Lets talk Girls in Gaming ...

[Dark_Frost]

Are ya mad Girl ???


Look, guys love it when girls are gamers , i think its awesome


But , i hate when one kills me

 

[Believer]

I've seen a few people have the "OMG you're a girl?" reaction in game and on our servers some. I try to keep the lid on it whenever I'm on our servers, but I've been in other servers before and seen it go way too far. Without getting into the whole females are equal to males argument, I believe that women should be treated, like all human beings, with dignity and respect.

Also, I feel that women (more so than men) are to be treated with more grace. I may ask a buddy of mine a question or talk to them pretty frankly, but I don't talk to my wife that way (yes, I'm married, yes she's awesome and I'm blessed ).

I also feel that some members of the younger male population either don't know how or don't care to know how to talk to a lady. Not sure if that's just the failing of society or what. Regardless, one of the things that pisses me off the most is hearing men talk down to women. If you can't keep your hormones in check, just shut your mouth to be safe, so no harm will be done. If you're so unsecure If you can't do that you don't belong in eGO. We're a mature gaming community, and that includes the way you treat women.

Just my two cents.

 

[idk_lobsters]

It's sad, but a lot of people don't realize how offensive they can be when they say that sort of thing to a person or group they don't know anything about. I totally agree that sexism, racism, etc... is just not ok in gaming. I know a lot of people feel more secure insulting through a computer due to the fact that the person can barely learn who you actually are (Cept admins can easily ban ip), but that doesn't make it ok at all.

As for the article, I think he's kinda hoping she loves video games, but at the same time, hoping her generation doesn't have to go through the gaming sexism he's seen.

Another thing, is there any statistics on the ratio of males and females in gaming? I ask this because a lot of the insults heard often are guys going "omg, there is a chick here!" (See Fluffy's post). Just because a female uses a mic doesn't mean she is the only female player in the game.

I am a guy btw

 

[UmaTora]

I haven't checked on this thread in a bit, and I am actually surprised by some of the comments. Both pleased and not so pleased. Soooo .... Let me begin.

Lol. no offense but that's really sad & pathetic. Apologizing to his future daughter for how the gaming community acts? Wtf? I've sen mad girls game.. they seem aiight. I don't know.

Fabbrini's comment about this being "sad and pathetic" is exactly what the author is trying to point out in wrong with the gaming community. Expressed in his distaste of how the gaming community as a whole reacted to the situation with John Finkel. He was disgusted with the vicious lashing out at Alyssa. The gaming community likes to insult first, never thinking about how it makes others feel. He is apologizing to women in general, not just his daughter. Things have been said to me (and not just here at eGO, in other guilds/clans/communities that I have been in as well) that I would never repeat in polite conversation. And it is clear that some people in this community have no respect for anyone, especially women. I have seen it in the way they act in game, and talk in vent.

It's sad, but a lot of people don't realize how offensive they can be when they say that sort of thing to a person or group they don't know anything about. I totally agree that sexism, racism, etc... is just not ok in gaming. I know a lot of people feel more secure insulting through a computer due to the fact that the person can barely learn who you actually are (Cept admins can easily ban ip), but that doesn't make it ok at all.

As for the article, I think he's kinda hoping she loves video games, but at the same time, hoping her generation doesn't have to go through the gaming sexism he's seen.

Another thing, is there any statistics on the ratio of males and females in gaming? I ask this because a lot of the insults heard often are guys going "omg, there is a chick here!" (See Fluffy's post). Just because a female uses a mic doesn't mean she is the only female player in the game.

I am a guy btw

The ratio of female gamers is on the rise the past few years. I believe that some 46% of the gaming community is now female, yet they all seem to hide behind their mics, not speaking out, for fear of being singled out for being female.


I am a 25 year old woman who has enjoyed games longer then a great deal of this community here has been ALIVE! My family says I was born with an Atari controller in my hand. I am also the mother of a (almost) 3 year old daughter, who ALREADY expresses an interest in gaming. Yes, at the age of 3.
I used to play WoW, where I was a guild leader, main tank of a top end raiding guild, and a raid leader. Yet, I would have people try to sit in on my raids, "just to hear me talk" or urge me to get on vent late at night "just so they could hear my sexy phone sex operator voice." They held no respect for me, or my positions, and viewed me as an "object put there for their own entertainment."
Sorry boys, I'm here to kick ass and take names, not talk dirty to you.


It amuses me when I talk in game, and people are all like "OMG was that a girl?!" then Carnage will say in his deep manly voice "Nope, just me." I am capable to watching out for myself, but its good to know I have friends to watch my back. My question, is what does it matter if I am a girl? Does if effect my ability to play the game because my organs are on the inside? Not really. Do you think that calling to light that I am a female will get you noticed by me? Nope. It will actually get me to ignore you more, and if I am playing medic, you don't get healed. Do you think that it will strike up some sort of conversation that will lead to us being friends, and maybe one day "more"? Keep dreaming. Can you see pictures of me to validate if I am hot? No, go away creeper. So I ask again, what does it matter that I am female? Shut up and play the game.

Another thing I cannot stand on my servers is "trash talking". It all goes with respect. I respect EVERYONE, no matter how well they play, what weapons they choose to use, the accent they speak with while using voice chat, or whatever. I expect the same in return, and towards everyone playing in the match as well. "OMG U SUCK NOOB!" or anything along those lines angers me to no end. I can remember one night playing on 2Fort, a guy on my team instructed me to go to the kitchen and make him a sandwich. I had about 6 eGO members jump alllll over him. I appreciate it, the fact that they looked out for me, and treated me with respect. I just wish that this attitude could blanket over the rest of the gaming community, but I am not delusional enough to believe that it will ever happen. Sadly.

I will say that the majority of this community is respectful, and kind, and has the best interest of ALL of its members in their interest, but there will always be those who disrespect others, based on age, gender, skill, sexual preference, or race.



/steps off soapbox ...

 

[Reverend_Rhah]

Sexual Harassment - How do you know when it is harassment? There are so many other examples and I can’t possibly list every single one of them, but two of the easier ways that can help to define it in a gaming environment are:

1) Are you doing it just because she is a girl? If the answer is yes, stop.
Here are some quick examples of this:
Is she being followed from server to server just because she is a girl?
Is she being followed from room to room in vent just because she is a girl?
Is someone constantly asking her questions or talk only to her because she is a girl?

2)Would you say that to your sister or mother? If the answer is no, don’t say it.
Here are some quick examples of this:
Would you call your sister, babe or honey?
Would you tell your mom she has a sexy voice?
Would you send virtual roses or kisses to your sister or mom over steam?

If a girl spoke in game, and an =e= replied, “damn, your voice is sexy”. This is not acceptable. Keep it to yourself. The same goes for statements like “Is that a girl?” “OMG, are you a girl” “Girls don’t play games”

A girl should never feel like she can’t use her mic in game or come in vent for fear of being harassed for being a girl. Girls are rare in gaming. They know this. There is no need to constantly have it pointed out to them. They are here to play just like you.

This is taken from training for TF2. We have had members of eGO who are not respectful of females. It does happen. It's not always how you feel about it. On eGO servers its what you do about it. I have seen too many times members of eGO do nothing when these comments are made. Joking or not its not right. We have a drop box to report any members of eGO who participate any type of infringement on our policies. It's called community watch. Use it. Report anyone not in eGO participating in this type of action to an admin. Help make our females feel safe to use their mics on our servers.

Also it is good to see when eGO members do stand up for one another. Male, Female, race , country, personality. All this is set aside to stand up for one another in a community in which we all share a love of gaming. Keep it up and we will be here for a long time to come.

 

[Mediarocker]

I've seen what fluffly has seen. Numerous times. It's irritating to see it happen. Thankfully in eGO servers, I'm able to prevent this from happening. This is part of the reason why I love this community. We respect others on the basis of their merits. Not on the basis of their appendages or lack thereof.

Personally I think this who sexist gaming atmosphere is toxic. I can understand having a little razzing here and there, however alot of it has to stop. There's a difference between poking fun, and harassment, and if I ever see it demonsrated. Whoever is responsible will have hell to pay.

 

[Carmine]

If I may interject, if anyone ever sees an eGO member disrespecting women or sexually harassing, do everyone a favor and contact leadership. Stuff like that has no place in this clan, and it shouldn't happen here.

 

[Madvillain]

Sorry yo.. But I still think informing your future daughter that gaming is no place for girls is mad funny..

 

[FluffyTDestroyer]

Let's face it, though.. Sometimes when some one makes a complete ass of themselves, you can't help but laugh at them.

A few years ago, we had an e who was a complete social retard. It was summer, kids were up late... and I was in Vent talking to the usual late night suspects. I walked away from the computer, but Dirty Deets was still sitting at my desk. With out warning, the social retard private messaged me, with a question:

"What type of panties are you wearing?"

Deets didn't even skip a beat before he cued up the mic and answered "Boxers. Why are you asking?"

The social retard bailed Vent a few seconds later. Some how, no one was surprised when he never made it to admin status...

 

[Reverend_Rhah]

You know another thing here that I think alot of people don't understand goes directly back to what fluffy was saying. That's compliments to females that single them out as a sex is still considered harassment. When I get on to game I do not want to hear someone telling me how sexy my voice sounds, or how awesome it is that I come on to play because there are not alot of guys online who use a mic. Well guess what. Women dont come here for that either. They come here to game. Whether comments are positive or negative, if they are made to someone because of their sex, religion, race, political stance, so on and so forth, its not acceptable. Do not think that because your trying to be nice its ok. Compliment "People"on thier gaming skills. Not how awesome you think they are as a female.

 

[Dr.Compton]

Let's face it, though.. Sometimes when some one makes a complete ass of themselves, you can't help but laugh at them.

A few years ago, we had an e who was a complete social retard. It was summer, kids were up late... and I was in Vent talking to the usual late night suspects. I walked away from the computer, but Dirty Deets was still sitting at my desk. With out warning, the social retard private messaged me, with a question:

"What type of panties are you wearing?"

Deets didn't even skip a beat before he cued up the mic and answered "Boxers. Why are you asking?"

The social retard bailed Vent a few seconds later. Some how, no one was surprised when he never made it to admin status...

Oh Deets.

 

[TheyCallMeC]

man were all gamers, girls wanna shoot crap as much as guys

i love eGO because they dont allow the comments that ive heard in so many other servers whenever a girl cued up thier mic "shouldnt you be playing with your barbies?" or "hey you should be playing house instead of with a mouse"

good to know that any buttholes who try that, will immediately catch a lot of crap

dont get me wrong im not trying to come across as a saint

ive made more than my fair share of "go make me a sandwich" jokes. the only difference is that i only say it to people ive known for a while and they know that im only joking, not being a complete ass

 

[mad pistol]

My wife and I joined eGO several years ago. During that time, she's gotten plenty of "Ur a girl?!?!" and "Are you hot?" "Pic or you're an ugly dude" "Wanna cyber?" and all the other cliche crap you can think of from hormonal virgin males on the internet. At first, it really bothered her. However, since then, she has learned to not only ignore it and not take it personally, but she has also taken a stance to defend herself and joke right back. If it escalates into a much more serious and degrading tone, I step in and make sure that said male knows that she's taken and his insults fall on deaf ears.

The fact is that we will never be able to simply get rid of all of the punks on the internet. However, eGO is one of those communities where men and women are considered equal, and if that balance is broken by a member of the opposite sex, the incident is quickly taken care of. This is the way it should be. If you take it as a joke, great. If you're offended, do something about it. Don't just sit there and stew about it.

Pyro Gurl, FluffyTDestroyer, and most other female members in eGO are gleaming examples of what women gamers should be like: Unashamed of who they are, and unfazed by sexism. For that, I am truly grateful. It gives hope to women gamers out there that simply want to be gamers and not objects of prejudice. It's a good time for women to be members of edge gamers. Our values will keep those ideals alive, hopefully for years to come.

 

[Jashadow]

In my opinion, and in all honesty, girls are going to be treated differently than guys. The reasons have been pointed out in this forum, and we (being from eGO) should know what is considered right and wrong. I do see it on the internet, especially since I have a lot of friends that are girls that play online video games.
I suppose people do these things because when you're on the internet, you are considered anonymous (For the most part; I don't know you in real life). They wouldn't say these things in real life to a real girl. I say wouldn't, but they SHOULDN'T.

They should still keep their comments to themselves if they are sexist, or if they are in any way sexist...

 

[Rukus.]

Dudes are mean to dudes, women are mean to women, and women are mean to men. The only time a news article is made about it is when a man is mean to a woman. I personally find that messed up.

 

[Lance]

Sexual Harassment - How do you know when it is harassment? There are so many other examples and I can?t possibly list every single one of them, but two of the easier ways that can help to define it in a gaming environment are:

1) Are you doing it just because she is a girl? If the answer is yes, stop.
Here are some quick examples of this:
Is she being followed from server to server just because she is a girl?
Is she being followed from room to room in vent just because she is a girl?
Is someone constantly asking her questions or talk only to her because she is a girl?

2)Would you say that to your sister or mother? If the answer is no, don?t say it.
Here are some quick examples of this:
Would you call your sister, babe or honey?
Would you tell your mom she has a sexy voice?
Would you send virtual roses or kisses to your sister or mom over steam?

If a girl spoke in game, and an =e= replied, ?damn, your voice is sexy?. This is not acceptable. Keep it to yourself. The same goes for statements like ?Is that a girl?? ?OMG, are you a girl? ?Girls don?t play games?

A girl should never feel like she can?t use her mic in game or come in vent for fear of being harassed for being a girl. Girls are rare in gaming. They know this. There is no need to constantly have it pointed out to them. They are here to play just like you.

In my opinion, and in all honesty, girls are going to be treated differently than guys. The reasons have been pointed out in this forum, and we (being from eGO) should know what is considered right and wrong. I do see it on the internet, especially since I have a lot of friends that are girls that play online video games.
I suppose people do these things because when you're on the internet, you are considered anonymous (For the most part; I don't know you in real life). They wouldn't say these things in real life to a real girl. I say wouldn't, but they SHOULDN'T.

They should still keep their comments to themselves if they are sexist, or if they are in any way sexist...

See, my opinion is a combination of these. You most definitely shouldn't go out of your way to give people in game special treatment because they happen to be female, and most definitely shouldn't talk about them disrespectfully, but many men see treating women differently from men as the "gentlemanly" thing to do, and mean no harm. In fact, to be completely fair, I think even some of the "social retards" (to borrow Fluffy's term) are trying to do this, except they have no experience with women in real life. With that said, I think it's definitely important to show them some mercy and calmly explain that they're coming across as disrespectful; sexism, while certainly a significant problem in gaming, is one of those problems that tends to be met with knee-jerk reactions, and you need to keep in mind that many gamers have no idea how they're supposed to treat women.

Heck, if you've ever seen most modern teenagers on a date, you'd probably agree with me that most guys, period, have no idea how to treat women. Which is convenient, because it makes my job as a 17-year-old "Mr. Nice Guy" that much more impressive

 

[Jashadow]

See, my opinion is a combination of these. You most definitely shouldn't go out of your way to give people in game special treatment because they happen to be female, and most definitely shouldn't talk about them disrespectfully, but many men see treating women differently from men as the "gentlemanly" thing to do, and mean no harm.

It's sad because I see people even in eGO give special treatment to girls, but I'm not going to go further into it or say anything because everyone will bombard me with a 'WTF' and etc.

Still, maybe it's just my perspective, or the way I see things that I think they get special treatment.

 

[Cascsiany]

I usually don't talk when I'm playing because of the reaction I get. Yes I realize I sound like a 12year old. I don't need to hear it every time I get on. As far as the guys not saying stuff because I might get offended, I worked in a police dept for 2 years there's not much I haven't heard between them and a group of people I hang out with.

 

[iEye Captain]

I usually don't talk when I'm playing because of the reaction I get. Yes I realize I sound like a 12year old. I don't need to hear it every time I get on. As far as the guys not saying stuff because I might get offended, I worked in a police dept for 2 years there's not much I haven't heard between them and a group of people I hang out with.

That reminds me of my friend...

A couple of years ago, she was looking for an apartment and when the landlord (a nice lady as it later turns out) called her for the first time, the conversation went like this:

Friend: "Hello..?"
Landlord: "Oh, hi sweetie, can I talk to your mommy?"

We still joke about it to this day. :laugh:

 

[Stormrider^]

It's sad because I see people even in eGO give special treatment to girls, but I'm not going to go further into it or say anything because everyone will bombard me with a 'WTF' and etc.

Still, maybe it's just my perspective, or the way I see things that I think they get special treatment.

You are not alone.