Comments on: Race, Croal, Conrad and Resident Evil

By: Uncontainable Spirit

Uncontainable Spirit — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 07:06:47 +0000

I wonder how you all feel now having played the game. Did you notice they ‘threw in’ a ‘lighter skinned’ female partner? Hmmm… What about the fact that her alternative costume was ANIMAL PRINT WITH A NECKLACE OF BONES! Hmmm… what about the battle against the black men in GRASS SKIRTS who were throwing SPEARS? WTF? I’m waiting on you all to calmly eat your crow.

By: Marola15

Marola15 — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 02:51:25 +0000

From watching the trailer I can see where alot of it can be misinterpreted as racist. Something like this can eaisly be flipped into something presenting negative stereotypes, so its not ridiclous for people to feel upset. Where some see just another zombie being shot in the head, others see a hord of offensive charachatures being mowed down by “The Man”. The trailer was never intended to be insulting, but people still felt disrespected.

Another thing is this whole controversy can’t just explained away. You can not tell people how they should feel in a situation if someone feels offended then let them feel offended. They have just as much right to be angry and see something as upsetting as you do to feel this whole controversy is silly.

By: Rabidkeebler

Rabidkeebler — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 14:18:08 +0000

While I applaud you for taking the high ground and presenting many of the arguments on both sides, as well as clearly stating Croal’s argument, I still disagree overall with him. Primarily because it shows how little ground we have covered when it comes to being offended, and how we react.

In this case, why did Croal see this and refer to a style of picture that hasn’t been made since the 1950s? Think about the limitations on style that this can create, and the complaints we see from others. Think about the people who were upset about the movie 300 and its portrayal of middle easterners. Or more importantly, the item that best fits this argument, Pork Chop the mascot. A Pennsylvania Minor League BaseBall team was doing a public search for its pig themed mascot. The name that was chosen was Pork Chop. A perfectly legitimate name. Except that at one time the name Pork Chop was used as a derogatory name for Puerto Ricans. A few complained and the name was changed. This is a perfect example of taking something perfectly okay, then taking out of context and complaining about it.

By: Muadib

Muadib — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 20:03:12 +0000

Just to be on the same page, I believe he was saying be socially conscience, not that Africa is off limits. Which is cool, because, um, come RE5? I’m gunnin’ down all fools.

By: Bryan

Bryan — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 06:34:13 +0000

Croal argues, “The imagery is not the same. It doesn’t carry the same history, it doesn’t carry the same weight. I don’t know how to explain it more clearly than that.”

His response to why it was okay to kill brown people instead of black people was… “because, it just isn’t”? And we accept that as insightful and true?

Listen, I love N’Gai and his ability to speak intelligently and coherently about my hobby and career, video games. But his argument in this instance smacks of bias and poor logic. So now the continent of Africa is off limits for game makers? That’s ridiculous. We have no problem killing Russians, Germans, Spaniards, Afghans and Iraqi’s… but God forbid someone take aim at a group of Africans.

I’ll still read what he writes and still think him brilliant… the only person I agree with all the time is myself, and that’s not sure odds either.

Cheers

By: Muadib

Muadib — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 18:53:01 +0000

All I’d like to say is, “Wow.” I thought it would take longer for such a level headed view to come about on this subject given how much venom and disdain has been thrown around forums. Which is always a poor way to react.

I really do love the thoughts and concepts that are being generated here. Prior to this post, I too have been insensitive. I do love that we’re not talking about condemning the game or the company, (Please no! RE5, I need you!) What we are talking about is, being considerate and open minded. Great post!

By: zengonzo

zengonzo — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 17:10:40 +0000

I’m really glad to see this site approach the issue with a bit of open-mindedness.

Ever since this started I’ve been dismayed to see the community react with such vehement opposition to the issue, that there wasn’t even the opportunity to discuss it.

I’ve found that a large percentage of my geek friends, generally well-meaning and open-minded in most regards, are uniquely touchy about the race issue. It seems as though they find it such an uncomfortable subject, that they would prefer to never have it brought up, preferring instead to rationalize that since they don’t have an issue with race, that it shouldn’t have to come up.

Obviously since it sparks such controversy, and prohibits meaningful dialog, there is, in fact, a problem.

I think Shawn Elliot on the most recent GFW podcast also handled the topic with the clarity and understanding we should all be willing to approach it with.

Kudos again for your thoughtful approach.