2016 has been quite the year. 6 months later and grown men and women are still mourning the loss of a gorilla. The ANC suffered shock defeats across our nation despite winning the overall elections. Brexit happened and now, Trump has won the US elections.
Trump’s victory has shaken the world in many ways and the exact fallout remains to be seen. The shock however, is that the polls were wrong and so was the media. Just as with Brexit, the most unlikely scenario played out into a reality. You may be wondering what the US elections, and to a lesser degree Brexit, has to do with gamers? In gaming, as in other parts of the world, there has been a progressive movement taking place. A battle against sexism, racism, oppression and other injustices that marginalised groups have been facing for so long. There’s been a determined effort to dismantle systems built to keep marginalised groups invisible and powerless.
That movement has left some, predominantly white men, reeling at the perceived loss of power and personal injustice. The surprising success of Trump has been deemed a “whitelash”, a term first coined by Van Jones, as white voters react to a world they feel is leaving them behind.
In the US election, 58% of white Americans voted for Trump. Every other race voted overwhelmingly in favour of Clinton (Source). So again, how does this come back to gaming? White people, predominantly men, are feeling left behind and ignored and there is resentment boiling underneath.
The battle against the white boys’ club
It’s no secret that gaming has been a white boys’ club for a long time. I’ve written about it before, as have many others. The reactions to these articles are often the same.
It’s not true!
It doesn’t matter!
Don’t bring SJW Politics into gaming!
We were here first!
Added to that are the ever present death threats and intimidation tactics utilised by angry mobs of primarily white men. Often these reactions are written off as little boys unable to adapt to an ever-changing world. The anger and resentment is dismissed as well as ridiculed. So then why are we so surprised when, given the chance, white men voted for themselves and not the betterment of the general masses when it came to the US elections?
The battle against the white boys’ club in gaming has never been about tearing white men down, it has been about giving a voice and shining a light on those used to be ignored. The greater goal is, and always has been, to make the scene more inclusive and diverse. For many white men however, it feels like this is being achieved at their expense. Whilst this is a sorely mistaken sentiment, it is completely understandable. That sentiment is also not exclusive to the gaming scene; It is a narrative often expressed beyond our digital realm.
In a world that feels increasing hostile towards them, white men are struggling to find their place in the world. Thus, the whitelash. This battle, based on progressive and inclusive values, feels so personal to them and blinded by privilege, it is hard for many to see past that. The question that should be asked is, does the gaming world need to wait for its Brexit, its Trump election, before we come to terms with this greater issue – this whitelash?
Whitelash in the gaming world
We may not have elections in the gaming scene that affects the world in quite the way that Brexit or the US elections have, but nonetheless whitelash needs to be taken seriously and we need to tackle it sooner rather than later.
It shows a disconnect between the battle for inclusivity and diversity in gaming and many white men. This disconnect is evident in the narrative that has been swirling around lately that nerds have been this oppressed group that was neither racist nor sexist. This desperate reach to rewrite history and ignore the current landscape is disconcerting and disingenuous. It feels like some white men are trying to paint themselves as victims and search for historical evidence to justify that fact.
It is a made up crutch that is used to prop up the narrative that SJWs invaded the gaming scene and took it over and ruined it. It seems eerily similar to the sentiment often brought up throughout Trump’s campaign of how immigrants had come in and ruined America and thus his slogan held so much power. MAGA. MAGA. MAGA. The acronym is plastered all over and with fervent, patriotic pride.
An argument could be made that Gamergate was an early form of this whitelash. Men trying to reclaim a space they felt was lost, hidden under the guise of a movement that claimed to be about ethics in journalism.
Again, similarities to the Trump campaign are evident. Many claimed the vote for Trump was about being “anti-establishment” and to some that may be true, but it doesn’t take away the fact that so many voters felt it was okay to vote in an openly racist and sexist president.
This fact, and the resulting success of Trump’s campaign, also shows the importance of activist issues, or SJW politics as many here call it, in every sphere of our lives, including gaming.
That so many Americans were willing to vote in such a hateful man as president, for whatever reasons, shows us just how much work still needs to be done in the hopes of creating an inclusive and caring world. That work is just as important in the gaming world.
These two tweets were so poignant, not just because of the weight of their words, but because both are members of the gaming scene, both local and abroad.
The next time someone tells you it’s neither time nor place to express ‘activist’ views or encourage diversity in everything, they are wrong
— Ludwig Kietzmann ☕️ (@LudwigK) November 9, 2016
Let's be reminded: Morality is not an upward trajectory. It's degenerative. It decays. We must fight for it everyday, in every generation.
— Grant Hinds (@GrantHinds) November 9, 2016
In the gaming world, we need to fight bigotry and hate and that means talking about important activist issues. Those that continue to feel that these topics don’t belong in gaming are looking at the world with a narrow and misguided lens. That and they are blinded by the privilege that allows them to be so blissfully ignorant of so much.
Trump’s success also marks another truth, one that I feel will be difficult for many to stomach. There needs to be a better approach to fighting bigotry and creating the inclusive world so many of us are fighting for.
It seemed almost every media publication across the world was against Trump, and yet he remained, persevered and won. There needs to be a nuance to how we engage with issues, something that was seemingly lost in the lead up to the US elections and something that has lacked often in the gaming scene.
Gamergate’s rise was so often fuelled by how aggressively gaming media pushed back. Whilst the points made were often valid and necessary, the lack of nuance led to it all falling on not just deaf, but angry ears. It served to only polarise two sides of the same community and created the ever-widening gap that exists today between GG supporters and those opposed to the movement.
This is not to say that all opinions are valid and should be entertained. Despite what it hoped to achieve, GG was a disaster that become an angry mob of predominantly men, seeking to bully people out of their space and reclaim it as their own.
The sexist and racist views of that movement have no place in our scene and nor should they be given any credibility. However, something has to change in the way we engage with these issues to bridge an enormous gap and create meaningful dialogue. Not specifically with GG, but more in the general sense.
Gaming can learn from the political stage
The gaming scene doesn’t need to wait for an unexpected whitelash to occur. We don’t need to wait for another Gamergate to explode. We can learn from what’s happening around us and grow without the pain, fear and misery that an event like Trump’s election is causing.
We need to fight harder than ever to talk about activist issues and bring to light the plight of so many oppressed and marginalised groups. We may not be electing world leaders or influencing issues like global climate change, but this is our world and we should fight to make it better.
To make it more inclusive, to call out those who oppose diversity in the scene, to not be okay with the status quo and to fight those who want to spread bigoted, ignorant views in our scene. But let’s do all that without polarising this community even more. It’s not an easy task nor one with a simple solution, that much is clear as post-elections the US media is going to have to do a lot of soul searching and deep introspection to figure out where it all went wrong.
Whilst the world seemingly falls apart around us, let’s not lose hope in our battles and our world and the vision many of us have to making gaming a beautiful scene that welcomes all, and pushes everyone to be a better person.
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Critical Hit as an organisation.
Last Updated: January 4, 2017
Pariah ???
November 11, 2016 at 11:36
Fuck white privilege.
Pariah ???
November 11, 2016 at 12:31
I should probably elaborate sometimes. I forget people don’t realise what I’m saying.
I hate white privilege. I hate that it’s real, it exists and how poisonous it is. White Privilege is Trump and his supporters. It’s half the white folk in this country. It’s just obliviousness and hate that replaced racism. It’s denial.
So again.
Fuck white privilege.
HvR
November 11, 2016 at 12:35
50% of the Hispanic voters in Florida suffer from White Privilege?
10’s of millions of out of work middle class blue collar people that voted twice for Obama suffer from White Privilege?
But the old capital white millionaire and billionaires who bought HIllary Clinton campaign do not suffer from White Privilege?
Pariah ???
November 11, 2016 at 12:37
Yes, all of them too. You’re not disproving my point, really. You’re just painting the picture worse.
Again.
Fuck. White. Privilege.
RustedFaith
November 11, 2016 at 15:24
Wow you have quite a chip on your shoulder … you were unlucky not to be born white we know … now accept it and move on.
FUCK BEEEE Black Privilege … back at you …
Darren Peach
November 11, 2016 at 15:24
Dude, Read all his comments.
RustedFaith
November 11, 2016 at 15:27
Nah its fine I am not reading any more of his racist comments.
Raptor Rants
November 11, 2016 at 15:32
You know he is white right? I know the guy.
RustedFaith
November 11, 2016 at 15:36
U should chose better people to associate with then ..
And that doenst make saying it better anyway I will believe his white when he stands in front of me …
Raptor Rants
November 11, 2016 at 15:58
you lashed back with the same vitriol about BEE. All I’m pointing out is look before jumping.
It’s easy to lash back out without considering where someone is coming from. He is referring to white priviledge in the worst form. The form we all know exists withing certain circles. The type that makes all whites look bad. The type that gives everyone a bad name even though it belongs to a small amount of them.
The type that won’t let racism die.
And yes, the opposite is true. A certain amount of other races sit wanting wanting wanting without working for it. That exists too and they give the same bad name for their race.
We should all try be more accepting of others and maybe then this country can get out the slump it’s in.
Also, racism, sexism and general hate towards others is a big problem in gaming and it’s important to bring it to light. Even though I believe the writer of this article went about it wrong by making it too focused on one group.
Glenn Kisela
November 11, 2016 at 19:03
“I come here for gaming news not some assholes with white supremacist issues.”
Really dude? That’s what you’re taking out of all this?
Cool story, rad contribution to the community.
Chris Summers
November 11, 2016 at 19:57
I’ll contribute…..more liberal tears please.
https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/67f4ceefea32813f0e64b7bcb2710b520b75945d7f42eb7e0649d49aace227e4.gif
40 Insane Frogs
November 13, 2016 at 16:27
LMAO!!! I actually feel bad for laughing at this.
Pariah ???
November 11, 2016 at 15:43
Black Privilege doesn’t exist. lol.
BBBEE needs work, but not because it’s unfair to white people, rather because it’s not doing its job properly. It’s not empowering those who were disadvantaged by Apartheid.
While I don’t agree with their methods, what do you think the students were fighting for? They were fighting for what BBBEE was meant to provide. Empowerment.
RustedFaith
November 11, 2016 at 15:46
Fighting for Empowerment you say ??? ROFL
Enjoy …
Pariah ???
November 11, 2016 at 15:48
Lol you use the example that was universally snubbed and laughed at by the rest of the students. Literally all of them snubbed that.
Idiot.
Glenn Kisela
November 11, 2016 at 19:02
“50% of the Hispanic voters in Florida suffer from White Privilege?”
You’re cherry picking stats. One state’s voting patterns doesn’t change the fact that 65% of Hispanic voters NATIONALLY voted for Clinton. Florida was an exemption from the rule.
Also white privilege has nothing to do with income, at all. So I don’t see what point you’re trying to make.
Chris Summers
November 11, 2016 at 16:46
https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/df5da2344079edc823411ae8093de9c1c43d83b5df5313cb96eed805ee05426e.gif
40 Insane Frogs
November 13, 2016 at 16:28
The salt has been amazing! 😀
40 Insane Frogs
November 13, 2016 at 16:34
Just embrace the rise of God Emperor Trump!
https://www.informationliberation.com/files/god-emperor-trump-small.jpg
40 Insane Frogs
November 13, 2016 at 17:08
That’s not fair… I have family members and friends that are white. 🙁 They’re not all bad. 🙁
Pariah ???
November 13, 2016 at 22:58
Lol I didn’t say fuck all white people. I know many who are cool as well. But White privilege is still very real and prevalent. And THAT specifically is an issue. It’s the same thing as a black person saying they can’t be racist because they’re the victims of racism. Or Students being racist and saying they can’t be because they’re activists. It’s just a rubbish mind set and it’s toxic.
HvR
November 11, 2016 at 11:36
Hah, knew this one was coming. Just called it as FDD
Zoe Hawkins
November 11, 2016 at 12:39
Funny, this is the stuff I’ve been seeing…
https://twitter.com/i/moments/796417517157830656
Hammersteyn_hates_Raid0
November 11, 2016 at 12:43
I pray to all deities that this is simply the fallout after the emotional experience people work through after an election and not what’s to be expected for the next four years
Gavin Mannion
November 11, 2016 at 12:44
but HvR has a point about the democrat supporters rioting and burning cars and how middle america has been ignored for a long time and is now fighting back
Darren Peach
November 11, 2016 at 12:54
Cheap shot…..
HvR
November 11, 2016 at 13:02
Bit of confirmation bias there. Most just social media post, all unconfirmed majority probably false (RT was running a whole hour on confirming a lot of these posts as false).
And I do not deny that a lot of them will be true. There is always going to be waste of live racists, Trump being elected is just their justification to act like that. They didn’t wake up yesterday being racist, it takes years of conditioning. They would have acted the same way if Trump didn’t get elected.
Still no Van Jones style lynch mobs he was predicting.
More and more reports of the following however keep on popping up:
Hammersteyn_hates_Raid0
November 11, 2016 at 13:13
Well I think both sides need to calm the hell down. This is how democracy works. Sure people are sour when a prick(in their eyes) wins. I mean look at our country. But violence is not the answer
Darren Peach
November 11, 2016 at 14:55
As I said before. The media has egg on their faces. It would seem lazy gamer is no better……
40 Insane Frogs
November 13, 2016 at 17:13
Sageville
November 11, 2016 at 13:31
I saw this too, Trump’s victory was a clarion call of “It’s safe to come out now” for all racists and bigots.
I think this article highlights the “over-correction” or defense mechanism now labeled: whitelash, I saw a meme where all the SJW peeps are stabbing accusing fingers at “White male”, a title that groups many of us into a single pot of evil, then the SJW’s are all surprised that White Male did something stupid about being so attacked by voting asshat Trump into power.
In these debates there are always the two loud extremes, the bigoted white male oozing with privilege and the bigoted SJW oozing perceived righteousness…. sadly many don’t fit into these neat pigeonholes, but we as humans do love our indiscriminate grouping of our fellow man.
The call for increased diversity is much needed and wanted by many including myself, but when you vilify an entire group of people for simply existing with certain genes in order to push an agenda, well nothing good comes of that… we know this from experience *(See apartheid). I guess it’s a balancing act now.
Always an emotive and problematic topic to discuss, especially when you happen to be a white male….
Still, good article.
Raptor Rants
November 11, 2016 at 13:32
The big problem with that is like with the ER24 “Voice note warning of a storm of epic proportions” that hit today.
ER24 had to post that it was fake. Social media makes it easy to claim something happened with no proof. While I am sure there is a lot of hate going around in the US right now, I am sure there are equal parts over exaggeration happening too.
One must be mindful of all the happenings and not focus on only specific indications of something bad as proof that all is as it seems in that example. Am I making sense?
Admiral Chief - N7
November 11, 2016 at 14:04
Yes
Glenn Kisela
November 11, 2016 at 19:07
I’m not even talking about entitlement in gaming. The whole article discusses the parrallels and similarities of US society & gaming. The WHOLE article.
“If “white privilege” is an out of job steel or mine worker” – not even close to what white privilege is.
“libtards crying because democracy is unfair if the rest of the people don’t agree with you.” – Totally missing the point of the article entirely. No one is saying democracy is unfair. It’s very much because of the outcome that democracy chose that people are taking such issue to Trump being voted president.
For the Emperor!
November 11, 2016 at 11:41
So, 23 times “white” is in this article. Remember when it was not a sin to be white or male, or *gasp* both? It is not a sin to be any gender or race btw, that crap don’t fly with me. I agree levels of diversity needs to change and activism is needed to get it done, but it is EXACTLY THIS F****G type of language that invites A-holes to “whitelash”! Making it “clear” that it is a “white man” problem and that “white men” are the devil is actually making this worse and causing and endless loop of butt-hurt FFS!
https://cdn.meme.am/instances/500x/57562583.jpg
For the Emperor!
November 11, 2016 at 11:42
If one cannot discuss this without stereotyping and “race”, “gender” or “whatever-else” blaming, one should not discuss it as one then forms part of the problem.
Spathi
November 11, 2016 at 11:43
Didn’t you get the memo? It’s fine to judge a whole race and gender on the actions of a few, as long as that race and gender are both white and male!
For the Emperor!
November 11, 2016 at 11:48
Yeah. My big issue with that is that it seems many people believe “2 wrongs make a right”. Any discrimination is BS. We are all human in the end.
Glenn Kisela
November 11, 2016 at 19:10
2 wrongs make a right?
Where exactly am I calling for a “wrong” to occur?
For the Emperor!
November 11, 2016 at 20:48
You are committing the wrong by clearly labelling the issues as “white” and “men”. Labels help nobody solve anything.
Hammersteyn_hates_Raid0
November 11, 2016 at 11:43
http://scontent.cdninstagram.com/t51.2885-15/e35/14711857_1233906479998926_2895289260129124352_n.jpg?ig_cache_key=MTM2MzMwMzc1ODM2MDk4NjAzNQ%3D%3D.2
40 Insane Frogs
November 13, 2016 at 16:29
Good ol’ butters 😀
Original Heretic
November 11, 2016 at 11:59
I was looking for the right words to comment on this article, but you nailed it with this.
Deceased
November 11, 2016 at 12:47
You just made me feel old with that “remember when gaming was about gaming” bit – yeah it’s sad 😐
Audacity (or-das-it-eeee-eee)
November 11, 2016 at 14:32
^^This, can’t we all just be friends guys
Mighty Meh
November 11, 2016 at 14:40
I was really hoping that we could get through the week without lazy gamer posting something about the election.
A joke here or there was expected but I’m thoroughly disappointed that an entire article was dedicated to it even managing to twist it to white male gamer shaming! Glenn’s articles in the past have been thought provoking and interesting but I’m sick and f*#cking tired of people pulling the race card.
Pick any hobby out there, once it reaches a critical mass some sjw with a chip on his shoulder will complain that there are not enough female, Asian,mexian,african people able to take part in it too and shame on you for it.
I don’t care whether you are white, pink, black, blue or even trump orange, I will always be happy to game with you but don’t come and make me feel like an asshole for being born in this skin.
It’s exactly that liberal bs that made normal, non racist, non homophobic genuinely nice people vote for someone like Trump in the first place.
Glenn Kisela
November 11, 2016 at 19:09
You completely missed the point of the article. It’s like you already had an opinion formed before you entered here.
No one is saying white men are devils.
Also, white men lashing out when called out on whitelash is ridiculously ironic.
The only language I used here was being truthful & honest. Sorry if that bothers you & you’d prefer I faked a smile & stayed quiet.
For the Emperor!
November 11, 2016 at 20:43
Lashing out at being labelled? Could be seen as that I guess, you *insert over-generalised label here that does not help anyone except those wanting to fight and solve nothing. You know, like using “white” 23 damn times*
You say I missed the point, then quickly illustrate you missed my point. You go to great pains labelling “white” and “men” in this piece – that clearly creates the perception of “white men are devils” as I surmised it, whether you meant it like that or not. I am not saying anyone should “fake a smile and stay quiet”, I am saying I am tired of this “white” blaming and all these darn labels that are being used all over the place. The over-generalisation of things/people into these labels are giving the vocal a-hole minority EXACTLY the ammunition they want/need to get on their pedestals and spew their vitriol, because whether you mean it that way or not, even neutral observers could see it as an attack on their existence. And if you fail to see that, then you are just as much to blame for any misconceptions that could occur as anybody else. There are major issues in the world, and throwing around labels like this will NEVER SOLVE THE ISSUES! Remember “swart gevaar”?
It just creates back-and-forth like can be seen in the comments on the article, rather than working towards any tangible solutions. This is the part special little snowflakes don’t seem to get. LABELS = FIGHTS. Have we not had enough of labels in this country yet? LABELS FFS!
“The greater goal is, and always has been, to make the scene more inclusive and diverse.” – this should be the goal, but the only thing labelling like yours does, is create fights. If this was your goal with this piece, then you did nothing to further that cause with all the LABELS FFS!!
If you can’t find a better way to get your point across other than labels, then you are part of the problem. Some labelling examples in this world:
– Women do NOT belong in the kitchen/bedroom
– Not all Muslims are terrorists
– Not all black/Latino/immigrant people are criminals
– Not all white men are racist chauvinists
– Not all Tutsi’s deserve to die
– Not all Hutu’s are genocidal maniacs
– Not all Jew deserve “the final solution”
– Not all Germans are fascist Nazis
LABELS HURT! Get it?
Hammersteyn_hates_Raid0
November 11, 2016 at 11:43
The worst part about the election was that people thought that Trump and Hillary were the only options
konfab
November 11, 2016 at 11:44
Voting for Harambe is always an option.
Hammersteyn_hates_Raid0
November 11, 2016 at 11:45
If voting for the dead brought people back JFK or someone as popular would be president now.
40 Insane Frogs
November 13, 2016 at 17:14
I’m saddened by the fact that Harambe didn’t get more votes.
For the Emperor!
November 11, 2016 at 11:46
That is very sad indeed.
*I would add a Teal’C image for “indeed”, but that might not fly in the new USA*
Hammersteyn_hates_Raid0
November 11, 2016 at 11:46
LOL
For the Emperor!
November 11, 2016 at 11:49
Was looking for Riaan Cruywagen “inderdaad”, but couldn’t find it. Better perhaps, else I might be accused of “whitewashing” lol.
Admiral Chief - N7
November 11, 2016 at 14:22
(refresh) https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/1f3e5ade643033521bd181db8bf9dcc9298b3e0bdd4f1dd39150a7e6bd79d74c.jpg
HvR
November 11, 2016 at 11:53
Due to the rigged 2 party system they effectively were, others not allowed any proper media coverage and just look at the election budgets:
Hillary Clinton = $ 1 billion dollar (95% corporate sponsors she makes JZ look like an amateur)
Trump = $ 100 million
Johnson = $ 11 million
It just took 2 small smear campaigns at the beginning of the race; anti-vaccine for the Green Party and claiming open border policy for the Libertarians and they were effectively muted.
Hammersteyn_hates_Raid0
November 11, 2016 at 11:54
Hillary apparently spent $88 million on Florida and still lost it to Trump
Darren Peach
November 11, 2016 at 12:25
There is something inherently wrong with the fact that she represented the left, But she still wasted that kind of money on one state…….
Alien Emperor Trevor
November 11, 2016 at 13:19
Politics is all about perception. It’s kinda like Whose Line Is It Anyway, where reality is made up and the votes do matter.
RinceThis
November 11, 2016 at 13:21
Like Big Bang Theory? 0_O
Alien Emperor Trevor
November 11, 2016 at 14:01
Those nerds are the funniest. ;P
Dungeon of JJ
November 11, 2016 at 14:07
*Rince spontaneously catches fire*
Alien Emperor Trevor
November 11, 2016 at 14:19
😀
RinceThis
November 14, 2016 at 16:31
you take that back!
konfab
November 11, 2016 at 11:44
Can you impose some of these diversity requirements on games and media tailored to Asian audiences. Too many yellow faces in Anime.
Darren Peach
November 11, 2016 at 11:45
Check out YouTube and the hatred geared at the folks who voted for Trump. The media has egg on it’s face for not calling this correctly. And this has nothing to do with gaming. Trump is a complete disaster, But Hillary was no better and when you start to see that politics serves to divide and conquer, You are truly liberated from the bullshit.
Ironically, Your article has some good points, But it’s this sort of rhetoric that enabled someone like Trump to win the Presidency. Yeah, Call it what you want, but the left movement has lost it’s way. What I see today do not represent any value I hold dear. Just hate, Hate and more friggen hate.
For the Emperor!
November 11, 2016 at 11:51
It is amazing how violently the “liberal left” react when they do not get their way. I am shocked at the protests etc. in the US over the results. 100% agree “Just hate, Hate and more friggen hate”
*yes, I know “liberal left” is a generalisation and that not all “liberals” of “leftist” are like this.
Darren Peach
November 11, 2016 at 11:52
Yeah, I am disillusioned with all of it. But you are right.
Darren Peach
November 11, 2016 at 11:52
Yeah, I am disillusioned with all of it. But you are right.
For the Emperor!
November 11, 2016 at 11:57
Perhaps rather than “liberal left” I should say “Trump Hate Train”
HvR
November 11, 2016 at 11:59
You get liberal, person with left leaning political and social views who will debate like a rational person.
Then you get libtards, the left version of the conservatist tea party bible thumper. Irrational idiots who’s only reply to an attempt to a rational conversation is yelling BIGOT RACIST PRIVILEGE. They think because the yell the loudest they are the majority. And think posting BS on social media is changing the world. They have no real concept of democracy go into the streets in mobs beating up people, burning property as soon as someone doesn’t fully agree with them and their “safe space”.
For the Emperor!
November 11, 2016 at 12:01
“libtards” – LOVE IT!
Matthew Holliday
November 11, 2016 at 12:36
-Vocal minority always take precedence of the silent majority.
-People will always find an excuse for violence.
Glenn Kisela
November 11, 2016 at 19:13
I won’t argue that the Left has lost it’s way. That’s a debatable statement but I can completely understand why many feel that way. But simplifying it to just hate is wrong. I don’t believe the Left has degenerated to that level. I just think there is so much misunderstanding & extremists on both sides that moderate dialogue is almost impossible. And that’s a huge problem.
Chris Summers
November 11, 2016 at 11:51
https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/84ef5ab8fbdd6705f2b9acd1994a3e9a80ba6111b0c62ae1785474235f731685.jpg
Hammersteyn_hates_Raid0
November 11, 2016 at 11:51
HAH!
Chris Summers
November 11, 2016 at 11:55
https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/84db46e16ea777ee6e34ffe26dd18da3ec7eaa1bd693b40b9259eee19e2a025d.jpg
Chris Summers
November 11, 2016 at 12:00
https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/464d798554d0f26290e043e3c7810867b2b78c6ba14ebf30a2f1f7fb8171fc2e.png
Chris Summers
November 11, 2016 at 12:02
https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/19b165c3a7cffc2982525142d54655aa76c35f9a7dae8c9b27c8b0459f8560a2.jpg
Chris Summers
November 11, 2016 at 12:03
And let’s not forget…..
https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/4fe0c9157c2c4d7069f18ba13e00db16893c759f7d67e072eef0dd5c951bf98a.jpg
Hammersteyn_hates_Raid0
November 11, 2016 at 12:08
Gonna see a lot more of her now
Darren Peach
November 11, 2016 at 12:18
When I first saw Trump on CNN post election walking with his wife, I burst out laughing. His foreign wife is now going to be first lady. Then it occurred to me, That’s America.
Hammersteyn_hates_Raid0
November 11, 2016 at 12:19
Clinton’s News Network
http://www.jookos.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/cnn-hillary-clinton.jpg
Raptor Rants
November 11, 2016 at 13:22
Someone please give her a hamburger. She looks like she’s starving.
I also hope this doesn’t start a fresh round of advertising what a woman should or shouldn’t look like.
RinceThis
November 11, 2016 at 13:22
you know it man! First things, look white! MERICA!
HvR
November 11, 2016 at 13:33
Resisting the temptation to make a very crude joke about Trump Sausage Subway.
Sies and people wonder if he is really a billionaire, she is proof.
Chris Summers
November 11, 2016 at 16:40
Maybe we can give her a few hamburgers so she packs on 40kg and we tint her hair blue. That should appease the libtard crowd somewhat surely?
Raptor Rants
November 11, 2016 at 19:03
Wait… Blue hair? Are we making an anime character? Yes! Make it so!
Chris Summers
November 11, 2016 at 19:56
We are making Laura Shortridge, queen of the libtards! In order for her to appear, we’d need to close the comment section though, her style is more preaching from above than debating.
Andre Fourie
November 12, 2016 at 11:44
I really cant stand that woman.
Dawid Eduard Roestorf
November 11, 2016 at 11:54
A racially fueled article that will only divide. I am really getting tired of these.
Hammersteyn_hates_Raid0
November 11, 2016 at 11:58
Tbh this is the first time I’ve seen the word whitelash.
Dawid Eduard Roestorf
November 11, 2016 at 12:01
It is the first time I also see the word, but the article itself, it is the same as all the other articles with a racial undertone. I am really tired of it. The article quoted in this has the exact same tone to this one.
Hammersteyn_hates_Raid0
November 11, 2016 at 12:07
Articles like these are uncomfortable to read for most people, myself included. It makes me feel ashamed to be part of a demographic that’s being perceived as either privileged, racist and now very, very angry. Even though I’m none of those. I just want to reach rank 5 in Iron Banner in peace.
Dawid Eduard Roestorf
November 11, 2016 at 12:11
The scary thing on Iron Banner, first character takes about 8 hours, then 4 hours after than you have 3 characters at rank 5 O_o
Darren Peach
November 11, 2016 at 12:14
Is Destiny your safe space ? 😉
Hammersteyn_hates_Raid0
November 11, 2016 at 12:15
Not really, I get f****d in PVP most of the times XD
Dawid Eduard Roestorf
November 11, 2016 at 12:21
Roflmao, far from it at least it’s better than COD
Darren Peach
November 11, 2016 at 12:23
For the first time in my life, I actually hate COD multiplayer. It’s too white. Also, I get pwned all the time.
Glenn Kisela
November 11, 2016 at 19:16
Yes, because it’s a new term. Hence me explaining it & it’s origin in the article.
Hammersteyn_hates_Raid0
November 14, 2016 at 07:55
Sad really, but necessary it would seem
Glenn Kisela
November 11, 2016 at 19:15
Racially fueled article? You mean, an article tacking racial issues is now a racially fueled article?
Well, given that the issues I’m discussing centre primarily around race, it would be kind of weird if it didn’t delve into race.
You know who else is tired? People that have to keep repeating the same message in the hope that people will finally understand the issues that are being raised & that everyone will finally come to the table & have honest, real discussions & work together to fix what’s wrong with the world.
Andre Fourie
November 12, 2016 at 11:47
You chose the wrong forum and Im sorry but that is exactly what your article is and what you intended. Way to go. You just shat on a great website.
For the Emperor!
November 11, 2016 at 11:55
Since this is a political site now, how about some John Oliver comedy regarding the Trump election? This is funny, I promise 🙂
Hammersteyn_hates_Raid0
November 11, 2016 at 11:56
There’s gonna be Trump comedy for the next four years. Even more than when Bush was in office
40 Insane Frogs
November 13, 2016 at 17:01
It’s going to be a comedy goldmine. 😀
Umar
November 11, 2016 at 12:02
“There needs to be a better approach to fighting bigotry and creating the inclusive world so many of us are fighting for.”
“the lack of nuance led to it all falling on not just deaf, but angry ears”
I like this. This frustrates me the most. There are always 2 extreme sides to the spectrum with each one pulling in opposite directions while screaming at the top of their lungs. The end result?…Nothing happens, and the real issue just straddles along in the middle. Like you mentioned, GG actually brought to light pertinent and important issues surrounding gaming and games media, but we all knew how that ended up. In the same breath, a lot of struggle to overcome racism and bigotry is often drowned out by extreme activists. The true issues never gets addressed.
At the end of the day, most of us want the same thing, but we have to come to a common ground. It’s not about blaming white people, and like Glenn said, it’s about uplifting those whose voices have been ignored. We have to understand that there undeniable truths in this world, but the point of this article, and where Glenn is coming from, is not to isolate men or white people but it is that we should all just work together to overcome the problems in not just gaming but society as well.
So…..hugs? I’ve been a part of this community for a long time, and we’re all about positivity and welcoming everyone with open arms.
Hammersteyn_hates_Raid0
November 11, 2016 at 12:10
Massive hugs to everyone, ELE dammit before I lose my shit!
http://i.imgur.com/LDDzqkx.gif
Glenn Kisela
November 11, 2016 at 19:19
It’s really frustrating for me because I really wasn’t trying to target white men & paint them as these evil people. But you also have to be honest about why things are the way they are.
Issues will always polarise people initially, but the hope is that everyone takes a moment to breathe deeply & then get together & work through it all together.
Super idealistic I know, but yeah.
Honestly, the LGZ community generally is really rad & open, but discussing topics like this still seems to be such a hurdle for so many. It’s disheartening & I really wish people could look past their personal bias & engage in a healthy & constructive manner.
Mighty Meh
November 12, 2016 at 08:06
I just woke up but I’ll try and give my 2 cents as to why people are peeved.
If you have an activity, call it competitive head butting, and this activity attracts a certain group, say bald Russians. When a not bald, polish man joins in he might come across a few unkind, backward individuals in his headbutting endeavours. Instead of addressing the issue at hand (there will always be assholes in any activity), he goes and writes an article saying that all bald Russians are at fault whether they feel so or not and should fix past mistakes.
After hearing this sort of thing on every news site nearly every day people are going to get annoyed and as you say whitelash, especially when they find it invades their one space they assumed was immune to racial divides.
I feel like your newly invented “whitelash” is a self for filling prophecy. You cant label someone and then say your label is justified when there is a backlash. Is the only way for me not to whitelash to fake a smile and stay quiet?
Disclaimer- I have nothing against bald Russians or competitive headbutting
Skittle
November 11, 2016 at 12:03
It was only a matter of time for Trump and white people bashing made it too Lazygamer. We Huffington Post now?
Gavin Mannion
November 11, 2016 at 12:30
We are open to all viewpoints…
Thats_How_I_Troll
November 11, 2016 at 12:36
Don’t be a hypocrite, because you know for a fact that you are not open to all viewpoints.
Dawid Eduard Roestorf
November 11, 2016 at 13:42
I am happy you are open to all viewpoints. and that is good, But then also accept the fact that if I am being vilified and insulted by a writer for your site, I will pack my bags and go read articles somewhere else.
You can raise issues like these without trying to be controversial and insulting.
Glenn Kisela
November 11, 2016 at 19:22
How was I insulting? I’ve explicitly stated that I understand why white men feel targeted & uncomfortable.
This article wasn’t about saying white men are evil or devils or whatever everyone seems to feel.
It was about stating an issue & discussing how we can solve it TOGETHER.
That people feel attacked honestly just goes back to the point I made that many can’t see past their own privilege.
I’m not trying to vilify anyone or attack any demographic. I’m merely stating an obvious and researched issue & discussing how best we can tackle it & solve it together.
Alien Emperor Trevor
November 11, 2016 at 12:04
You know what? No. I’m sick & tired of overblown rhetoric casting white men as the villain in the world’s glorious pity party. This is all so much more complicated than a few Twitter labels.
Can every PoC please stop calling me white – call me a non-person of privilege instead. Because that’s what I hear. And it makes me stop listening. Congratulations.
Umar
November 11, 2016 at 12:20
It’s not like that, dude….
Darren Peach
November 11, 2016 at 12:22
If he and I and many others get that impression, How can you say it’s not like that ? Honest question ?
Umar
November 11, 2016 at 12:27
Because this place has never been about attacking certain races. This article is being taken as a personal attack, when it’s not only being stated that it’s not but it’s also about including everyone.
Darren Peach
November 11, 2016 at 12:42
But there is a sentiment that needs to be taken into account. I pose this question, As we are forced to look at ourselves in a critical way, maybe the left movement should ask itself, Are we going too far ? You can’t expect only one demographic to be self critical. And in all fairness, Every time there is a article posted on this website that dips into political topics, it normally has a slanted view on white men.
Umar
November 11, 2016 at 14:55
…..It’s not about left or right
Darren Peach
November 11, 2016 at 15:22
Judging by the bias in the media and the complete polarization across the political spectrum I would argue that left and right politics offer a refuge to those who have contrasting views. Hence me talking in terms of left and right. So it is about left vs right because that is what politics have devolved into, meaningless labels that serve to alienate and hurt.
I am somewhat heartened by the fact that so many have voiced their concern and fundamentally object to the state of the media and the trite b.s. they constantly spew. And if the comments on this forum are anything to go by, The media is out of touch with reality and many feel that being portrayed in such a negative way is getting a tad old and completely unacceptable.
What concerns me is the abject arrogance that is shown by writers and reporters on many platforms, including this one. This is the first time I have seen the Lagz community stand up to what can be easily conceived as propaganda or rhetoric with no recourse.
Glenn Kisela
November 11, 2016 at 19:24
“If he and I and many others get that impression” – Based on the comments I’ve been reading so far, it’s predominantly white men that feel that way.
What a shock that the people I’m addressing are the ones that feel the most negative towards this.
How about everyone takes a moment to stop feeling personal injustice & just read & listen to what I’m saying. If you did, you would see that I’m not attacking white men. If anything, I’ve openly admitted that I can see why they feel like the whole world is against them. I get that.
Darren Peach
November 14, 2016 at 12:13
Your article is very arrogant and dismissive. Why do you feel the need to preach to us ? It comes across as very presumptuous and spiteful. What makes you the moral authority ? All you do is write words. My father taught me more than you ever will through his actions and subtle lessons when I grew up during the transition of our country. Every time some SJW posts some article or video, It has very little practical value to me.
Dresden
November 11, 2016 at 12:30
His statements in this article were very subjective and short-sighted. I usually enjoy his articles but this one was clearly written to provoke.
Like others are saying, he had some good points, but nobody will notice if he conveys it in the way he just did.
Umar
November 11, 2016 at 12:37
I don’t know if the aim was to provoke, and yeah, it can come across as a bit aggressive, but given what has happened with a person like Trump winning the presidency, I find the tonal shift in his writing to be understandable. Again, I just don’t want people to take it as a personal attack, and maybe that’s wrong of me, people are allowed to react however they want, but I guess I’m too emotionally invested in this place and the community…
Dresden
November 11, 2016 at 13:14
That’s not wrong of you and you are 100% correct that people shouldn’t take this personally even if it does incite some anger (as it did in me as well I have to admit).
Darren Peach
November 11, 2016 at 14:24
God dam dude. You are missing the point There has been plenty of provocation and aggression in politics of late. Maybe we can do with less of both…..
Alien Emperor Trevor
November 11, 2016 at 12:53
I know it’s not intended that way, but after a while that’s what it starts sounding like. This is such a massive complicated issue, but it seems like no one wants to ever ask… why, and then listen to the answer. Instead it’s just easy answers that fit a preconceived notion.
Umar
November 11, 2016 at 14:59
I understand. I know it seems one-sided…but yeah. Just wanted to say it ain’t that way.
Lord Chaos
November 14, 2016 at 09:07
Came here just to upvote.
Easy to complain, but apparently impossible to try and do something for oneself.
Charl van der Merwe
November 11, 2016 at 12:07
https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/21cda4a71a6783ca695ca51ae6368bec8de2ae23bb3d726d5a3a4fa13f7ddcd6.jpg
Glenn Kisela
November 11, 2016 at 19:25
Thanks for your super insightful contribution to a serious issue. Many thanks.
Charl van der Merwe
November 14, 2016 at 08:11
try reading the comments to get a feel of a websites general atmosphere of the regular commentators before making dumb comments 😉 Nothing is serious at LazyGamer
Zoe Hawkins
November 12, 2016 at 08:47
Maybe you aren’t privileged. Here, there’s a test you can take to see just how many privileges you might have had that others haven’t. (and yes, I know it’s stupid Buzzfeed, but it’s still a well done test)
https://www.buzzfeed.com/regajha/how-privileged-are-you?utm_term=.rayqLwdrP#.apLyJWEVL
HvR
November 13, 2016 at 10:15
Do not think that test works well in an South African context.
Majority of Afrikaans white cisgendered males between 25 and 35 think will probably score close to what I scored 44/100. And the liberal media definitely wants the majority of middle aged white Afrikaans males to be privileged; Cape Talk presenters told me this the other day.
Charl van der Merwe
November 14, 2016 at 08:29
The problem with that survey is it mixes too many avoidable and unavoidable aspects of Privilege.
For instance losing a parent is usually Unavoidable, but graduating high school is avoidable with good parenting and financial planning.
Privilege is such a loose and dirty word in South Africa these days, you could have been a huge proponent against Apartheid and fought hard for equality but you planned your finances and raised your children correctly putting them through college, and all of sudden your children are now labelled this dirty “privileged” label and the children are subjugated into guilty feelings because of an ignorant and entitled movement.
Or you could have been raised in a broken home and put yourself through college and through hard work have achieved success in your chosen career, guess what, you’re a dirty privileged abuser of the system now….
At the moment, anyone who through whatever means have achieved success is labelled ‘privileged’
by those that actively vote in a corrupt party that is selling the country’s future away for self enrichment.
Ironic isn’t it.
Ottokie
November 11, 2016 at 12:18
I’m white and male. Am I a bad person?
Darren Peach
November 11, 2016 at 12:19
That depends…. Do you walk around reflecting your whiteness to the world ? If yes, Then you probably are.
Dawid Eduard Roestorf
November 11, 2016 at 12:20
Actually, it is more along the lines, do you get out of bed, then yes, you are.
Ottokie
November 11, 2016 at 12:24
Whenever someone needs to blame someone they whip out the white male scapegoat.
Alien Emperor Trevor
November 11, 2016 at 13:11
I reflect my whiteness everywhere, my skin doesn’t tan at all. Once I even got accused of giving someone else second-hand sunburn. 😉
Andre Fourie
November 12, 2016 at 11:49
WTF is whiteness?
Hammersteyn_hates_Raid0
November 11, 2016 at 12:25
I’ve got tanned arms, a pink belly and white legs… I might be an ice cream
https://d262ilb51hltx0.cloudfront.net/max/800/0*xBkP81LEYM3dJmb9.png
HvR
November 11, 2016 at 12:30
Naaipolitans Unite
Raptor Rants
November 11, 2016 at 13:51
you used naai on purpose didn’t you?
HvR
November 11, 2016 at 13:54
maybe
Umar
November 11, 2016 at 12:30
No. You’re a wonderful anime person 😀
Ottokie
November 11, 2016 at 12:33
http://www.lovethisgif.com/uploaded_images/80481-United.-Page-8-Gilden-Von-Elga-The-Official-Fiesta-Online-….gif
Umar
November 11, 2016 at 12:38
Awwwww, Tiga * pats head *
Ottokie
November 11, 2016 at 12:39
Makes me remember the good old days when I was just becoming an anime addict 😛
Umar
November 11, 2016 at 12:42
And now you’re max level lol
http://i2.kym-cdn.com/entries/icons/facebook/000/015/231/ngbbs43cddec7e2b26.jpg
Ottokie
November 11, 2016 at 12:43
I watched Orange last week… It broke my heart. I’m still recovering xD
Umar
November 11, 2016 at 13:42
Oh God. I’ve been saving that. It looked like a heart wrencher
Ottokie
November 11, 2016 at 13:47
Forget about trying to sleep the night after you finish it
40 Insane Frogs
November 14, 2016 at 11:55
lol Dave Chapelle is the man, did you watch his Walking Dead skit?
Umar
November 14, 2016 at 15:49
Yup! lol His SNL monologue was fantastic too. Been way too long.
Glenn Kisela
November 11, 2016 at 19:25
Ugh. It’s not at all about that. Being white & male doesn’t inherently make you a bad person.
That’s not at all the point of this article. At all.
40 Insane Frogs
November 14, 2016 at 14:39
Did you oppress people of colour (I really hate this term)? If yes. You are a bad person. If no, you are a bad person 😛
Ottokie
November 11, 2016 at 12:31
Just a quick check. Open find (“Ctrl” + “F”). Now do a search for the word “white” and then word “black” and check the total found. (exclude the comments section if you want)
Pariah ???
November 11, 2016 at 12:32
I’m lazy. I visit Lazy gamer. Just gief numbaz
Hammersteyn_hates_Raid0
November 11, 2016 at 12:34
This!
Hammersteyn_hates_Raid0
November 11, 2016 at 12:35
The lazy part I might add
Ottokie
November 11, 2016 at 12:35
21 – 0
If you want all people to be people then just call them people.
Pariah ???
November 11, 2016 at 12:36
That’s a very white person thing to say neh?
Ottokie
November 11, 2016 at 12:36
I know right
Hammersteyn_hates_Raid0
November 11, 2016 at 12:36
Or humans and when humans aren’t killing each other and work together instead Star Trek can finally happen
Raptor Rants
November 11, 2016 at 12:33
Ok I am going to reply. First I am going to try calm down over the fact that you chose only comments like :
It’s not true!
It doesn’t matter!
Don’t bring SJW Politics into gaming!
We were here first!
And miss the ones that are actually contributing to the main argument you originally posted by being thoughtful, agreeable or sometimes disagreeing but without attacking:
“I imagine it’s a lot like a death by 1000 cuts – it’s easy to brush off a “funny” racist/sexist/whatever comment from some random, it’s when there’s a constant bombardment of them that it stops being fun for the target.”
“I really can’t stand racism. And I really don’t get why people still want to discriminate on others according to their race.
People who still do that need to get their shit together. ”
“I do recognize the problems, but i see no solutions (that actually work) in this article.”
“the major factor to be considered as mentioned in the article is “economically unequal” this negatively impacts others as they do not have access to gaming equipment.”
“Gaming is a luxury not a right. So if you want a pc or console for gaming work for it.”
Anyway, while I calm down first I will start preparing my argument and how I feel that the way you presented your argument in this second article was a far shot from the great first one you did and how I feel it will cause a bigger divide instead of trying to close it
Pariah ???
November 11, 2016 at 12:46
tl;dr
Hammersteyn_hates_Raid0
November 11, 2016 at 12:47
NO! You beat me to it. Look at the effort I put into my comment 🙁
Ottokie
November 11, 2016 at 12:49
You had like 15 minutes xD
Hammersteyn_hates_Raid0
November 11, 2016 at 12:49
Right, like I just sit and read comments every single minute from behind my desk 😛
Pariah ???
November 11, 2016 at 12:50
No, but you do upvote.
Hammersteyn_hates_Raid0
November 11, 2016 at 12:51
That takes like a split second with my skills I learned in FPS games
Admiral Chief - N7
November 11, 2016 at 12:52
WITH “OFFICE EQUIPMENT”
It will take you MINUTES to upvote with controller
Hammersteyn_hates_Raid0
November 11, 2016 at 12:53
It would take forever, because I’d simply not bother
Pariah ???
November 11, 2016 at 12:54
You play FPS games? You must be a mass murderer then. DIE MASS MURDERER DIE*.
*Because singular murder is somehow ok when it’s against someone who doesn’t share your views or falls in a stereotype or when you’re an activist.
I claim the 5th.
Hammersteyn_hates_Raid0
November 11, 2016 at 12:56
I’ve killed millions(in gaming) some would call me a conqueror
Hammersteyn_hates_Raid0
November 11, 2016 at 12:47
Where’s @Admiral_Chief:disqus ? Don’t worry. I’ll fill in
TL;DR
Pariah ???
November 11, 2016 at 12:47
lel. I’m not Admiral. But. You know.
Hammersteyn_hates_Raid0
November 11, 2016 at 12:48
Heh, works just as well
Admiral Chief - N7
November 11, 2016 at 12:48
I wanted to, but rather did the upvote thing. As this is serious
Hammersteyn_hates_Raid0
November 11, 2016 at 12:48
It is serious, but this is also Lazygamer
Admiral Chief - N7
November 11, 2016 at 12:49
tl;dr
Alien Emperor Trevor
November 11, 2016 at 13:09
Hey, one of those is mine. 😀
Glenn Kisela
November 11, 2016 at 19:34
I think, given that I’m usually the person that bears the brunt of any reaction to articles I’ve written, I’d be able to gauge the general reactions to articles I’ve written. Yes, I had some really positive reactions here on LGZ & prior to this article some have been rather supportive & understanding.
But that doesn’t include the hate I was thrown by Gamergate supporters. That doesn’t include the real life, every day experiences I have to face. So sorry that a few comments on LGZ doens’t negate all the negative I’ve had to deal with on a regular basis.
This article is being perceived as worse because I tackled a controversial subject & hit a nerve. I’ve openly admitted that the world feels hostile to white men in general. I get that, absolutely. But you also need to understand where I’m coming from with the rest of the article.
This was not an attack on white men nor was it an attempt to demonize them all. The first step to dealing with an issue is acknowledging it. Hence, we need to acknowledge that whitelash is a very real thing.
Raptor Rants
November 11, 2016 at 20:01
What is a real thing, sadly, is that groups are seeing other groups as bad. I know that racism and sexism is rife, but to specifically calling out white boy clubs is doing the exact opposite of helping. It’s causing rifts and barriers. A better approach would be to make it clear that there is no single group at fault but rather the gaming community at large. Either through action or inaction.
I’m sorry, but as much as I agree there is a problem that needs to be dealt with, I do not agree that it should be focused on specific groups.
Raptor Rants
November 11, 2016 at 20:03
I’d also like to point out that I get that you take the brunt of attacks when writing these. But you cannot use the bad to invalidate the good. Just remember there are folks on your side and they come from all walks of life.
Thats_How_I_Troll
November 11, 2016 at 12:35
So you must be the EFF spokesperson of the Gaming world? This site really has gone to shit in the last couple of years…
RinceThis
November 11, 2016 at 12:50
That sir, is a damn fine article. I commend you.
Glenn Kisela
November 11, 2016 at 19:34
Thanks Rince, I appreciate that!
Dr le Quack
November 11, 2016 at 12:53
Why does a gaming news website need to have a dude that just posts about politics? If I wanted shit like that I would go to another news site.
RinceThis
November 11, 2016 at 12:54
Well if politics can get involved in gaming, why not the other way around?
Admiral Chief - N7
November 11, 2016 at 12:55
I get what you are saying, however, there are many other fine articles on the site, no need to read each one.
I know I NEVER read Darryn’s WWE crap, most likely just to troll him on it.
Hammersteyn_hates_Raid0
November 11, 2016 at 12:57
[mssc]
Admiral Chief - N7
November 11, 2016 at 12:57
Yes, that one
Gavin Mannion
November 11, 2016 at 13:03
Glenn writes editorials targeting things in the gaming world that matter to him at the moment.. we post hundreds of other articles so you’re safe though
Deceased
November 11, 2016 at 12:55
I’m just pointing this out – no need to take me seriously – but please, next time we do the:
“The reactions to these articles are often the same” bit… Please include the following:
“I don’t care whether you’re white, black, yellow, female, male, transgender, none of the above – I work hard to support my hobby – my gender or race has nothing to do with it – behind the keyboard/monitor – I am NONE of the above – I am simply a gamer – I respect each and every other gamer on the server that I’m playing – I don’t use derogatory terms towards others – when I find someone new to the game – I don’t go out of my way to call them a noob – I rather try to explain mechanics to them and improve their experience of the game – simply put: GAMING MOTHERFUCKER, DO YOU GET IT”
You can remove the last part if it doesn’t suit you – but that is 100% my attitude towards gaming and the gaming community
( Also – just putting it out there – the love that people have for making harmless nerds look like these incredible monsters is mind-blowing to me – looking at you Anita – but that may be attributed to me growing up outside of this Politically Correct generation )
Ottokie
November 11, 2016 at 13:01
Indeed. Whenever I have someone raging on me in game I have no bloody idea if he is white or black. Same with people commenting here. I have no idea. So just keep the bloody topic on gaming.
Admiral Chief - N7
November 11, 2016 at 13:00
I’m a white male gamer. The only thing I’m proud of, is being a gamer. And not even “proud” in the sense of flaunting or abusing it. No. Just proud to myself that I have an awesome hobby/interest that allows me to escape the kak of everyday drama.
FUS RO Outta here
konfab
November 11, 2016 at 13:01
The left wants to get rid of racism and sexism by telling white men that they are the scum of the earth.
Even now after the world has seen the inevitable reaction to this, you still have SJWs saying that Trump is the fault of white men and they should be ashamed about it.
Until the left gets rid of the notion of blaming a 20 year old white male gamer for all the sins of the past 400 years, you will not see the end of Trump politics.
Admiral Chief - N7
November 11, 2016 at 13:03
Imagine how gaming will look like after 400 years…
Alien Emperor Trevor
November 11, 2016 at 13:04
VR might finally succeed. 😉
Admiral Chief - N7
November 11, 2016 at 13:06
Star Citizen will have released hopefully
Alien Emperor Trevor
November 11, 2016 at 13:08
Don’t be silly.
Admiral Chief - N7
November 11, 2016 at 13:09
Ok fine, Beta
For the Emperor!
November 11, 2016 at 17:04
By that time, I want a bloody Holo-deck in my house! Yes, I will live that long 🙂
konfab
November 11, 2016 at 13:09
konfab
November 11, 2016 at 13:04
Video related
Hammersteyn_hates_Raid0
November 11, 2016 at 13:29
Checking privilege everywhere
Alien Emperor Trevor
November 11, 2016 at 13:43
I’m really looking forward to watching this 😀
Hammersteyn_hates_Raid0
November 11, 2016 at 13:46
They’re gonna lock us up in underground dungeons and milk us for our semen
Alien Emperor Trevor
November 11, 2016 at 13:49
You mean I can get someone else to do it? Um… I mean… er….
Hammersteyn_hates_Raid0
November 11, 2016 at 13:50
LOOOOOOL!
HvR
November 11, 2016 at 13:52
MY BODY IS READY!!!!
https://media.lastnightoffreedom.co.uk/images/shop/1/33088/7962-33088-3-1000.jpg
Hammersteyn_hates_Raid0
November 11, 2016 at 13:54
XD XD XD
Hammersteyn_hates_Raid0
November 11, 2016 at 13:54
This is too good
Hammersteyn_hates_Raid0
November 11, 2016 at 13:50
This movie is gonna be so good
Glenn Kisela
November 11, 2016 at 19:36
“Until the left gets rid of the notion of blaming a 20 year old white male gamer for all the sins of the past 400 years, you will not see the end of Trump politics.”
And yet 400 years later, PoC are still living for the sins of their ancestors and that sin was not being white.
Educate yourself before you make such ignorant comments.
For the Emperor!
November 11, 2016 at 21:05
“Educate yourself before you make such ignorant comments” – so many injustices in this world started with LABELS. The Holocaust, Rwanda Genocide, Apartheid to name only a few.
Look, you make greatly valid and thought provoking points in this article, MANY I agree with. But using labels (“white” 23 times?) is going to cause nothing but backlash. You are giving the ammunition to that minority of haters by using such labels. If we cannot discuss these things without using labels, then we are no better than those who are the problem. Please, try to refrain from the “label train”, and your excellent points will not be overshadowed.
LEARN
FROM
HISTORY…
or be doomed to repeat it.
Raptor Rants
November 11, 2016 at 13:02
Let’s first start with your main goal:
“The battle against the white boys’ club in gaming has never been about tearing white men down, it has been about giving a voice and shining a light on those used to be ignored. The greater goal is, and always has been, to make the scene more inclusive and diverse”
Yes, absolutely. Gaming needs to be inclusive enough to allow all walks of life, race, gender and political choices to be able to find a place within the hobby. Whether that’s through games being multi-cultural, casual, serious (as in eSports) etc. There is a niche for all types of gamers and all those types need to be allowed to be whatever they are in life. White, Black, Coloured, male, female etc.
So yes, I agree with your comment. However I feel that the way you are bringing your point across is irresponsible and making “white boys” feel angry instead of making us nod our heads and going “Yeah, I can see what you mean”
Your main purpose is to shine a light on the struggles that other races and genders have had in gaming. Great. Just be careful how you do it.
“The gaming scene doesn’t need to wait for an unexpected whitelash to occur” – Why do you have to color it?
“But let’s do all that without polarising this community even more” – You are doing this in your article:
“It feels like some white men are trying to paint themselves as victims and search for historical evidence to justify that fact.” – How about all the white men fighting for the status quo to change and to embrace inclusiveness? In fact I dare say there are more for change than there are against.
“This battle, based on progressive and inclusive values, feels so personal to them and blinded by privilege, it is hard for many to see past that” More polarising comments. Again, while we can all agree gaming started as a white man thing we must also remember they were still white men labeled as degenerates and nerds and were shunned from normal society by their peers. While this in no way makes any of their actions against other groups ok, the same way they are expected to understand the struggle of others, others need to understand where these “White boys” did come from. It’s not being blinded by priviledge because it wasn’t a priviledge in the early days of gaming to be a gamer. Quite the opposite. I remember being bullied and beaten up in school by black and white alike because I was the weird kid who enjoyed stupid computer games.
“Added to that are the ever present death threats and intimidation tactics utilised by angry mobs of primarily white men ” – Again with labeling white men as the ones doing all the bad things? Please. Stop this.
Here is the very simple truth: It isn’t white men. It’s MEN. Black, white, colored. You name it.
Men are the culprits yes. We all know that many men are very protective over their status and priviledge.
But to constantly going around stating White men? Gaming is no longer filled only by white men. It’s filled by all walks of life and sadly all walks of life have men that would rather throw insults from behind their keyboards.
The real thing that needs to be tackled here is how the community deals with these things. We can argue about white priviledge until the cows come home, but the fact is many white boys, myself included, do not stand for sexism and racism in gaming. When we see it happen we report it. We bring it to light. We shine the light on the ones causing the kak. There is a white boys club fighting for the inclusiveness of others. There are black boys clubs doing so too. And colored boys clubs. And white woman’s clubs. And black woman’s clubs. And Colored woman’s clubs.
There are LGBTQ clubs, We don’t care about your background clubs, we don’t care about your wealth clubds, we will stand up for anyone clubs.
There are people of all walks of life getting involved in trying to solve the hate that is in the gaming industry.
But to go around creating terms like “Whitelash” or “white boys clubs” or stating that it’s mostly white boys that do the harm is not the way to go because it is an attack on people like myself as well who will never judge a fellow gamer based on anything but their… their…. You know what… There’s no reason I can think of that would make me judge a fellow gamer!
Console? Good for you! I started on a Famicon!
PC? Hey! My platform! You’re cool.
Handheld? Oh man some of my best memories
Phone? Well I like my battery life, how do you get around it? Cool for you though.
Racist comment? GITFS! You are reported! Also I am posting this proof everywhere I can
Sexist attack? GITFS! You are reported! Also I am posting this proof everywhere I can
LGBTQ attack? GITFS! You are reported! Also I am posting this proof everywhere I can. Also who gave you the right to judge others? It’s not your right or place to do so, so leave them be! I have never fallen ill because someone is gay or otherwise. It has no effect on my life whatsoever.
What gets me the most is that I have to actually give examples like this to let people see that there are those that care and believe me there are more White Boys that care than those who don’t.
The ones making white boys look bad are the white boys with loud voices and people who keep labeling white boys as the problem.
/rant
Admiral Chief - N7
November 11, 2016 at 13:06
Not too long, did read, fully agree
Deceased
November 11, 2016 at 13:09
^ This guy gets it 🙂
Makes me happy
Hammersteyn_hates_Raid0
November 11, 2016 at 13:10
Phone? Well I like my battery life, how do you get around it? Cool for you though.
LOL!
Admiral Chief - N7
November 11, 2016 at 13:15
“Filthy casual” he added sotto voce
Raptor Rants
November 11, 2016 at 13:20
In fact. What should be fought against is the silent people. Regardless of gender, race etc.
If you ignore sexism and racism then you are as bad as the ones being racist etc.
Let’s stop labeling groups and instead focus on getting those that are quiet to stand up and voice.
Raptor Rants
November 11, 2016 at 13:43
And I’ve had a thought. Labeling people as “white boys clubs” has the same impact and logical sense to it as the US’s way of using that College vote thing. Where your win depends on the states you win and not the amount of people who actually agree with you or against you.
White boys club carries more weight and so makes it appear that all white men are of this club whereas the truth is far from it.
HvR
November 11, 2016 at 13:50
BTW on that subject
The electrol college vote thing for president in combination with direct presentation house of representatives and the staggered 2 year vote cycle with the directly represented state senate system actually do make sense. Complicated as hell but actually ensure multiple level of accountability, fair representation of both rural area and safety measure to stop one political group from taking full control.
Not like our “wonderfull” direct representation system where Number 1 can do what he please and places like PE and East London do not matter.
Lot of EU countries also going to be envious of the “stupid US” system when far right parties take control next year.
Raptor Rants
November 11, 2016 at 13:53
Shush! I’m trying to make a point that a labeled item caries more weight than an individual item.
Stop politikin-sensing me! 😛
But yes, I get you. The same argument can be said that without the label the weight of the fight against it caries less weight too. But one must be so careful not to alienate the ones that would stand with you by making them feel marginilised.
Thats_How_I_Troll
November 11, 2016 at 13:06
I hate to bring up Black Privilege… You know, like AA, BEE, BBEEE, BBBEEE, PDI and the list goes on… I blame Black privilege for complaining about white privilege. Black privilege is falling behind on everything, and somehow make that the white man’s problem and blaming the “white privilege”… I guess development is the the White Man’s greatest downfall… Since we should rather not contribute to society and keep the world from developing, so that we don’t hurt the feelings of other races… Is this really what the world has become?
Mossel
November 11, 2016 at 13:13
Everybody love everybody.
Guild
November 11, 2016 at 13:16
Thought provoking article that is bound to get both sides of the coin with agreement and hate. So I’ll put this put this out there:
I enjoy my hobby and love Gaming……nothing else to it. I just like Gaming.
Hammersteyn_hates_Raid0
November 11, 2016 at 13:36
But how do you enjoy it without your PS4?
Sageville
November 11, 2016 at 13:36
That’s cold….
Instant upvote
Hammersteyn_hates_Raid0
November 11, 2016 at 13:37
a cold middle finger from him maybe XD
We’re all teasing him now, but he’ll have the last laugh
Sageville
November 11, 2016 at 13:36
It’s almost like some people just want to play games….
Hammersteyn_hates_Raid0
November 11, 2016 at 13:36
Madness I tell you
CongoKyle
November 11, 2016 at 13:24
https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/fd4f6134a88d0134b55938fd8bf8dc641f39974beefe7f92107d90b7f1499a4f.jpg
Pariah ???
November 11, 2016 at 15:44
LOL!!!!!
Dungeon of JJ
November 11, 2016 at 13:29
Well this Friday took a turn for the worse
Hammersteyn_hates_Raid0
November 11, 2016 at 13:31
You’re just saying that because you’re a white male, ah crap I just assumed your race and gender haven’t I?
Raptor Rants
November 11, 2016 at 13:38
Yeah! He’s gender-less hair…. thing….
HvR
November 11, 2016 at 13:38
Like Trump?
Hammersteyn_hates_Raid0
November 11, 2016 at 13:38
Does that make @Dungeon of JJ:disqus president of Lagz?
HvR
November 11, 2016 at 13:39
I do not know. lets vote on it?
BTW I’m a fat ass so my vote counts as 2 electrol college votes
Hammersteyn_hates_Raid0
November 11, 2016 at 13:41
We’ll all end up voting for Harambe
Admiral Chief - N7
November 11, 2016 at 14:07
Finally, people won’t look at my funny when I whip it out
Raptor Rants
November 11, 2016 at 13:41
But majority/popularity vote doesn’t count. Only college votes (Aka: Labeling)
Dungeon of JJ
November 11, 2016 at 13:52
Please. No, I trust Geoff. I don’t trust my own ability.
Dungeon of JJ
November 11, 2016 at 13:51
That’s the biggest insult I’ve ever received!
HvR
November 11, 2016 at 13:53
Achievement Unlocked: Troll level 9000!!!!!!
Hammersteyn_hates_Raid0
November 11, 2016 at 13:38
BWAHAHAHA
Dungeon of JJ
November 11, 2016 at 13:51
Come and say that to my brow!
Raptor Rants
November 11, 2016 at 13:54
*goes to Discord*
Dungeon of JJ
November 11, 2016 at 13:39
I’m saying this because I have no interest in joining this convo.
Hammersteyn_hates_Raid0
November 11, 2016 at 13:44
Convoy?
Convolution?
Conversion?
*Pulls @johnambitious:disqus in for a conversation 😛
Dungeon of JJ
November 11, 2016 at 13:53
Yea, you were right with Convoy. Damn your detective skillz!
Hammersteyn_hates_Raid0
November 11, 2016 at 13:54
Grammar is fun, except when I try to use it
miaau
November 11, 2016 at 14:29
Agreed.
Nice.
Sageville
November 11, 2016 at 13:33
…and Geoff tried to make some other FFD….oh how we laughed and laughed….
Sovereign
November 11, 2016 at 14:32
I do not think that anyone should feel bad or apologize for the color of their skin, their gender, their orientation, or their religion. That includes a straight, god fearing, white man such as myself. This will be the 1st time in my adult life that I feel like I have a President that at least partially represents me, and has some of my interests at heart.
Lu
November 11, 2016 at 15:49
Um lets get some stuff straight.
Firstly I have yet to see the pass card given only to white dudes allowing them buy computers and consoles. ANYONE can buy a gaming system.
South Africa’s 2011 Census shows a population of 76.4% Black vs 9.1% White. The problem isn’t exclusion, its interest.
How else could the minority be the majority in the SA gaming scene? Internationally the pro scene is mainly Asian. Are they the bad guys too? Is the SA football scene racist, or are the white guys rather interested in playing games than football?
Secondly as long as there is anonymity there will be toxicity . Deal with it. If a child spouting nonsense over a microphone hurts your feelings, you seriously need to do some development as a person. There are mute buttons. There are reporting mechanisms. Dota is crazy strict on racism/homophobia actually, and as far as I know LoL is too.
Thirdly please stop beating a dead horse. We get it. “White man bad”. It’s all you ever hear from the government, student activists, unions etc. You have the capacity to write great articles and yet all your articles have the same white shaming undertone. Instead of inflating and focusing on the negative, why not try be constructive as to how the majority population of this country can join the minority, instead of fighting it.
Dota is free. LoL is free. Both are DGL games. Why not start a clan and put a few teams together? Don’t stand in the rain hating those in the house when the door is wide open.
BakedBagel
November 12, 2016 at 08:07
>Writes article about a new “white term”
>Single’s out White men
>”I…Im not targeting you guys. I just want us to solve this problem together”
Yeah, sure Glenn. You’re togetherness was glimmering through this article.
“GG was a disaster that become an angry mob of predominantly men, seeking to bully people out of their space and reclaim it as their own.”
LMAO
M
A
O
You understand that GG was gamers of all colours. In the gaming space. That was theirs. Right?
Zoe Hawkins
November 12, 2016 at 08:52
I am white and I’ve had some amazing privileges because of my family background. I’ve also faced some crap because of my gender, sexuality and religion. But if you’re wondering why people use the term white privilege, just check out this test and see the ways you might be luckier than other people.
https://www.buzzfeed.com/regajha/how-privileged-are-you?utm_term=.rayqLwdrP#.apLyJWEVL
Also, i think this is a fantastic article from Glenn. We ALL need to work together to avoid a whitelash in gaming. I love all my gamer friends, from all walks of life. Yes, most of my gamer friends are white males because most gamers are white males. But most of them understand the need/desire for more representation in gaming. However, if they don’t vote for it with their voices online, with their wallets by buying games that have female or PoC protagonists, then the industry won’t support these movements.
We all have a part to play in making EVERYONE feel more welcome in our community. And when you’re part of the majority, it’s hard to realize how exclusive or intimidating the group can look to someone on the outside. I know I need to do better at it, and I hope to be more welcoming to new people into our crazy, geeky tribe.
Hammersteyn_hates_Raid0
November 14, 2016 at 08:03
I’m not privileged it seems and I was as honest as I could be. But I won’t be identified as such on appearance alone.
Andre Fourie
November 12, 2016 at 11:26
I’m actually very sad to read nonsense like this on one of my favourite websites. Gaming is a hobby (or life) to most people and bringing race and political nonsense into this forum I think is sad. Everything is about race these days and it saddens and pisses me off. No one should have to apologize for their race or colour. I admit I didnt read the article as I got pissed off right at the title. And then people having a go at each other. Sad and sickening. This forum should be colour blind. Please keep it that way and stop with the racial shit. Because that is what it is even if it is sugarcoated. Im looking at you Glen Kisela.
40 Insane Frogs
November 13, 2016 at 16:26
I’m glad that Trump won; hopefully the left will learn from this and drop their whiny crybaby “you’re a racist/homophobe for disagreeing with me” narratives (actually let’s be honest, they’re not going to learn anything from this, because “listen and believe”).
Incidentally, the salt from this last week has been amazing! Thank you Donald Trump. You are truly an inspiration to all members of the orange race!
40 Insane Frogs
November 13, 2016 at 16:29
This!
Hammersteyn_hates_Raid0
November 14, 2016 at 07:56
https://media.giphy.com/media/3oz8xTGBlJuInIKIww/giphy.gif
Hammersteyn_hates_Raid0
November 14, 2016 at 08:08
Thank you for this, I couldn’t agree more.
Admiral Chief - N7
November 14, 2016 at 08:53
Ditto
Admiral Chief - N7
November 14, 2016 at 08:53
Epic, gg Nana
Really enjoyed this
40 Insane Frogs
November 13, 2016 at 17:07
Magoo
November 14, 2016 at 10:02
Replace the words:
“Gaming” with “Soccer (in SA)”
“White boys club” with “Black boys club”
“White-lash” with “Black-lash”
See if you find that offensive, regardless of your personal contribution to the situation.
James Anderton
December 21, 2016 at 13:19
Huh, when did LazyGamer become MTV News?
Huh.
Gardos
January 13, 2017 at 09:47
This is an absolutely brilliant article. Thank you Glenn!