10 Comments »

1. TBD said,

   August 1, 2007 @ 7:44 pm

   It’s a stupid scenario. No one seemed to bitch about killing the Spanish in RE4. Taking on Blacks might be a bit more sensitive to a lot of people with past events and all, but it’s the same thing overall. I guess let’s see how this would go.

2. kauldron26 said,

   August 1, 2007 @ 9:29 pm

   how is it a double standard when white folks in the US were captured, put through slavery, beat up in the sit ins, ostracized, segregated, raped, lynched, and mutilated for 400 yrs. Reasons like this is why there is no double standard. Because the civil rights movement took place and we all like to pretend racism doesnt exist anymore doesnt mean that everything is ok. i dont believe in prejudice, but i do believe in my conviction. i have written thesis upon thesis upon thesis all thru school, but i have grown to realize some folks just wont understand. i dont believe in the race card, however i do believe in affirmative action. its not a perfect concept, but then again the consitution recognizes me as 3/5th human. i could go on and on, but i love to think that when i leave my world and go into the world of anime, anime blogs and msg boards i can avoid this shit and anime is the one thing that brings a bunch of us altogether and then shit pops up like this.

   Now im not saying that the game is racist or it isnt. i have not played it and no nothing about it. but when u say shit like “I’m really sick of the race card. Why? Because it IS a double standard these days. Every time a white guy does ethnic humour, it’s racist. If a black guy does it? FUNNY. Bullshit. I even hate the word “ethnic” because it implies that Caucasians have no ethnicity to speak of.” how do u think that sounds to me??

   There are two definitions of racism. The first definition states that racism is the belief that people of different races differ in value, that these differences can be measured on a ranked, hierarchal scale, and that result in the social, political, and economic advantage of one group in relation to others. The second definition states that racism is a system of oppression; a nexus of racist beliefs, whether explicit, tacit or unconscious; practices; organizations and institutions that combine to discriminate against and societally marginalize a class of people who share a common racial designation, based on that designation.

   According to Nelson, there are three kinds of racism: Modern racism, Symbolic racism and Aversive racism. On page four, on the top we can see an example of modern racism and how the white male chooses to blame his issues of not getting into a certain college on the minority while ignoring everybody else. On the bottom left we have an individual who believes that he is not racist because he doesn’t believe in the ideals of old fashioned racism as see on right. He hides who he is when he believes he is fighting oppression because although he does not agree with it, he believes that some individuals do not deserve certain privileges and rights.
   Modern racism, I believe is the most prevalent form of racism seen today. Modern racist, truly don’t believe they are racist, because they do not exhibit hatred or feelings of superiority. They believe that they believe in the concept of fairness and equality; hence they are against concepts like affirmative action because those opportunities are perceived as special treatment without any hard work. Nelson (2002)

   Symbolic racism deals with the belief of maintaining white dominance because blacks violate the American way of life. They believe that blacks do not value rights and the opportunities this country provides. According to this belief, white dominance should be preserved because blacks in general do not seem to try to attain the American dream; they stray from self-reliance, individualism, hard work and obedience. They do not believe they are racist because anyone who strays from the American values falls into this category. Nelson (2002)

   Aversive racists experience more subtle feelings of discomfort, disgust and fear towards blacks which causes inward favoritism because they refuse to openly derogate others, unlike “old-fashioned” racism, these feelings are not expressed in the open with hatred, because they hold on to their strong liberal and democratic beliefs. Nelson (2002)

   I agree with all three theories because each of these can apply to many people with different convictions especially when they believe they’re not racist because no one wants to believe that they are just as hateful as those that participated in the old-fashioned racism. This way they can hold on to their prejudice without feeling wrong about it and even feeling justified.

   all in all, i actually spent 30 mins debating if i should even post anything in ur blog to respond. But the reality is u wake up in the morning and all is ok. u go to work, u go to school and u never have to worry that people are looking at u different and that some people think u r just there because of the color of ur skin. every time u succeed u feel good about ur self and u never have to wonder or fight the thoughts that everyone else thinks u did so because of the color of ur skin. as a white man ur dating spectrum is broad. When i was 17 my gf was white and her parents fucking hated my guts for no reason. And one day the father just flipped out and as spewed slurs at me even once offering me money to break up with her. i could go on and on, shit i cant believe i even went to look for my thesis to post some shit. but my point is that somethings are just deeper than u think. racism is not a thing of the past. enough for now. ill be back to check for ur response to see if u actually read what i say, or if ur going to be adamant about ur position and sound like Derek from american history x. But in the end we both love anime right?

3. foenix said,

   August 1, 2007 @ 9:37 pm

   “i guess we should just ban white people from appearing in any video games to make sure nobody thinks anything racist is happening.”

   New favourite.

4. foenix said,

   August 1, 2007 @ 9:52 pm

   Also, maybe RE6 will be in Communist China, and you’re a black secret agent shooting zombiefied rice farmers.

   That could work.

5. Hidoshi said,

   August 1, 2007 @ 10:56 pm

   >> TBD
   Heh, pretty much.

   >> foenix
   Lulz. I love comments.

   Speaking of that…

   >> kauldron26

   As I said, I hate posting these sort of things because I know it’ll be misinterpreted. Coming from an extremely mixed heritage, my stance on racism has always been “anti”. I don’t like any racism, not from Caucasians, not from Africans, not from Asians, not from anyone. The reason being that to me, racism is both stupid and sickening to society. I understand where racism comes from (being largely an extended and exaggerated form of tribalism), and yes, I’ve been subject to it. Being half-Asian, I’ve even been subject to it from other Asians, as well as my white relatives. I was referred to as “the mongoloid” throughout highschool for being pretty much the only non-white kid in my class (I lived in a pretty WASP-y area).

   Now, having said that…

   I won’t for a minute pretend to understand the feelings of the Jews over the holocaust, or the Africans over slavery. Some of my relatives on the Chinese side talk about the railroad and so forth, but it just wasn’t as bad. I’m sure somewhere in my distant ancestry my European family did once have slaves — or were somehow involved. But I won’t hold myself responsible. I don’t have any feelings Nelson describes in aversive racism. I used to based on social psychology, but those have long since left me.

   My feeling however is that we need to get past race as a whole in order to escape its stigmas. I know a problem doesn’t go away if you ignore it, and I certainly wouldn’t ever advocate ignorance here. For me, the personal struggle has been to forget anything I was ever told about race. That people are “stupid” or “violent” based on their heritage. It may be that one day we find out that race does affect your character, or maybe it doesn’t at all. I can’t even start to comment on that sort of thing. To me, the individual’s value is far more important than any racial properties someone else might want to think about. If I dislike or distrust a person, it’s based on who they are.

   Now, admittedly, I still live with some stigmas. We all do. If I’m walking at night in a bad part of town and I see a group of black guys following me, will I be nervous? Yes. I can’t shake that feeling. I won’t try to play the victim here — I know I can fight it and so forth, but the image impressed in my mind is still strong. Anyone who doesn’t have that sort of issue about something race-related is either incredibly naive, saintly, or lying. That’s why stereotypes exist — not because they’re true, but because someone talked about them so much.

   It’s why working at a Hindu temple was awkward at first. When I started there, I thought I had to be so polite and religious, it made me extremely nervous. But in time I found out I was quite wrong. I just had no exposure. Thankfully I kept an open mind and go through it. Hopefully with time, I’ll be free of all stigmas related to race.

   Also, just because you’re white doesn’t give you every liberty you’d like. Between Russians and Poles I’ve seen immense problems in relationships based on the sourness of the USSR. They want their stigmas and they use them against each other. And being half-Asian, even if I /look/ largely white, the minute someone finds out I may or may not be welcome. I’ve been there. Now, is it as bad for me as it might be for an African person? No. Asians are looked upon more kindly for some reason. But I’ve had a taste. I know it’s extremely depressing.

   One final thing defending my position: I don’t believe racism is over. But I’m tired of it. I’m tired of anyone playing the race card, whether for or against a race. I don’t want to hear any more about affirmative action and how it’s some dream-like solution from white guys, nor about how badly an Asian drives from my girlfriend’s dad, nor do I want to hear a black comedian make fun of how a white guy dances. It’s all part of an antiquated mentality to me. I like harmony, which makes me a stupid idealist. But in that, I find something to strive for.

   I do apologise for how the post must sound to you. I didn’t mean to hurt any feelings. Moreso I’m just sick of that sort of reaction from media because they feel the need to be apologists. It’s patronising, especially because no one really knows what’s going on. Now if the team at Capcom has a racist in charge, or there’s a lot of content driven that way (ie: showing Africans via an actual stereotype), then yes, there’s plenty of room for outcry. It’d be deserved. Right now, Chris is just shooting more zombies. They could be Chinese, Spanish, American — it’s all good. They’re dead guys after your brains.

   I do understand why the trailer is viewed that way btw. I just don’t agree with the article’s response.

6. kauldron26 said,

   August 1, 2007 @ 11:29 pm

   dude theres nothing to apologize for. the thing is that the moment everyone starts becoming super sensitive to EVERY SINGLE THING how can we as people move past issues of the past?? we should be able to talk about serious issues without worrying about offending someone because that just means that there is still discomfort. and discomfort means that we as a people have not made any progress. i hate when people tip toe around the issue or pretend it doesnt exist. What we need to do is accept that it does exist and then look past it. As for the game, it is just a game. lol. but in the end everyone is going to bitch about one thing or another. lol thats life right?? anyways its always great to have an intellectual conversation without drama. so it is awesome that u replied. and it is even more awesome that u took ur time to be thorough and be honest. the most important issue in the end is if the fucking game will be good or not right??? lol

7. TheBigN said,

   August 2, 2007 @ 8:59 am

   As a black man… I don’t really care.

   It’s kind of strange to see the hubbub over it to. Zombies are zombies, and while it would be cool if the zombie killers were more diverse, you have to make the most of what you’ve got.

8. foenix said,

   August 2, 2007 @ 8:06 pm

   ps. Don’t ever drive with my dad, either, then.
   Just so you know. ;3

9. 0rion said,

   August 2, 2007 @ 11:27 pm

   Good post Hidoshi; I gotta agree with you on this one.

   The fact that racism is not over is *exactly* why this kind of crap irritates me. I mean, seriously…complaining the race of the enemies in a video game? There’s enough racism in the real world that making a big deal about something like this just seems like pointless sensationalism.

   From time to time gaijin characters in anime are portrayed as stupid or crass. Who cares? They’re not real people; they’re just humorous caricatures designed to get some cheap laughs. Life’s too short to be getting bent out of shape over stuff like this.

   By the way, I definitely admire your willingness to post on heavier sociopolitical topics where they are relevant to the theme of the blog. Most anime bloggers shy away from anything too serious or controversial, and while that’s nice, it’s good that there’s at least one person bringing this stuff up. Keep up the good work!

10. KeiichiRX7 said,

    August 7, 2007 @ 5:51 pm

    You know, I can see points I agree with in both Hidoshi and Kauldron’s posts.

    On one hand I don’t consiously hold beliefs one way or the other on race. We are all men, and that’s it (yes, those of you with a vagina are included in this statement, I try to treat everyone the same). Some however make it very hard for a few reasons, and i really don’t like it one bit. It’s like watching a child making long division harder than it has to be.

    Among these things are:
    Some ( of any race ) set a really bad example, and humans learn from example, no matter what they have been told. If the beholder has standing beliefs already they might be affirmed or swayed from them.

    People notice trends and think about them. I hate it but at my job when they send me a new employee I groan, no matter who they are. Most of the time they are slow, and don’t pay attention when I explain something. At least that’s what experience has told me, but experience has a skewed memory.

    If this offends you, fine, be as pissed off as you want to be. Think, however about WHY you are upset. If this post or any other here has made you actually think rather than just regurgitate what society has shoved down your throat then this whole thread is worth while.

    I was going to post more but it’s time to get ready for work.

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