ria-rha:

misa2472 asked:

Imagine there’s a problem with your favorite game: all female characters are wearing skimpy armor. But you like this game because of its interesting features and its unique gameplay. People are hating on it because of its looks. Does it make you a supporter of sexism by just playing it? It is right to judge a game because of its appearance and how it’s advertised without even playing it once? What would you say to those people?

No, playing the game would not make you a supporter of sexism. As long as you recognize the problems with the game, and are willing to discuss those problems (read: not shutting out all criticism because it is your favorite thing and how dare anyone say anything negative ever about a thing you love [read: me in high school]), then you’re just enjoying something problematic. Which is a-okay! The SyFy channel has built an entire following based on just that.

But, really, here’s an article (note: contains profanity) about how to be a fan of problematic things that could be interesting to anyone who might worry about having sexist guilty pleasures (Doctor Who, anyone?).

As for how to approach people who criticize the way something is presented/advertised without ever playing the thing, well, they have the right to do so. Just as you have the right to have a discussion with them about how, while problematic, it still has strengths and maybe they should give it a try. They may take you up on the offer, they may not. People have different tolerance levels.

-Staci