The latest episode of Tropes vs. Women in Video Games is live!
In “Lingerie Is Not Armor,” we explore the ways in which female characters are frequently placed in wildly impractical, sexualizing outfits specifically designed to objectify them for the titillation of the presumed straight male player. We then discuss the problems inherent in linking the sexualization of female characters to notions of female empowerment, and examine what positive depictions of female sexuality and sexual desire in games might look like.
You can find a list of resources and a full transcript on our website.
Finally, the Tropes vs. Women in Video Games episode we awaited the most arrives! And it doesn’t disappoint.
Not surprisingly, Anita touches many subjects we frequently discuss on BABD, including:
- Why making a character powerful doesn’t excuse her objectification.
- How limiting it is to associate female power fantasy with sexualization.
- The ridiculousness of various rhetoric used by fans and creators alike to justify sexualizing female characters.
- “Distraction tactic” argument.
- Breathing through skin.
- Agency of fictional characters (or rather lack of thereof).
- The ever-underutilized power of a sports bra.
- How good examples of female warrior design look like and where they can be referenced from.
- The issue of creating good sex-positive female characters.
~Ozzie