The Gaming Teacher

Hello, dear readers. While I tried to keep this post as concise and focused as possible, it might be considered a rant by some. Please know that my intent is not to be dismissive but rather to tackle something that I’ve thought about a great deal and feel the need to write about. The underlying point I try to make is that kindness and respect matter whether we’re talking about video games or otherwise interacting with the people around us.

Recently, there has been some kerfuffle on the internet. This, of course, is nothing new especially considering the topic revolves around video games.

On Wednesday, Kotaku published “Earthworm Jim’s Mean-Spirited Satire Doesn’t Hold Up,” written by Heather Alexandra. Some readers disagreed with Alexandra’s take on the game. For the record, I’m not saying her piece was the most critical bit of writing I’ve ever read (it was quite light on the details and critique), but neither were the comments lashing out at her, Kotaku, and the article.

One example of where this otherwise “normal” online exchange went south is this tweet from the creator of Earthworm Jim:

While Doug TenNapel’s greater point may be that games should be taken in their context (I agree with this but that doesn’t mean any game is above critique), he resorts to misgendering Alexandra in several tweets. The irony is that TenNapel resorts to this in response to a piece that he seemingly doesn’t find critical.

If this kind of discourse is the norm, it shouldn’t be.

I am all for shaping video game commentary and journalism into more critical discourse, but that should not occur at the expense of people. It also shouldn’t be a guise for not talking about representation, diversity, politics, and even religion in the context of video games.

I get it. Some people think that misgendering is a non-issue. I understand how people could think this way, but I still disagree with them. However, you don’t have to agree with people to see their lives have value or to be respectful.

It might help you to understand my perspective if I give you some insight into one aspect of the lens I use to perceive the world.

In a very real way, words have power. I would not be dedicating the better part of my life to education and teaching if I believed otherwise. If you doubt this, crack open a history book. Go out and talk to people, face-to-face. Words are everywhere. If they didn’t have meaning billions of dollars would not be spent on advertising in the U.S. alone.

Words, language, are inescapably woven into our lives. Of course words have impact. The misgendering of one person encourages others to do the same. Disrespect gives further voice to those who would do more immediate harm. I have to take issue with that.

A beloved video game was the subject of an unflattering article and people, not just the game’s creator, turn to name calling? Is that as far as we’ve come as gamers? As people?

I know there are people who disagree with me in fundamental ways. But for those who care enough to engage in civil discussion (as many of you have on my blog), know this: dismissing something or someone out of sweeping generalizations only wins you points with the people who already share your mindset. I was taught to be a woman who respects others regardless of whether they are like me.

I can be snarky. I can be loud. I can be silly. And I’m positive I have offended people at times—it’s inevitable for all of us. But I try to always take responsibility for my words and for my actions. I don’t see it as a weakness to be considerate of others. I want to be a part of critical engagement. I want to write mindful pieces on video games and encourage my fellow gamers and bloggers to do the same while fostering communities where disagreement can occur respectfully.

Kindness is not a burden.