Stereotypes In Video Games

As a group we chose to investigate gendered aspects within video games and how those games embody military values, behaviours and discourse. I am going to argue that children can internalise gender stereotypes and military discourse through the medium of gaming and that this can have wider social implications. Analysing gender demarcation, which is the process by which gender boundaries are set I looked at how video games encourage the stereotyping of genders, with a focus on the male archetype. Women are often sexually objectified or given the damsel in distress identity. In contrast male characters are often hyper masculinised and have characteristics which reinforce military discourse, for example having large muscles and weapons. Players
Using binary opposites I learnt that the self is defined against the other. This idea helped me understand gender demarcation which is the process that entrenches gender boundaries both virtually and in the wider social context of society and the military. In video games for example the male archetype will be the opposite of his female counterpart he will be strong, independent and militant. To emphasise these characteristics the female will have the opposite personality traits and will be weak, dependent and pacifistic. . By sharply defining characteristics and social identities of characters within these games a strong gender message is sent to players. Researched showed that the creation of these stereotypes also contributed to games furthering the military idea of what it takes to be a soldier by internalising these ideas in children at a sub-conscious
Thus are games like Call of Duty who work with the military to create storylines actively militarising those most susceptible? Williams suggests so, he believes by using hyper masculine characters in video games, men conceptualise themselves and their idea of what they ‘should’ be on these characters and suggests that some resort to joining the military in an attempt to fulfil their idea of what makes a man masculine. Male archetypes in games like Medal of Honour are almost physically unattainable, on average their chests are 6% larger and their waists and hips are between five and seven inches wider than in reality. However in the military, physical training focusses on modifying soldiers bodies, almost in an attempt to match these video game characters. Thus this is suggesting that if a gamer wants to be like that of their online hero they must complete military style training. The correlation between what is expected in the military and what is seen on the screen of video games is too similar to be coincidental, military discourse is being projected into the homes of thousands via the gaming industry. The military entertainment complex furthers this idea, it shows how the military and the media industry cooperate in a mutual beneficial relationship to improve both profits but also public opinion