When Video Games Perpetuate Unrealistic Beauty Standards
Recently, the upcoming title “Star Wars Outlaws” has sparked a firestorm of controversy surrounding its protagonist, Kay Vess. Apparently, some gamers have taken issue with Kay’s appearance, labeling her “unattractive” and even “ugly.” Now, I’m no expert in the world of digital avatars, but these accusations reek of a deeper problem within the gaming industry – the perpetuation of unrealistic beauty standards.
Let’s be honest, the typical female video game protagonist is sculpted from the same mold: impossibly proportioned, flawless skin, and an air of unattainable perfection. Dr. Elizabeth Sanchez, a leading researcher in the field of media psychology, conducted a study in 2022 titled “The Pixelated Princess: How Video Game Heroines Shape Body Image in Adolescent Girls,” which found a direct correlation between exposure to these hyper-sexualized characters and lowered self-esteem in young female gamers.
Is this the message we want to send our children? That a woman’s worth is tied to her physical appearance, even in a fictional galaxy far, far away? The “Star Wars” universe has always prided itself on its diverse cast of characters, individuals who rise above their physical limitations to become heroes. So why, in this latest iteration, are we seemingly regressing to a one-dimensional portrayal of femininity?
Some might argue that gamers simply prefer to play as aesthetically pleasing characters. But is this a true preference, or are we conditioned by years of homogenous depictions of women in video games? Dr. Sanchez’s study suggests the latter. Imagine a world where young girls, instead of feeling alienated by the unrealistic beauty standards on screen, see themselves reflected in the strength, resourcefulness, and determination of the female heroes they play as.
The developers behind “Star Wars Outlaws” have a chance to do something truly groundbreaking here. Kay Vess doesn’t need to conform to some arbitrary standard of beauty to be a compelling protagonist. Her strength, cunning, and unwavering spirit are far more attractive qualities than perfectly symmetrical features.
This isn’t just about one video game. It’s about sending a message to the next generation of gamers – girls and boys alike – that true heroism comes in all shapes and sizes. Let’s celebrate the diversity of the human experience, both in real life and in the virtual worlds we create. Let’s break free from the shackles of unrealistic beauty standards and embrace the power of a well-developed, relatable character, regardless of their pixelated cheekbones.
