8 Controversies That Have ALREADY Hurt Cyberpunk 2077
5. Racial Caribbean Stereotypes
In order to get to grips with the wicked nature of the city, most of the characters you meet early are baddies, and with V starting in Pacifica (the Caribbean district), most of them are Caribbean; more specifically Haitian.
Having been told not to trust the people of Pacifica by a white man, one of your earliest experiences to be robbed by Pacificans. It feels like that’s supposed to be a double bluff gotcha, where the game has apparently subverted expectations by doing exactly what it said it would.
If that’s what they’re going for, it’s somewhat understandable, and paints a dog eat dog picture of Night City. Still though, it’s just a white guy telling you not to trust the black people, then the black people rob you.
As you play more, apparently, you’ll meet some less stereotypical characters who depict Caribbean culture in a more positive light. It does seem like there’s been some second hand offence here, similar to people upset at Mexican stereotypes in Super Mario Odyssey’s Tostarena.
Several actual Haitians (like actual Mexicans) have responded with excitement that their people will be in the game, with many of the detractors players offended on the Haitians’ behalf.