8. Sexy Doesn't Have To Be Sexist
This is a point that doesn't necessarily have a definitive answer that I have ever been able to come up with, but it is a point that I feel will become increasingly part of the conversation. I am not a prude at all and while I am not often stimulated by a "sexy" female character in a game, I don't think it is all reprehensible and we should get rid of it. In fact, I think quite the opposite: I think that sexiness and even nudity have a big part to play in the conversation in the favour of women. I know lots of young women, especially creative women, who celebrate old pin-up photos. The female form or any sort of exaggeration isn't a bad thing. If you look at classic pin-up pictures from the 50s and 60s they are a celebration of women. Most of these photos celebrate the strength and sexuality of women. Characters like the new Lara Croft make for interesting case studies when looking at the issue through this prism, even if I don't think that there were some exploitative elements to her design and the marketing. It is a complicated issue and one that doesn't yet have an answer. The question of if we will even be able to recognise a legitimate example of this when it comes up is a concern. The asinine way we have treated sexuality in games previously may blind the true example, but hopefully we will get to a point where both men and women find a depiction of a female character empowering and attractive and not just pandering to one or the other.
Patrick Dane
Contributor
Patrick Dane is someone who spends too much of his time looking at screens. Usually can be seen pretending he works as a film and game blogger, short film director, PA, 1st AD and scriptwriter. Known to frequent London screening rooms, expensive hotels, couches, Costa coffee and his bedroom. If found, could you please return to the internet.
See more from
Patrick