I stand with them. I stand with those calling for more representation in video games. I stand with those who refuse to bow to threats of violence from those who attempt to make video games into a place where straight white cisgendered men feel safe, but no one else is welcome.
I stand with my friends. Diversity in video gaming will not be shouted down by threats of rape and violence.
Some people might say, "But this is actually about video game journalistic ethics!" To which I reply: If you want that, really... sure. Nothing wrong with arguing for ethics, if you're ACTUALLY trying that. But to use the Gamergate hashtag to try to discuss ethics is counterproductive to your points. Gamergate, as a hashtag, is ethically bankrupt. Find a new hashtag. This one's ruined.
________________________________________
LINKS:
Why Gamergate is bigger than just the video game industry.
A genuine message buried somewhere in Gamergate... and why it's still toxic.
How Gamergate became so rife with vile ideas.
Why Gamergate isn't just "first world problems."
Chris Klue, football star, with various creative insults for the Gamergaters.
The Onion's take on this whole situation.
Felicia Day, internet celebrity, speaks out on Gamergate...
...and had her fears immediately proven justified.
Gamergate is doomed to failure.