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The Double-Edged Sword of Online Gaming: An Analysis of Masculinity in Video Games and the Gaming Community
This pioneering research, conducted in partnership with Oak Foundation, Geena Davis Institute on Ger in Media GDIM, and Promundo, provides profound insights into the portrayal of masculinity and diverse identities within popular video games and the Twitch gaming community. It critically examines ger, race, LGBTQIA+ orientation, disabilities, age, and body size representations, offering enlightening analyses and practical recommations.
Key Findings
Ger Representation: Male characters significantly outnumber female counterparts in terms of representation. Although there is a growing tr of including more female characters, they often exhibit stereotypical trts such as being depicted in revealing clothing or nudity. Conversely, male characters typically adhere to traditional masculine stereotypes and frequently engage in violent activities.
Race and Ethnicity: The study underscores the notable underrepresentation of non-white characters compared to white ones, with many non-white characters being confined to archetypal roles.
LGBTQIA+ Visibility: LGBTQIA+ characters are strikingly absent from analyzed video games, indicating a severe lack of representation that doesn't mirror the gaming community's diversity.
Disability and Age: Characters with disabilities or older age groups are disproportionately underrepresented in media content, highlighting a need for greater inclusivity in these areas.
Industry Recommations
Diversify Character Representation: Encourage game developers to create characters that reflect demographic diversity by promoting equitable ger representation, enhancing racial diversity, and including LGBTQIA+, disabled, and elderly characters.
Combat Sexualization: Work on reducing the sexualization and objectification of female characters, ensuring balanced portrayal across gameplay mechanics and aesthetics.
Promote Positive Masculinity: Showcase male characters who exhibit a wide range of emotions and engage in non-violent conflict resolution strategies, contributing to healthier portrayals of masculinity within gaming.
Enhance Community Standards: Strengthen moderation practices in gaming communities to ensure a respectful environment that welcomes players of all backgrounds.
Action Steps for Parents
Educate on Healthy Relationships: Teach boys about respect and equality in relationships through examples provided by game characters, highlighting both positive and negative interactions.
Discuss Game Content Openly: Engage in honest conversations with children about the content they play, including the portrayal of ger norms and violence, to foster critical thinking and empathy.
Model Positive Behavior: Demonstrate respectful behavior and emotional openness as fundamental values that should be upheld online and offline.
Photo Credit: Unsplash
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This article is reproduced from: https://geenadavisinstitute.org/research/the-double-edged-sword-of-online-gaming-an-analysis-of-masculinity-in-video-games-and-the-gaming-community/
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Masculinity Portrayal in Video Games Analysis Diverse Representation Recommendations for Gaming Gender Stereotypes in Online Gaming Examination Non White Character Underrepresentation Insight LGBTQIA+ Visibility and Lack of Representation Discussion Disability and Age Inclusivity Call to Action