computer gaming
Monday, August 31, 2009 by Sion
The popularity of computer gaming is increasing as a contemporary leisure activity. At this point, I want to ask one thing. Do you think computer gaming is a masculine thing? This is an old argument. Of course there is no doubt that it is always intended as toys for the boys. We have been thought female gamers are not interested in games with a violent content, or with recognizably male themes have been challenged by female gamers themselves. I do not deny computer gaming is a more popular leisure activity for males than females and the violent contents attract male gamers.
But we need to aware that the gendered natures of computer games such as the violent content and generally ‘male’ themes of games might prevent females from identifying with game characters, goals and settings. And the stereotypical and sexualized portrayal of those female characters is another factor explaining the lack of popularity of computer gaming as leisure activity among females. The digital gaming cultures which are gendered identities in games with a masculine and heterosexual player in mind might negate the empowerment of women.
Actually there are many female gamers who have similar game preferences and involvement in gaming as males. What I want to say is that we do not need to have a certain stereotype that there are “GENDERED ACTIVITIES” which make us to have distinction of sex. We just need to reach a better understanding of the real differences between women who prefer more ‘male-oriented’ activities, as well as those who would prefer a more ‘feminine’ flavour.
But we need to aware that the gendered natures of computer games such as the violent content and generally ‘male’ themes of games might prevent females from identifying with game characters, goals and settings. And the stereotypical and sexualized portrayal of those female characters is another factor explaining the lack of popularity of computer gaming as leisure activity among females. The digital gaming cultures which are gendered identities in games with a masculine and heterosexual player in mind might negate the empowerment of women.
Actually there are many female gamers who have similar game preferences and involvement in gaming as males. What I want to say is that we do not need to have a certain stereotype that there are “GENDERED ACTIVITIES” which make us to have distinction of sex. We just need to reach a better understanding of the real differences between women who prefer more ‘male-oriented’ activities, as well as those who would prefer a more ‘feminine’ flavour.