Monday 6 October, 2008

Ah the wonderful world of stereotypes. As I've seen several others addressing this issue in the game, I figure I'll give it a shot myself. As far as I'm concerned, there's no issue at all with the stereotypes depicted in the game because they're just that-- stereotypes. No one really acts that way, and if they do, they really ought not.

Most have brought up the stereotypes depicted in CJ and his gang, likely because they're the most evident to see. Certainly, one can recognize that they're based in a stereotype, or as a warped depiction of a famous artist or actor. But they are far from the first or only ones. For as long as the series has been in 3D, all bets are off for political correctness, and the staff at Rockstar will make fun of anyone and everyone they can. From the country radio stations that talk of sleeping with one's own sister or eating possums to the criminal empires running the three cities featured, GTA's world is a giant joke poking fun at our own.

One might ask, though, is it right for someone to make fun of people? I'd definitely say it is. No one likes to be made fun of, but at times it is the best way to get the point across that acting in a certain way is incredibly stupid. Ammu-Nation's shops and radio spots make fun of crazed gun lobbyists who bribe the government to get bigger so they can protect their second amendment rights from the government... Area 69 makes fun of a government which refuses to tell its own citizens anything for fear of others stealing information on how to destroy the planet. The real question one should ask is, is it morally right for a person to let a stereotype about him or herself continue by acting according to said stereotype?

You sound naive, when you say no one acts like the stereotypical characters in the games, how is the average non-socially aware gamer going to grasp that the stereotypes are indeed exaggerated. Also, all your post seem to avoid discussing ethical problems within the game and the game indeed poses ethical questions. Your arguments are based on your own convictions and you do not really support your arguments, your very biased.