Girls of AGS - Where are you?

[Snarky]

My impression is a bit different, SPC. To me it seems like almost any time a female poster speaks up (or at least often when specific reference is made to a poster being a woman), there's some kind of comment along the "marry me!" --> "tits or gtfo!" scale. Sure, it's more "immature ribbing" than conscious misogyny (and it's something I may have been guilty of myself on one or two occasions), but I can totally see why it would put a lot of women off.

Not to criticize one particular example, but take the AGS Awards this year, with a random softcore photo of two girls in their underwear kissing as the "highlight" of the event. Funny, and a hit with most of the audience, sure, but wouldn't it be reasonable to think that it (and the response) could make some women who might attend or watch the event uncomfortable?

I think the forums should definitely be a casual, fun environment where people don't have to watch what they say all the time (and with members ranging in age from teenagers to middle-agers, standards for what's appropriate will necessarily vary), but with the majority of posters being male it's sometimes easy to forget that this isn't a boys' club, but should be a welcoming environment where women aren't made to feel like they're on exhibition when they drop by.

There are certainly other parts of the internet that are much worse, but I don't think these forums treat women with the respect they could/should expect in the everyday real world.

[SpacePirateCaine]

Interesting and well-made point. I'll admit that my living in Japan, where the sexualization of women is relatively commonplace - bikini-clad large-breasted models adorn the front of adolescent facing comic magazines (Jump being one of the bigger examples thereof - home of Naruto, One Piece, Dragon Ball, etc.), for example -  may have skewed my perception of the level of male-domination of the forums a bit. I'll even admit to having been one of the people that enjoyed the very part of the awards that you mentioned.

That makes me even more interested in the answer to my question.

[Dualnames]

I think Snarky placed it great. I'm definitely guilty of acting like this is a men-only club, but I'd like to think I haven't discouraged any female agser. The lesbians was just a joke to Eternally Us topic, where everyone kept posting anything but lesbians. I didn't mean to put away anyone, so next year we will feature videos. Anyhoo, I'm sorry the whole lesbian thing was just a silly farce.

[LimpingFish]

There are certainly other parts of the internet that are much worse, but I don't think these forums treat women with the respect they could/should expect in the everyday real world.

I'd agree. While I've yet to see an outrageously offensive situation arise, it's certainly something that still seems part of forum life. I think the larger argument should be concerned with whether this behavior has adversely effected someone's experience with, or desire to remain part of, these forums.

[qptain Nemo]

but wouldn't it be reasonable to think that it (and the response) could make some women who might attend or watch the event uncomfortable?

Why would it? Um, the assumption that a lot of women would have no sense of humour whatsoever and won't be for some strange reason able to enjoy a lesbian joke or at least get over it and overract instead is supposed to be in favor of women?
I was in a room with a real, not a theoretical woman, during the ceremony. She wasn't exactly disturbed.

I think Snarky placed it great. I'm definitely guilty of acting like this is a men-only club, but I'd like to think I haven't discouraged any female agser. The lesbians was just a joke to Eternally Us topic, where everyone kept posting anything but lesbians. I didn't mean to put away anyone, so next year we will feature videos. Anyhoo, I'm sorry the whole lesbian thing was just a silly farce.

You what? It was a silly joke, but it was a good, a hilarious silly joke. And you know that. This fake regret you did now because of some minimal pressure is just utterly pathetic.

[Snarky]

Sorry to be derailing this thread, girls of AGS!

but wouldn't it be reasonable to think that it (and the response) could make some women who might attend or watch the event uncomfortable?

Why would it? Um, the assumption that a lot of women would have no sense of humour whatsoever and won't be for some strange reason able to enjoy a lesbian joke or at least get over it and overract instead is supposed to be in favor of women?
I was in a room with a real, not a theoretical woman, during the ceremony. She wasn't exactly disturbed.

Yeah, that's not what I said. It's possible to have a sense of humor and still find stuff like this uncomfortable and inappropriate in that context, and I didn't say anything about overreacting.

And of course, one woman does not speak for all of womankind, and just because no one has spoken up, that doesn't mean no one minded.

Anyway, let's not turn this into an argument about the AGS Awards (which I thought were brilliant overall). I wasn't pointing to it as some particularly terrible outrage against the fairer sex, just as an example of how the this community remains pretty laddish in style.

[Turtiathan]

The only way to handle this issue is for the following things to happen:
1. More females get involved in the gaming industry.
2. More male gamers get girlfriends. They wouldn't make so many misogynistic posts if they had more interactions with females.

[Shane 'ProgZmax' Stevens]

They wouldn't make so many misogynistic posts if they had more interactions with females.

Most misogynists I know are around women quite regularly (and on top of, beneath, etc).  Their attitude is typically reinforced by such
encounters, though they're too hypocritical to just stop associating with them.

It's pretty ludicrous to assume a man would develop negative feelings for women for no reason and with no exposure.  It's quite the opposite really, and while for some I know it's just a string of bad luck that has given them the impression that women are all shallow and manipulative emo-vampires, others seem to swear by it -- but again -- continue to associate with women and sometimes the very ones they're complaining about.  It's like doing heroin and hating that you do it, but you can't stop because for a few moments you get 'something' out of it, a high, a relief, before the pain sets in.

[Turtiathan]

Most misogynists I know are around women quite regularly (and on top of, beneath, etc).  Their attitude is typically reinforced by such
encounters, though they're too hypocritical to just stop associating with them.

It's pretty ludicrous to assume a man would develop negative feelings for women for no reason and with no exposure.  It's quite the opposite really, and while for some I know it's just a string of bad luck that has given them the impression that women are all shallow and manipulative emo-vampires, others seem to swear by it -- but again -- continue to associate with women and sometimes the very ones they're complaining about.  It's like doing heroin and hating that you do it, but you can't stop because for a few moments you get 'something' out of it, a high, a relief, before the pain sets in.

true
The best way to get rid of their attitudes is for them to get to know females rather than use them for a "quick relief."

[Tabata]

My experiences with males in this forum so far are very positive
and that's the reason why I love to come here, my beloved gentlemens!
                               
... and if some of you might have a feeling like poked with a needle (after you didn't behave correct) ...
...  I'm sorry in advance

[RetroJay]

Hi All AGS'ettes

It's nice to know that the fair sex also enjoy playing and making games. (I assume you do as you are here... unless my assumption is incorrect.)
So many times I hear how 'They' say women don't like this sort of thing.

This thread proves that 'They' (whoever 'They' are) don't know everything.

Tabata.
Where the hell do you get all your smileys from?
I love that one holding the Voodoo doll over the flame.

Jay.

[Wonkyth]

Googling "Free Smileys" returns most of the sites Tabata has used. 

[RetroJay]

Googling "Free Smileys" returns most of the sites Tabata has used.  

Hi Wonkyth+.

Well... That was easy.


I now see how this works.

Thanks.
Jay.

[Dualnames]

Tabata still wins for Best Use of Smileys

[RetroJay]

Tabata still wins for Best Use of Smileys

I totally agree.
She is, without a shadow of doubt, the 'Queen of smileys'.

Jay.

[Tabata]

Tabata still wins for Best Use of Smileys

I totally agree.
She is, without a shadow of doubt, the 'Queen of smileys'.

Jay.

     


... and here we have the best example, that you males know exactly, what a girl needs ...
... if you want!    -  Or are you afraid of the needles      -   Thanks!