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Of course, but their skin tone is a few shades darker, so nobody talks or cares about them. People would rather argue in ivory towers about abstract problems t

by yarou 11y ago

Of course, but their skin tone is a few shades darker, so nobody talks or cares about them. People would rather argue in ivory towers about abstract problems that don't exist in the real world (sexism in video games, Internet feminism, etc), rather than work on unpleasant and unsexy problems that can easily be solved.

the_af 11y ago
> sexism in video games, Internet feminism, etc What's abstract or unreal about them? What's "Internet" feminism, for that matter? I'd say sexism in videogames is real... and the level of aggression in online discussions about that topic is almost asphyxiating, enough that I consider it a serious problem. Would you similarly argue that it's "unreal" to argue about sexism (or racism, or whatever -ism) in movies? It's a shame you said this, because I'm in agreement with the rest of your post.
- yarou 11y ago
  I'm on a completely different planet than you, and lately I've realized I'm completely different from the vast majority of commenters here. I could explain it to you, but it would be an experience akin to a blind man seeing for the first time. Experience is the mother of all teachers, and while I wouldn't wish my path on anybody else, it certainly has given me clarity on certain topics of discourse. "Sexism in video games" is an abstract problem because it's basically mental masturbation. Suppose you are right, and there is a problem. What is the net benefit to society? Some privileged child somewhere will feel good about themselves for a brief moment, until they find another abstract issue that ultimately is meaningless. There are much more pressing problems in our world today, that are ugly, unsightly, and less "rewarding" in the short term dopamine releasing sense. Like income inequality, the increasing erosion of civil liberities, and single moms. An Ask HN with thousands of replies so you we can collectively pat ourselves on the back doesn't count as solving anything. If anything, it just shows how far we've fallen.

by yarou 11y ago

the_af 11y ago

> sexism in video games, Internet feminism, etc What's abstract or unreal about them? What's "Internet" feminism, for that matter? I'd say sexism in videogames is real... and the level of aggression in online discussions about that topic is almost asphyxiating, enough that I consider it a serious problem. Would you similarly argue that it's "unreal" to argue about sexism (or racism, or whatever -ism) in movies? It's a shame you said this, because I'm in agreement with the rest of your post.

yarou 11y ago
I'm on a completely different planet than you, and lately I've realized I'm completely different from the vast majority of commenters here. I could explain it to you, but it would be an experience akin to a blind man seeing for the first time. Experience is the mother of all teachers, and while I wouldn't wish my path on anybody else, it certainly has given me clarity on certain topics of discourse. "Sexism in video games" is an abstract problem because it's basically mental masturbation. Suppose you are right, and there is a problem. What is the net benefit to society? Some privileged child somewhere will feel good about themselves for a brief moment, until they find another abstract issue that ultimately is meaningless. There are much more pressing problems in our world today, that are ugly, unsightly, and less "rewarding" in the short term dopamine releasing sense. Like income inequality, the increasing erosion of civil liberities, and single moms. An Ask HN with thousands of replies so you we can collectively pat ourselves on the back doesn't count as solving anything. If anything, it just shows how far we've fallen.