March 10, 2013

femfreq:

Damsel in Distress: Part 1 - Tropes vs Women in Video Games

This video explores how the Damsel in Distress became one of the most widely used gendered clichés in the history of gaming and why the trope has been core to the popularization and development of the medium itself.  As a trope the Damsel in Distress is a plot device in which a female character is placed in a perilous situation from which she cannot escape on her own and must then be rescued by a male character, usually providing a core incentive or motivation for the protagonist’s quest.

ABOUT THE VIDEO SERIES
The Tropes vs Women in Video Games project aims to examine the plot devices and patterns most often associated with female characters in gaming from a systemic, big picture perspective. This series will include critical analysis of many beloved games and characters, but remember that it is both possible (and even necessary) to simultaneously enjoy media while also being critical of it’s more problematic or pernicious aspects.

For more examples of the Damsel in Distress see our Tumblr for this series: http://tropesversuswomen.tumblr.com

Visit http://www.feministfrequency.com for more information, videos and a full transcript.

Yo, this video is interesting and important. Can’t wait for more in the series.

  1. looksomeghouls reblogged this from med-ast
  2. med-ast reblogged this from femfreq
  3. screechy-screech reblogged this from monsterbaity
  4. papyrusadvance reblogged this from otherwindow
  5. otherwindow reblogged this from shaylynalia
  6. vis-ta-vie-en-slip-a-paillettes reblogged this from fervidcapharnaum
  7. the-mermaids-against-misogyny reblogged this from femfreq
  8. mysweetpegasus reblogged this from femfreq
  9. stillnottginger reblogged this from valxrie23
  10. valxrie23 reblogged this from femfreq
  11. stories-yet-to-be-written reblogged this from femfreq
  12. joga-luce reblogged this from femfreq
  13. anthonyhj reblogged this from femfreq and added:
    Part one of three. Really worth a look if you work in games. Part two is the previous post, so just scroll down.
  14. infiniteinfatuations reblogged this from femfreq
  15. strawberrynoir reblogged this from femfreq
  16. femfreq posted this