Racism in Gaming: Why This Matters
I have to say I’ve been staring at this article about PewDiePie and his use of the n-word for a few days now, trying to formulate words to express how I feel about the situation. Then someone in one of the comments sections said something that wasn’t unlike many others, though the lengths at which this person went to not only say it was okay because he apologized — and the apology was enough — but even continued to make him out to be the victim of slander for his previous issues. Thus, trying to make those truly victimized by the use of this word feel pity for him instead.
Wait? What? Even if we remove Pewds history of behavior from this situation, this one incident speaks loudly to a huge problem in the streaming/gaming industry. With him being one of the biggest faces of that industry, he absolutely should be held accountable.
So, here are my thoughts. For me, it is not a debate. He absolutely could have apologized better. That better way would have been to not give an excuse as to why that word would be so readily available to his lips. “Other gamers do it” is not an acceptable reason. And I would say that about any streamer.
I talk about this subject very openly when given the chance, but I felt I could not just sit by and say nothing because this should be a dialogue we all are having about how this behavior affects a population of this industry. I encounter racism in this industry and in regular life through multiple facets. Streaming has, however, brought forward the most concentrated amount of racism I have ever encountered in my life. It’s given me a unique glimpse into online harassment and though I knew it was something that I would face, it never makes it normal to just expect it and live with it.
There was no real “interpreting context” with how he said it here. It was quite clear he used the word and he used it to be derogatory. Whether or not PewDiePie has been targeted before for his intent or misconstrued words in the past, this is not one of those instances. Though he is considered a comedian, it was not even said in a way that could even remotely be considered a joke. He said it to hurt and that is exactly what that word has been used for for decades.
Which brings me to another defense from various people on his part. “Why in 2017 are people getting upset over a word?” Um, because it is a word that came hand in hand with oppression. If you are not a POC and continue to question this, that makes you part of the problem. You do not get to tell a minority group still fighting for equality on so many levels a word does not hold any power. That is not how it works. Your view point is moot if you think that because PewDiePie most certainly knew what kind of power that word had when he so easily used it on his stream. In his apology, he does say he used it because it was “the worst word you can think of” which means he knew the words power and still he found it justifiable “in the heat of the moment” to say.
Uhh no… that is not how that works. And the only way you see that working is if you have the privilege of never being on the receiving end of that action.
We see the trend growing. Powerful people making this kind of behavior OK for the rest. There is a fundamental problem already with these kind of actions towards all minority groups in the streaming and gaming industry and him being one of the biggest faces in it means a chunk of people will not care that he apologized but that he will get away with saying it with little to no recourse and that gives them the feeling of freedom to show their hate.
He is not the only one in the industry who does this, but he has now become one of the biggest faces of the “problem.” PewDiePie’s prior issues with the media and the like have nothing to do with this instance and the impact it does have on streamers who are people of color. Streamers like me.
No game play or heated moment makes using racial slurs, sexist terms or a derogatory word ever acceptable and the more people that stand up against this behavior the better. Though when I see how many are making excuses and defending him, it becomes equally disappointing as it is frustrating. I hope for the sake of so many that it does start to change. Until then, I will speak up every chance I get and so should you.
So how can you help? Be an ally! Make this behavior unacceptable and shameful again. Speak up in game voice chat, in stream chat. Never make it seem like it is acceptable by simply being silent. Ban slurs, derogatory terms in your streams and make it a place for all your friends and peers to be comfortable in. It may seem so simple, but the battle is a long fought one and nowhere near won when it comes to those affected by this behavior. Having allies to stand behind us makes us stronger and the community better.
