Throughout ages, art was many things - from quasi-theatrical performances in 2000BC Egypt, to most modern experimental art. From pieper playing for peasants to stage play for nobility. From poems to video games. From simple entertainment, through propaganda, social commentary to being single voice of freedom in totalitarian regime. Art was celebrated as greatest expression of humanity, art was burned on stockpiles. Art was, is and will be many things.
One of great capacities of art is how it can spark debate, one of fundamental things of our society. After all, how can we work on betterment if we don’t identify problem, discuss it and suggest solutions? Problem is “So… lets talk about how 49% of transgenders attempt suicide” is hardly a cocktail party conversation starter. Another problem is that us, gamers, are still somewhat social outcasts - we occupy our little corner of internet, game shops or school corridors and generally keep to ourselves. A lot of us come to gaming to escape it all, a lot of us simply don’t want to give fuck about social issues, only games to be fun.
However, something wonderful happened in our tiny world in last few weeks - a video game sparked debate. How it happened and by what means is of little importance, important is that for a moment people talked about issues people in real life face, in that very moment I learned about the abuse, suicides, homelessness and other issues. Unfortunately, as all great things this too quickly came to pass, for it was almost instantly derailed by 3 simple words:
“I am offended.”
Almost instantly conversation shifted from real world issues to interpretation whether something was offensive or not, whether it should be removed or not. Instead talking about issue many are facing, we're talking about how video game is offensive. You’re offended? Damn right you should be! World is offensive! It’s tragic and unfair, people suffer, starve and die. Children are abused. People travel hundreds miles or more for search of work, because their own country does not provide. Some people have to flee communities they were born in because they're bullied, others have to flee their countries because neighbouring country decided to invade.
A lot of us lead cushy lives, a lot of us simply don’t think about a lot of stuff that’s outside of our tiny world - and there’s nothing wrong with that, it’s hard to think about something if you never faced it. That’s the great thing about video games, they can bring foreign experiences to our lives. All that is moot, however, if conversation is instantly derailed and taken over by faction shouting to ban questionable content, only thing it produces is opposite faction yelling “leave our video games alone”. Screaming “I’m offended” actively overshadows important discussion, only thing it furthers is screamer’s personal popularity.
Some people can say that they still don’t care, that they just want to play good video games, that it’s better to quietly comply, bend over and change what’s questionable, what’s offensive. And it’s fine, you’re well within your rights to say that, one would say that it’s reasonable stance. However, I care. And I think a lot people care too. Please, don’t take this away from us.
