3rd wave feminism hates Metal Gear Solid?
Let me set the scene. Its the early 20th century, the industrial revolution has changed the world, and politics and worldview seem to become far more progressive. Yet women and their role in society are ignored as issues and swept under the carpet of ignorance. The issues couldn't be brushed off forever and a force of noble women warriors took a stance. The fight was long and hard, but it was won and equality emerged.
They called this force of good feminism, and it stood for gender equality. But after equality surfaced the movement was no longer needed in the western world. Egalitarianism took back its place as the stance for equality and everything seemed generally natural. 2nd wave feminism was followed by some, and it also was responsible for some good in the western world but also some unrest. In what seems to be the last few years or so, a new type of feminism has emerged, and although it claims to fight for equality, it fights for inequality. Some 3rd wave feminists fight for the supremacy over men, others fight for non-stop protection, and some fight for “issues” that don’t concern gender as a factor.
The complete disorganization of the movement began tearing it apart from the inside out. Feminists have taken on the roles of SJW’s constantly reminding their peers to check their privilege or shunning women that don’t identify themselves as feminists. But their outrage doesn’t stop at being directed at other women. Recently, they have focused on the realm of fiction, tearing apart every video game, book or movie to reach audiences.
One of my favourite games of all time, titled “Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain” was nominated for 33 awards and winning 20, including the Arab Nerds (Middle East) — Game of the Show and PlayStation LifeStyle — Best of E3. It is important to remember that it won a Middle Eastern award, as I will be mentioning it later. Metal Gear Solid V, or MGSV as I will be addressing it from now on, showcases a female companion named Quiet. She is a skilled sniper with supernatural abilities and an affinity for Punished “Venom” Snake, the main protagonist of the game.
Quiet is a scantly clad recon unit. She is also a total bad ass. At her first debut during an E3 demo, reactions were mixed. Many fans appreciated Quiets inclusion in the product, as she is a nod to a previous fan favourite character named Sniper Wolf and offers quite the advantage when infiltrating enemy bases. Plus who wouldn't want a character modeled after the lovely Stefanie Joosten. However, there was also a large group of displeased people, fans and non-fans alike and I can understand to an extent. It wouldn’t be very wise to be an elite soldier constantly on the battlefield in only leggings, a tactical belt, gloves, and what appears to be a swimsuit of sorts. However arguments became a lot more radical as time passed, with some stating that the ability to command a female video game character was misogynistic. Unfortunately that’s what happens when you join an army ladies. People with a higher rank can and will tell you what to do. Another argument I heard a lot was the fact that she was a good looking lass without the ability to speak. Although it sounds horrible, it’s what she deserves. In the opening sequence, an unnamed operative (that looks suspiciously like a fully clothed Quiet) attacks a hospitalized Snake. Ishmael, who I will describe as a fellow patient to keep things simple, throws a flammable substance at her and she ignites on fire. It is later explained that her lungs were burnt to a crisp, explaining why she can’t talk.
Despite all of that, there is still one issue. Why is she dressed like that?
Fortunately, it is also explained by Ocelot, one of Snakes best friends. Her supernatural powers allow her to breath through her skin (as her lungs don’t work) and absorb nutrients through the process of photosynthesis among other incredible abilities . With this being said her skin needs exposure to the sun and her breathing can’t be impaired by layers. So it seems it was thought out fairly well from a immersion standpoint. Now, in Middle Eastern countries one would think Quiet’s wardrobe could have caused horrified expressions among gamers. Maybe it did, and maybe it didn’t but clearly they were able to overlook one detail that displeased then to enjoy the final product and award it Game of the Show. If only feminists could learn to look past what may inconsequentially displease them to see the beauty of the entire subject of focus.
I will end it here, as I just wanted to make a small point and get people thinking. Years of dedication were put into this game, as well as hardships between companies, and when it was announced to the public it was torn apart by feminists everywhere for a support character that was optional to use. I’d like to restate my original point, being that feminism is no longer about equality and rather about focusing on details that have no effect on the western world, and in this case the Middle East either.
Thanks,
NorthernZeros
