|
cristina3434's Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas (PS3)
|
| [January 20, 2009 07:51:17 PM]
|
3rd play- Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas
Although I managed to get around by myself the first two plays, I thought it would also be valuable to have some guidance from a more experienced player the third time. My younger sister of the age of thirteen took part in helping me out. She had never played San Andreas but she has played other versions of Grand Theft Auto.
This time I found myself experiencing the game more as a player rather than attempting to analyze it. I realized that the only way I was ever going to get through a mission was by submitting myself to the hostile environment of the game. As a consequence, I learned more about the game and the results that arise from particular violent or criminal actions. For example, I found out that it is possible to steal money from the prostitutes or gain a fare through taxi services. In some sense, I was getting rewarded even though I had to beat up the prostitute and steal the taxi driver’s car. On the other hand, I also realized that the game not only involved gaining money but also gave me the opportunity to spend it in local fast food restaurants and tattoo parlors. Moreover, even the depiction and the types of fast food restaurants promote stereotypical ideas. One of the fast food restaurants I encountered included a chicken place, which further embeds the idea that all African Americans favor chicken. Also, the inclusion of the tattoo parlors in the game suggests that body art is common amongst poor and violent groups of people.
By the end of my third play, I did not get much further in the game as the previous times. Nevertheless, I did learn more about the game. As I mentioned above, I learned that it is in the player’s best interest to combat against the violent environment he or she is presented with. In saying this, I mean that it is impossible to get through the game without making unethical decisions. The videogame is contextualized in the theme of violence and revenge. The characters face punishment by going to jail or the player ends up in the beginning of the game, but the violence does not end there. Involvement in criminal activities is essential to the survival of the character. The character either dies as an effect of a shootout or ends up beaten to death by gang members.
Before playing Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, I thought it was absurd to think a video game can have an impact on a player’s ideology. However, after having the chance to play this particular video game, I find it questionable whether video games have a negative effect on individuals by promoting racism, stereotypes, and violent activities.
add a comment 
|
| [January 20, 2009 12:39:58 PM]
|
2nd play - Grand Theft Auto: San Andrea
After having played Grand Theft Auto: San Andrea for the first time, I felt more comfortable playing it for a second time. I no longer had to worry as much about controlling my driving and creating wreckage to the city’s property. As a result, I became more aware of the scenario and the tips provided throughout the game. I was actually able to keep up with the map and understand where I was supposed to be headed. Although not remarkable, I felt a sense of accomplishment when I was able to get to my first assigned location: Big Smoke’s home. It served as an inspiration for me to keep on going. Moreover, I was able to recognize several stereotypes and gender ideologies present in the game which I had not identified the first time.
Since it was pointless for me to save the first game because I did not complete any missions, I started from the beginning of the game the second time I played. This time I paid close attention to the characters, the background music, the buildings, and language of the game. For instance, it became more apparent to me how most of the characters in the game consist of minorities in America: African Americans and Latinos. Furthermore, these characters are presented in ways that enforce several stereotypical appearances of these groups of individuals. Most African Americans are presented as thugs with flashy chains and baggy jeans, while the Latino characters are depicted as Homies with the “typical” stripped shirts and sunglasses. Moreover, the surrounding neighborhoods, or their hoods, illustrate life in the ghetto. The game includes an environment full of loud music, shouting, abandoned buildings, and reckless driving. In addition to the presence of several stereotypes, the game also holds gender ideologies in its context. The male characters in the game are depicted as strong and powerful figures; they are the ones who run the streets. On the other hand, the female characters are portrayed as sex objects to the point in which the game includes female prostitutes. For the most part, the women are dressed in scandalous attire.
Having mentioned the previous stereotypes and gender ideologies present in the game, it becomes more apparent to me that not only am I learning to play a video game but I am also learning about what society tolerates and finds entertaining. On the other hand, it is important to distinguish between what society tolerates in video games and in everyday life.
(I am particularly referring to American society)
add a comment
|
| [January 20, 2009 08:24:44 AM]
|
Playing Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas for the first time was quite an experience. Moreover, it was one of the few times I have played a video game; I often find myself just being the observer. However, on this occasion I was able to realize that playing a video game requires that one acquire several skills or tactics throughout the game. Moreover Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas exemplified how video games can help promote or illustrate racism and violence.
As I mentioned above, the necessity of acquiring several skills or tactics is essential to surviving or completing the missions of the game. I learned this as soon as I began the game. Having played the game on my own, I found myself experimenting with the control buttons and figuring out what each ones function is. For example, in the beginning of my first mission, I simply learned how to get onto a bike, steal someone else’s car, swim, and fight. I found it particularly difficult to handle and maneuver my driving with the control. As a consequence, I was involved in many car wrecks and created damages to the city’s property while driving. In addition, I did not get very far in my first mission. I actually ended up on the outskirts of the city and could not find my way back to the location I had to get to. Also, it was hard becoming familiar with the map partially because I was so caught up in learning how to simply get around and avoid any fights from surrounding thugs or gang members.
On the other hand, besides learning how to play Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, I also became more aware of the racism and violence which is induced in video games. This was evident as early on in the prologue of the game. In brief, the prologue formulates the context of the missions of the game and demonstrates its tolerance towards profanity, racism, & corruption. For instance, the police officers are characterized as being corrupt and involved in vulgar ways of speaking. Moreover, the acknowledgment of racism was evident in the mentioning of the word “Nigga” and “stupid Mexican” by a police officer. Nevertheless, the violence and racism was not narrowed to the prologue but was present throughout my playing of the game. If it was not me stealing someone else’s car and cursing, there were gang members attempting to kill me.
As one can imagine from my novice skills, it took me a while to become orientated with the game. I was unable to pass the first mission and advance to the second.
This entry has been edited 2 times. It was last edited on Jan 20th, 2009 at 08:26:48.
add a comment
|
|
|
 |
cristina3434's Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas (PS3)
|
|
Current Status: Playing
GameLog started on: Tuesday 20 January, 2009
|
|
