Resident Evil 5 Racist?
As I discussed the overall game play of Resident Evil 5 with a friend, he made it a point to say that the game is racist. So I looked into the controversy at his suggestion, and decided to write this article. Here are my observations:
Critics came down pretty hard on the game, stating that it “Depicts blacks as inhuman savages,” and they also pointed out the fact that the lead character killing all the black zombies is white. It certainly doesn’t help that his partner who is an African native is pretty light in complexion compared to the other natives. Even her accent is different, sounding more like she’s from Australia than Africa. There is also the fact that some of the zombies are sporting grass skirts and big masks. These components of the game cannot be denied, and some will be offended.
On the other hand, I find the motives of these critics rather questionable. They seem to be drawing their own conclusions on the game, which in turn incites racial tension and serves as a divisive tactic. Great Publicity though. Journalists are making money exploiting this situation. Another interesting point is that the game takes place in Africa. Do you know what’s in Africa? Black people! I’d say the likelihood of running into a black zombie is pretty high. As for being inhuman, well zombies aren’t human. Zombies transcend race. When you see one, you kill it. Period. Let’s not forget Josh Stone, an African mercenary that helps Chris fight zombies in the game, and apart from the trailer, the zombies in the game are pretty diversified.
Verdict: Who the hell cares? Seriously? I didn’t even think about it until it was brought to my attention. Did any of us really think about it before it became such a big deal? I’m more offended at the critics who are patting themselves on the back because they pointed out something that they deem as racist. This whole situation is being dissected into nonsense interpretations about AIDS in Africa and black versus white. Think about where this information is coming from. When has the media ever been honest with us? None of these people have actually played any of the Resident Evil games, let alone this one. It’s highly doubtful that they’ve done anything short of watching the trailer.
If anyone has been following this series, it’s rather clear that the virus has spread across the world. It’s clearly not about AIDS. This installment is meant to conclude Chris Redfield’s story. And yes, he’s white. There’s no getting around that. He’s been part of the series since the beginning. If we wanted to dissect this further, we could also look at the stereotype that every evil, greedy corporation in video games are run by evil white men. Analyzing the game is sucking away all of the fun. The reactions are absurd and the outrage misguided. Think about it. Why this game? Why not GTA: San Andreas? How about Mike Tyson’s Punch Out? If the media really cared, they would have tried to stop it with earlier video games. If racism is so important to them, they’d be taking on actual issues, such as the inadequate protection for the people in Darfur, not picking at a video game. Don’t get sucked into the nonsense.
No matter how long and how passionately you argue about this, everyone has their own opinion. Let’s just agree to disagree, and get back to exploding some zombie heads.
Comments
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People are just getting too
People are just getting too serious about this stuff, just like since Obama got into office.
While it's incorrect to say
While it's incorrect to say that Capcom intended to make Resident Evil 5 racist, it's more accurate to say Resident Evil 5 will offend people as it touches a sensitive subject for them.
Remember, just because something offends you and you see some message that others may not see doesn't mean it was made with that message in mind. I may be going out on a limb here, but it's like saying you see the Virgin Mary on a glass wall when other not-so-pious people just see a wavy pattern.
Interview with RE5 producer over racial tones
Here is an interesting article of an interview that N'Gai Croal had with Resident Evil 5's producer:
http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/kotaku/full/~3/ma_0mnXPfS0/resident-evil-5-producer-meets-his-chief-critic
It's about awareness
From a comment to Gamespot's the Hotspot (Feb. 3rd)
"I'm not sure if the Hotspot crew read this but as it pertains to the social Resident Evil 5 discussion, a few factors seem to be glazed over.
1. the game is in development from a company based in a sheltered environment where there is little to no cultural sensitivities. If one would need an example all one would have to do is look to their media and how other races are and have been portrayed.
Example:
Mr. PoPo of Dragon Ball
Barrett of Final Fantasy
Mojya Corps of Loco Roco
2. Most of society as a whole has not been keen nor understanding to these issue. "
As I stated in the comment, "society as a whole has not been keen nor understanding to these issue". It very likely that people "just don't get it."
Example...
After the NBA instituted its "dress code", many thought the idea to be suspect but Phil Jackson comment pushed it over the top by his "Field of thuggery" comment instigating that some how the NBA players (who nabbed covers shots on GQ and other men's magazines for their impeccable style of dress) style of dress project a hoodlum persona. Obviously this is ridiculous. But some how people agreed with Phil's sentiment. They agreed as if overnight had to fill there closets with khakis and suits. Please.
There are a groups of people who honestly believe that only black people pronounce "ask" as "ax"!
Japan (and other sheltered cultures) are the last frontier in squelching racial stereotyping.
Truth
Much of that is true, but I am not sure how much of it applies to Resident Evil 5.
I have heard(which means no confirmation) that there were black staff member's involved in the development of the game. So perhaps they had some influence on the perception of the racial issue in the game.
Also, most of the people I hear calling the game racist are not even black people. Most of the racist calls towards the game that I have heard have come from people of others races. People who most likely have their own discomforts and issues when dealing with anything outside of their own race.
Just my 2 cents.
Ahh... now we go down a different path.
First and foremost Black people working on RE5 does not mean those workers approved or apposed the content/context of RE5.
I.e. There is an Hip-Hip clothing shop in Africa called N****R.
http://www.nathanielturner.com/hiphopclothingstorecallednigger.htm
LITERALLY! Why? Because they see the "n" word (not the "s" word) as a euphemism which would drive sales. Otherwise they don't care.
http://metrotimes.com/editorial/story.asp?id=9800
(changes incoming)
Agreed
I agree with most of what was said here. Granted i have not played the game myself and have only seen it played. I do not find the game to be as racially offensive as many have claimed.