Racism rampant in gaming

Next-Generation reports today on Robert Parungao’s thesis paper on racism in videogames. The UBC graduate with a B.A. in Sociology took an analytical look at four varied titles spanning 20 years of gaming; Kung Fu, Warcraft 3, Shadow Warrior and Grand Theft Auto 3.

“Parents, government and media watchdog groups have protested the widespread violence and sexism in videogames, but the blatant racism has gone largely unnoticed.”

He states that Grand Theft Auto 3 “features non-white characters who are mainly triad members, yakuza gangsters, latino gangs or black hoods”.

“These stock characters are seen in a lot of games and function as narrative obstacles to be overcome, mastered or ultimately blown to smithereens by the white hero,” he adds.

Shadow Warrior fared no better and is one of hundreds of examples of mixed asian stereotypes. “The villain goes by a Chinese name, Lo Wang. But when he fires his rocket launcher at his enemies, he screams ‘just like Hiroshima.'”

“Film and television come under greater critical scrutiny so civil rights and minority groups can voice their concerns and effect some change,” he explained. “But videogames have generally been seen as kids’ toys. There aren’t the same mechanisms or critical forums to encourage game designers to evolve.”

He added, “I hope to continue looking into ways to improve videogames because they’re fun and I’d like to see them turn into positive media instead of negative ones.”