In the world of war games, Arabs have often been portrayed as terrorists, perpetuating harmful stereotypes and biases. This portrayal has been reinforced not only in video games but also in mainstream media. The industry must take responsibility for its role in shaping these biases and work towards better representation and inclusion.
Arabs have become the default villains in many military shooters, from Call of Duty to Battlefield. These games desensitize players to the suffering of Arabs and contribute to a narrative that paints them as inherently evil. This lack of context and nuance further perpetuates negative stereotypes.
The media, including films, TV shows, and video games, has played a significant role in dehumanizing Arabs. This dehumanization has allowed world leaders to turn a blind eye to the suffering of innocent civilians in the Middle East. It is crucial for the video game industry to address this issue and strive for more authentic and diverse representation.
Developers should approach narrative design and character inclusion with intention and authenticity. It is essential to showcase Arabs as complex individuals with a range of emotions and personalities. Happy, silly, serious, queer, sarcastic, and unlikable Arabs should all be represented in video games.
One example of positive representation is Altaïr Ibn-LaʼAhad from Assassin’s Creed. He is a flawed and complex character who breaks away from the exotic stereotype often associated with Arabs. More characters like him are needed to challenge existing biases.
The industry has been complicit in establishing biases that exist in our society today. It is time for better standards of representation and a shift towards normalizing cultures that are not Western-focused. Triple-A games should move away from Euro-centric settings and embrace diversity.
Recruitment and mentorship initiatives are crucial for empowering Arab storytellers and other minority voices in the industry. By providing opportunities and support, the industry can ensure more authentic and inclusive narratives.
While some indie companies and grassroots campaigns have shown support for causes like Black Lives Matter and Stop Asian Hate, there has been a lack of similar support for Palestine. Fear of backlash and job security concerns have silenced many who want to speak out. It is important for the industry to stand up against injustice and support causes that promote equality and human rights.
In conclusion, the video game industry must acknowledge its role in perpetuating harmful stereotypes and biases against Arabs. It needs to prioritize better representation, inclusion, and authenticity in its narratives. By doing so, it can help challenge existing biases and contribute to a more inclusive and empathetic society.
Table:
| Date | Score | Time |
|————|——-|——-|
| Oct. 7 | 8,000 | Ongoing |
| Oct. 5 | – | Assassin’s Creed Mirage launched |
| Oct. 7 | – | Israel announced a siege of Gaza |
Source: DOTESPORTS
