Oy, That Didn't Take Long at All...

Over at the African American Women's Blog Black Looks the author Kym Platt successfully manages to forgo any semblance of "intelligence" and start fear mongering about a certain zombie game featuring black enemies. That's right, I'm referring to Resident Evil 5. I was wondering when someone would finally try to make a big deal out of it.





I've broken down her oooh so succinctly stupid post in short, with replies.

"The new Resident Evil video game depicts a white man in what appears to be Africa killing Black people."

Black zombies, first point. Secondly, its placed in Africa, most primarily because its a plot point. The "zombie virus" is based partially off of the real-life Ebola virus, which *gasp* originated in Africa. Not to mention the fact that when its a white man killing white zombies (previous 4 games) its OK. Heck, in Resident Evil Outbreak, you have a black man killing white zombies, and that's apparently OK. Double standard much?

"The Black people are supposed to be zombies and the white man’s job is to destroy them and save humanity. “I have a job to do and I’m gonna see it through.”"

No, they're not supposed to be zombies, they are zombies, or the like. Whatsmore, this white man is a recurring character from the series. Funniest thing? This game is being made by asians.

"This is problematic on so many levels, including the depiction of Black people as inhuman savages, the killing of Black people by a white man in military clothing, and the fact that this video game is marketed to children and young adults. Start them young… fearing, hating, and destroying Black people."

So the depiction of white people (love the capitalization of the B in Black there) as inhuman savages in the 4 previous games and various offshoots wasn't problematic? Why may I ask? Is it ok to kill white people and not black people? Hmmmm. Is that the contention I'm seeing here? Even more hilarious, is the idea that the game will probably be rated MA, ie. children and young adults won't be able to purchase it... unless mommy or daddy buys it for them. Hardcore pornography appeals to young adults too, doesn't mean its being specifically marketed at them.

My advice? Stop fear-mongering and worry about some real racism.