3 ms·

It is indeed sad; I think history has shown that most people who benefit from a system of advantage just reflexively don't like when others talk about how it wo

It is indeed sad; I think history has shown that most people who benefit from a system of advantage just reflexively don't like when others talk about how it works, but that's just how I see it. I'm playing OlliOlli (edited the name in since a user asked), a really awesome and successful game right now from a small (ish?) company (they're even making a sequel) where you only get one character to play as, and he is definitely male -- you couldn't even spin him as possibly being female. I'm male too and I'm afraid to point this out to the company, because of the backlash that usually happens, and I think the company is pretty much all male staff. It's not a huge deal but if the sequel is just as limited I'll express my disappointment, as it's a great game otherwise.

ekanes 12y ago
I don't see a downside to pointing it out. The worst they could do is nothing, BUT at least they'd be aware that some part of the market is paying attention (implied: have a female character option and you might make more money). Happy to point it out on your behalf if you'd like to mention the game!
hackuser 12y ago
Definitely point it out, here and to the game developer. To a great degree it just comes down to awareness, and the best fix for that is to talk about it. The beneficiaries don't want to be sexist (of course there always are exceptions); people just don't notice it unless it happens to them -- just as people ignore most risks in other areas of life, such as lack of backups or weak passwords, health risks, etc. until they get burnt. As one commenter here said, he didn't notice until it affected his daughter. Just don't assume maliciousness and others won't either. There are plenty of things in the world I don't know about and I learn from everyone else; I just try pull my weight by sharing the things I've learned.
- NoPiece 12y ago
  I think that is great advice - if it bugs you, You should reach out to the developer. Email or tweet them, and say, Hey I have a daughter/girlfriend/wife and she wishes she could play OlliOlli as a female. What is unfortunate is that there is a growing group of activists who will start the discussion with a public accusation or attack.
  - detcader 12y ago
    I feel for that woman in your life, who would be called an "attacking activist" if she ever strayed outside of your proscribed guidelines of civility. It's unfortunate that women have to deal with violence and discrimination from men so much that they get tired of it and express deep anger on the internet. I as a male sympathize with the anger, not the targets of the anger.
    - NoPiece 12y ago
      I as a male sympathize with the anger, not the targets of the anger Good luck being happy in life. Victims deserve your empathy, not the angry. Anger rarely leads good things, whether it be at a personal level, or at a macro level.
  - deleted 12y ago
    [deleted]

ekanes 12y ago

I don't see a downside to pointing it out. The worst they could do is nothing, BUT at least they'd be aware that some part of the market is paying attention (implied: have a female character option and you might make more money). Happy to point it out on your behalf if you'd like to mention the game!

hackuser 12y ago

Definitely point it out, here and to the game developer. To a great degree it just comes down to awareness, and the best fix for that is to talk about it. The beneficiaries don't want to be sexist (of course there always are exceptions); people just don't notice it unless it happens to them -- just as people ignore most risks in other areas of life, such as lack of backups or weak passwords, health risks, etc. until they get burnt. As one commenter here said, he didn't notice until it affected his daughter. Just don't assume maliciousness and others won't either. There are plenty of things in the world I don't know about and I learn from everyone else; I just try pull my weight by sharing the things I've learned.

NoPiece 12y ago
I think that is great advice - if it bugs you, You should reach out to the developer. Email or tweet them, and say, Hey I have a daughter/girlfriend/wife and she wishes she could play OlliOlli as a female. What is unfortunate is that there is a growing group of activists who will start the discussion with a public accusation or attack.
- detcader 12y ago
  I feel for that woman in your life, who would be called an "attacking activist" if she ever strayed outside of your proscribed guidelines of civility. It's unfortunate that women have to deal with violence and discrimination from men so much that they get tired of it and express deep anger on the internet. I as a male sympathize with the anger, not the targets of the anger.
  - NoPiece 12y ago
    I as a male sympathize with the anger, not the targets of the anger Good luck being happy in life. Victims deserve your empathy, not the angry. Anger rarely leads good things, whether it be at a personal level, or at a macro level.
- deleted 12y ago
  [deleted]