March 28, 2008
This makes me livid....
So if you havent seen by my previous post, I am pretty much obsessed with the Today Show and their segments are so relevant to our ciriculum in Gender and Communication. But today, I was FURIOUS when I saw the video (link attached) that talked about a new website game called "Miss Bimbo"--if you think the name is offensive just wait to hear what it is all about. Two British men came up with a game which targets young girls (as young as 8) to create their own Bimbo. It is similar to the concept of The Sims or other games where you basically make sure that your "alter ego" is eating right, functioning in daily activities, making friends ect. but in this game it has taken a whole new spin. The way you make money in order to feed and clothe yourself if by your Attitude points, which come from doing things like going to the tanning salon or exercising. By getting these points you can then buy diet pills, which are stated as "the eaiser way to eat" or implants if you are not happy with your body. Talk about sending the wrong message!! Of course parents are less than thrilled with this game and one mother makes the comment that they have enough of these pressures in real life, why glamorize it in a video game when there is nothing glamorous about throwing up your food to maintain a decent weight or getting implants in order to try and achieve attention from others. I think that this made me so mad because I have always been aware that there is so much pressure on women to be a certain way and do certain things, but the fact that these men had the nerve to create a game out of this as though it isnt a big issue makes me so furious that they are giving young girls this impression. Obviously we can not support games like this, but what is an action we can take to counteract the actions of terrible "role models" like this? Does the responsibility lie with the parents to talk to their kids, the education system, peers? Who should be responsible?
7 comments:
This video game reminds me of grand theft auto; which we discussed in class. It is a video game that targets young boys and teenagers. The whole point of the game is to steal cars, kill people and pick up hookers off the street (which increases your health). I know many parents were outraged with that video game too.
I am really surprised as well that these video games are allowed to be released to the public. To answer your question, I think parents should be held responsible for censoring what their children are watching, playing, etc. If our society is allowing these video games to be made, then parents need to be watching their children closely. They should look into the video games that their children ask for, because they have the ultimate say. I do think it is sad that our society would allow that to be an acceptable video game but if we can't stop them from making it then parents need to stop their children from being subjected to it. I think that those type of video games can give children the impression that they are suppose to act like that in real life, and therefore they shouldn't be playing those games.
This is insane. And we wonder why eating disorders and image problems are becoming more and more common in society. I don't think the media gets it. Do they honestly think that these sort of video games have a positive purpose or are fun to play? While some may find it a fun game, I can't help but fear that they don't know the truth lying under the game. Agreeing with unlstudent, I also believe that parents are the ones to be put in charge of showing their children that this isn't how most normal individuals act and to know how to positively represent oneself. Also though, I do think the education systems should play a role. While some children are not hearing it from their parents, I think our education system needs to step in. Disagree with me if anyone pleases, but I'm afraid for younger generations and their personal views on their image. There is more to life than looking good and what it takes to be that way. But obviously society doesn't agree.
wow...I want to say that I am surprised that a website such as this was created. Just the name, using bimbo insinuates that the women are attractive but idiotic. What type of message is this projecting to the little girls who enjoy paying this game. The creators of this website have added some interesting changes...
"As a result of this rather surprising media attention we have decided to remove the option of purchasing diet pills from the game. We apologize to any players whom this may inconvenience but we feel in light of these weeks’ proceedings it is the correct action to take." also "At this time we would also like to remind players that the Miss Bimbo team assume no responsibility or liability for any fashion faux pas, hair style disasters or boob jobs incurred in real life as as a result of playing the Miss Bimbo game."
I think that the removal of the diet pills is a good choice, especially after watching the msnbc clip it is 8 yrs old who are playing this game. I also found it interesting that they added the disclaimer about they take no responsibility for actions women take in real life. Yet by encouraging such games women often believe that these are the actions that they must take to be attractive.
While it does upset me that these types of games exist I would like to play devil's advocate for a moment. Yes, the media is pretty awful in the way women are portrayed to be beautiful and thin - the effortless perfection like we talked about in class. But when it comes right down to it no matter what the media says a person has to be comfortable with themselves or it won't matter what kind of society we live in. I don't disagree that the media makes a difference but when I look at my younger sister (she's only 12) I don't see her or her friends any more concerned about their looks than I was at her age.
Games like this are going to exist because idiots create them but look how much attention it's received because people are upset about it? If no one payed attention I can guarantee the game wouldn't be as popular.
Finally, I do agree that parents and teachers need to be proactive about creating positive images for children but the fact is this world is full of ugly, horrible things and learning how to deal with it is a part of growing up. Everyone wants the media to change how women are viewed and portrayed but until the white male is no longer controlling media board rooms I don't see much changing. :(
While this is without question offensive (in my personal opinion at least :), I would like to argue that women in the media have not been a whole lot better when it comes to portraying a positive, healthy body image (for women or men -- from what I've heard there's also an increase in the number of eating and body image disorders amongst men).
From Hollywood movie stars with Barbie stick figures and sculpted, well defined limbs, faces and stomachs to the increase in coverage on women undergoing plastic surgeries and the positive results/benefits, women have done just as much, if not more, to send imbalanced, "perfectionist" messages to other women.
As stated in our class debate, women are somehow expected to pull off excellent grades, excel in athletic or extracurricular activities, and to top it all off, look stunning in the process. Oh, and don't forget that we're supposed to give the impression that this all requires little effort and we're not at all stressed or overloaded with these expectations.
I'm not suggesting that men don't have pressures or expectations or double standards because I think they do; it's just in different areas (don't get me started 'cause I could really write another book on that topic! :).
I think that what allows companies to get away with games like this is slapping a "Intended for 14 and Older" label on it. In order to be "suitable" for children to play, it must go through a review process. From there, it's up to parents to be aware of what's going on and keep track of what their kids are up to. Although you can't follow your child to all their friends houses, you can get to know their friends parents or at the very least let your kids know what you consider acceptable or unacceptable.
Well there is pretty much nothing you can do about this type of site even existing in the first place. I think it should be up to the parents of children to monitor their access to sites like this and even if girls are allowed access, they should discuss the fake-ness of the entire operation. I saw the segment too and it also struck a cord with me. But there really is nothing to do since people can pretty much post anything and everything on the internet.
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