who fucks with a woman gamer? women gamers are badass

I'm glad that I'm finally starting to see a building backlash against some of the, frankly, disgusting sexism in, not just gaming, but a lot of nerd culture as a whole. It seems to be getting more attention lately, even if Gamasutra did decide not to publish this particular article. It really irks me because there's part of me that thinks us nerds should really know better. A lot of us know what it is to be victimised or socially isolated, so to see us carrying on these same oppressive behaviours is depressing, especially when I have conversations with people who just don't think it's a big deal. It's getting to be that the only way you can game in a safe space these days is amongst friends (if you do have a 360, you should add me :p ).

My ex-wife was the best gamer I have ever met, and I used to watch in awe and she played. There's a lot of insecuring posturing and fake machismo I think, and its utterly ridiculous. Gaming requires nothing that is unique to a particular gender, and you'd have thought attitudes would have progressed like the graphics and not regressed like the gameplay. Or something. I agree with Creamy - those you might be more vulnerable to victimisation/isolation or introversion should no better. And those who haven't been affected by those things shouldn't perpetrate it.

I honestly don't think I've ever been made to feel inferior by my male gaming friends (or any male gamers in general) o.O Usually when a man finds out I game they are in awe and actually assume I'm a badass gamer. It really sucks that there are still men out there who think that video games are "boys toys", I'm glad I don't know them! Guaranteed with that attitude, they'll be single and lonely for long ass time!

Needed to be said. And it can go beyond the gaming community.

Thanks for that, mille fois !
<3

That was a great article and I think that boy mentality is what causes most problems we have in society in general. Beyond just games, people need to grow up and learn to respect others. It will only happen if we stand up and demand that respect.

That boys club mentality is why I avoid multplayer games, even though I'd love to hop online and MP. I put up with enough crap in real life that I don't want to deal with it online when I'm trying to chill. Hopefully the building backlash against that behaviour will change things for the better.

Definitely agree with Suispud1.

The thing is, this misogynistic behaviour exists outside of online gaming communities. Men who insult and demean women are as comfortable doing it offline as they are online. Because they know-in many cases- that they are not going to meet these women in person, they are under the impression they can get away with more. Mr. Adams was spot-on-this behaviour is learned, and it's time these 'men' understand what continuing this behaviour will get them. Great read.

Thanks for sharing!

Great article hope it invokes widespread change. I know a few make gamers with the little boy mentality. It's unfortunate :/