KirbYuuYuu
Member
Well no one stated anything about touching below the face Iirc
Wasn't Fire Emblem still selling less and less even prior to the remakes of the first & third games? It could be those games were made to try to appeal to a declining fanbase by having a game that starred the very popular Marth in it again. Even Awakening takes place in the same world as the first and third Fire Emblem games and has someone posing as Marth in an essential storyline role... it's only 1000 years after those games.
Mismanagement could absolutely be a factor, but the weakening sales happened over many entries, culminating in a pretty massive drop when Shadow Dragon released. It was at a point where they didn't even know if the series was viable in the west anymore, so they decided to add in a bit of pandering for the audience they thought were more likely to keep the series alive.
On the talk of face touching, they're going for skinship. Skinship is relatively normal and a form of physical bonding, skinship can go as far as handholding, cuddling, and heavy petting.
You can't touch a boob in the new Fire Emblem, only the face.
Can I pick a nose?
Actually, for what I remember, Shadow Dragon had improved sales from its predecessors. Path of Radiance and Radiant Dawn had the worst sales out of the worldwide games (even the Japan-only Mystery of the Emblem on the Super Famicom sold better).Mismanagement could absolutely be a factor, but the weakening sales happened over many entries, culminating in a pretty massive drop when Shadow Dragon released. It was at a point where they didn't even know if the series was viable in the west anymore, so they decided to add in a bit of pandering for the audience they thought were more likely to keep the series alive.
Except that after Awakening, Fire Emblem's future was assured. So it was never "grody face touching or no Fire Emblem." That's a complete false dichotomy.
Or, you have women posting here, saying what they think and expressing what they want, but apparently that doesn't count...
why is everything "grody" to you
it's just face touching.
We actually had a pretty wonderful and amenable discussion about Rise and I think the conclusion wasn't too terrible and even women gave input, but whatever, focus on what you want.Are you surprised? I'm not, these threads are always so predictable.
Are you surprised? I'm not, these threads are always so predictable.
a lot of this has to do with the holier than thou attitude of posters on both sides.
a lot of this has to do with the holier than thou attitude of posters on both sides.
This is one main issue I have with discussions like this.
Don't cry censorship, it makes it look like you take all of this far too seriously.
Don't call people who like fanservice names meant to belittle their age, social status, or sexual activities. It makes you look like a bully, like someone who can pick on someone else because of a perceived lesser status than you.
a lot of this has to do with the holier than thou attitude of posters on both sides.
Agreed. I believe that what gets lost in many of these discussions is that the industry and the market is big enough to supply something for all sides.
There is room for games focusing sexual fanservice, there is room for the burly middle-aged man power fantasy, there is room for empowered female protagonist, and etc. Nothing needs to be lost on any front.
While I agree that gender representation is lacking (see empowered female protagonists), I also feel that we can pursue and achieve equal representation without losing anything else. The industry is big enough to make everyone happy; and, I believe that is what should be the ultimate goal.
Agreed. I believe that what gets lost in many of these discussions is that the industry and the market is big enough to supply something for all sides.
There is room for games focusing sexual fanservice, there is room for the burly middle-aged man power fantasy, there is room for empowered female protagonist, and etc. Nothing needs to be lost on any front.
While I agree that gender representation is lacking (see empowered female protagonists), I also feel that we can pursue and achieve equal representation without losing anything else. The industry is big enough to make everyone happy; and, I believe that is what should be the ultimate goal.
Couldn't have put it better myself!
-Tom
Grody is as grody does.why is everything "grody" to you
it's just face touching.
Grody is as grody does.
EDIT: But yeah, it's "just face touching." You "don't have to play it." This of course means that it is above criticism.
It's a pandering, weirdly sexual minigame that is just above the board enough to give it plausible deniability so that its target audience can get away with arguing that it isn't "lewd," inserted into a series that has two decades of history and has never stooped as low as this.I mean your avatar is a joke about child molestation. You might say "it's just a joke" or "just ad block it", that's not it being above criticism it's contextualization. What exactly is your issue with the game having this system? Don't say grody, use your words.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ApwiFTBhYs
It's a game play abstraction to handle relationships I guess? I honestly don't know, but what's the problem? Isn't it a game where characters have relationships with one another? Is it that out of place?
Nah, I'm not.Are you surprised? I'm not, these threads are always so predictable.
Don't cry censorship, it makes it look like you take all of this far too seriously.
Don't call people who like fanservice names meant to belittle their age, social status, or sexual activities. It makes you look like a bully, like someone who can pick on someone else because of a perceived lesser status than you.
If only it were the case. As you said, gender representation has quite a way to go still, and when fanservice stuff starts creeping in genres that historically didn't have so much of it, well, it's quite alienating.Agreed. I believe that what gets lost in many of these discussions is that the industry and the market is big enough to supply something for all sides.
There is room for games focusing sexual fanservice, there is room for the burly middle-aged man power fantasy, there is room for empowered female protagonist, and etc. Nothing needs to be lost on any front.
While I agree that gender representation is lacking (see empowered female protagonists), I also feel that we can pursue and achieve equal representation without losing anything else. The industry is big enough to make everyone happy; and, I believe that is what should be the ultimate goal.
Ahhh gotcha. Sorry, I misread.I didn't say "cried for censorship", I said said "cry censorship", as in "This company refused to put a sexy bikini on a 13 year old girl....they're being censored! Fight the power!"
I don't call Mika's ass slap being removed censorship, I call it editing. Editing that I'm against, but editing nonetheless.
Weirdly sexual? Can you qualify that? I really don't know what that means. It's pandering but I don't think it's really sexual. It seems pretty non-offensive. Head patting is definitely a thing in anime and I guess Japan. Anyway didn't the game let you start relationships with and marry the characters in the game, isn't that pandering, why is patting them on the head weirdly sexual? What happened to all that hurrah for the male fan service by the way, since the system includes both genders.It's a pandering, weirdly sexual minigame that is just above the board enough to give it plausible deniability so that its target audience can get away with arguing that it isn't "lewd," inserted into a series that has two decades of history and has never stooped as low as this.
Good enough?
Actually, for what I remember, Shadow Dragon had improved sales from its predecessors. Path of Radiance and Radiant Dawn had the worst sales out of the worldwide games (even the Japan-only Mystery of the Emblem on the Super Famicom sold better).
Who cried for censorship? Sigh, predictable indeed.My bad, I misunderstood what you meant.
It's a pandering, weirdly sexual minigame that is just above the board enough to give it plausible deniability so that its target audience can get away with arguing that it isn't "lewd," inserted into a series that has two decades of history and has never stooped as low as this.
Good enough?
I don't respect your viewpoint, no, because I personally feel it marginalizes a large group of people. I do respect how you've conducted your argument though. Pretty level headed. And that's that I suppose. God speed.
...I hesitated whether or not to post this, but decided in the end that I probably should. So forgive me for jumping back in, but I feel this needs to be said.
You feel this view marginalizes a large group of people, and that's OK -- you're entitled to that opinion. But I actually hold this opinion for somewhat personal reasons, at least regarding the E3 badge argument.
Back in 2001-2003, I taught at two Japanese junior high schools through the JET Programme, and got to know quite a few of the students while I was there. And there were a sizable number of them who dreamed of becoming pop idols -- male students as well, though admittedly mostly female. They would have pictures with them of the pop idols they looked up to most, and while some were more modest (Mini Moni and the like), there were a few with outfits that I'd peg as distinctly similar to Rise's.
The girls all felt these outfits were incredibly cute, and I recall some mentioning that they were even working on making costumes of their own based on the ones they were seeing. They weren't doing this for the sake of attracting boys, but because they truly desired to wear similar outfits, and look adorable in them, and perform on stage in front of crowds, and become famous. For them, that was an actual dream -- something they were working toward, honing their vocal talents and dance choreography alike after school every single day.
Now, you may say that this dream is the result of a society that encourages women to objectify themselves for fame and glory, and that's fair enough. But actually being there, and seeing the spark in these girls' eyes... I can honestly say that it was making them happy. They were putting tremendous effort into attaining the closest thing to pop idol status they possibly could -- more effort than they put into their schoolwork, honestly -- and the passion they had for this goal was absolutely undeniable.
So when I hear someone say that Rise's outfit on that E3 badge is objectifying, or shows too much skin, or is too sexualized for the character... I can't help but think back to those girls, and imagine you telling THEM that. And if you did... I think they'd be absolutely crushed. They weren't even aware of objectification, or sexualization, or anything of that nature -- they just wanted to look cute, dance in sync with one another, sing bubbly songs, and have fun. Not for anyone else's sake, but for their own.
I feel that when people speak out against this kind of thing, it's like telling these girls that they're wrong for pursuing this particular dream -- that they put their eggs in the wrong basket and should reconsider all their life choices.
In short... I actually feel that public disgust for things like this is, in its own way, marginalizing the hopes and dreams of these girls. It's telling them, "There is only one way a girl should conduct herself, and this is not it." And that's not something you should ever tell a kid -- especially when their dreams are giving them something to be passionate about.
To me, it's kind of like when people made fun of me in high school for playing video games too much.
I just think it's important to keep an open mind, and to understand that while Western culture teaches us that outfits like this are sexual and "wrong," Eastern culture embraces them not for objectification, but for empowerment. It's "girly," sure... but it's something that a lot of girls in Japan really look up to and aspire to emulate, and I genuinely don't think that's wrong. Anything that can bring so many girls so much joy and camaraderie isn't something I can rightfully condemn.
...So yeah, I doubt this will change anyone's mind, but I felt it was something worth sharing, to give a different perspective on things -- and maybe help you understand where I'm coming from a little, if nothing else.
Sorry for the long response!
-Tom
...I hesitated whether or not to post this, but decided in the end that I probably should. So forgive me for jumping back in, but I feel this needs to be said.
You feel this view marginalizes a large group of people, and that's OK -- you're entitled to that opinion. But I actually hold this opinion for somewhat personal reasons, at least regarding the E3 badge argument.
Back in 2001-2003, I taught at two Japanese junior high schools through the JET Programme, and got to know quite a few of the students while I was there. And there were a sizable number of them who dreamed of becoming pop idols -- male students as well, though admittedly mostly female. They would have pictures with them of the pop idols they looked up to most, and while some were more modest (Mini Moni and the like), there were a few with outfits that I'd peg as distinctly similar to Rise's.
The girls all felt these outfits were incredibly cute, and I recall some mentioning that they were even working on making costumes of their own based on the ones they were seeing. They weren't doing this for the sake of attracting boys, but because they truly desired to wear similar outfits, and look adorable in them, and perform on stage in front of crowds, and become famous. For them, that was an actual dream -- something they were working toward, honing their vocal talents and dance choreography alike after school every single day.
Now, you may say that this dream is the result of a society that encourages women to objectify themselves for fame and glory, and that's fair enough. But actually being there, and seeing the spark in these girls' eyes... I can honestly say that it was making them happy. They were putting tremendous effort into attaining the closest thing to pop idol status they possibly could -- more effort than they put into their schoolwork, honestly -- and the passion they had for this goal was absolutely undeniable.
So when I hear someone say that Rise's outfit on that E3 badge is objectifying, or shows too much skin, or is too sexualized for the character... I can't help but think back to those girls, and imagine you telling THEM that. And if you did... I think they'd be absolutely crushed. They weren't even aware of objectification, or sexualization, or anything of that nature -- they just wanted to look cute, dance in sync with one another, sing bubbly songs, and have fun. Not for anyone else's sake, but for their own.
I feel that when people speak out against this kind of thing, it's like telling these girls that they're wrong for pursuing this particular dream -- that they put their eggs in the wrong basket and should reconsider all their life choices.
In short... I actually feel that public disgust for things like this is, in its own way, marginalizing the hopes and dreams of these girls. It's telling them, "There is only one way a girl should conduct herself, and this is not it." And that's not something you should ever tell a kid -- especially when their dreams are giving them something to be passionate about.
To me, it's kind of like when people made fun of me in high school for playing video games too much.
I just think it's important to keep an open mind, and to understand that while Western culture teaches us that outfits like this are sexual and "wrong," Eastern culture embraces them not for objectification, but for empowerment. It's "girly," sure... but it's something that a lot of girls in Japan really look up to and aspire to emulate, and I genuinely don't think that's wrong. Anything that can bring so many girls so much joy and camaraderie isn't something I can rightfully condemn.
...So yeah, I doubt this will change anyone's mind, but I felt it was something worth sharing, to give a different perspective on things -- and maybe help you understand where I'm coming from a little, if nothing else.
Sorry for the long response!
-Tom
...I hesitated whether or not to post this, but decided in the end that I probably should. So forgive me for jumping back in, but I feel this needs to be said.
You feel this view marginalizes a large group of people, and that's OK -- you're entitled to that opinion. But I actually hold this opinion for somewhat personal reasons, at least regarding the E3 badge argument.
Back in 2001-2003, I taught at two Japanese junior high schools through the JET Programme, and got to know quite a few of the students while I was there. And there were a sizable number of them who dreamed of becoming pop idols -- male students as well, though admittedly mostly female. They would have pictures with them of the pop idols they looked up to most, and while some were more modest (Mini Moni and the like), there were a few with outfits that I'd peg as distinctly similar to Rise's.
The girls all felt these outfits were incredibly cute, and I recall some mentioning that they were even working on making costumes of their own based on the ones they were seeing. They weren't doing this for the sake of attracting boys, but because they truly desired to wear similar outfits, and look adorable in them, and perform on stage in front of crowds, and become famous. For them, that was an actual dream -- something they were working toward, honing their vocal talents and dance choreography alike after school every single day.
Now, you may say that this dream is the result of a society that encourages women to objectify themselves for fame and glory, and that's fair enough. But actually being there, and seeing the spark in these girls' eyes... I can honestly say that it was making them happy. They were putting tremendous effort into attaining the closest thing to pop idol status they possibly could -- more effort than they put into their schoolwork, honestly -- and the passion they had for this goal was absolutely undeniable.
So when I hear someone say that Rise's outfit on that E3 badge is objectifying, or shows too much skin, or is too sexualized for the character... I can't help but think back to those girls, and imagine you telling THEM that. And if you did... I think they'd be absolutely crushed. They weren't even aware of objectification, or sexualization, or anything of that nature -- they just wanted to look cute, dance in sync with one another, sing bubbly songs, and have fun. Not for anyone else's sake, but for their own.
I feel that when people speak out against this kind of thing, it's like telling these girls that they're wrong for pursuing this particular dream -- that they put their eggs in the wrong basket and should reconsider all their life choices.
In short... I actually feel that public disgust for things like this is, in its own way, marginalizing the hopes and dreams of these girls. It's telling them, "There is only one way a girl should conduct herself, and this is not it." And that's not something you should ever tell a kid -- especially when their dreams are giving them something to be passionate about.
To me, it's kind of like when people made fun of me in high school for playing video games too much.
I just think it's important to keep an open mind, and to understand that while Western culture teaches us that outfits like this are sexual and "wrong," Eastern culture embraces them not for objectification, but for empowerment. It's "girly," sure... but it's something that a lot of girls in Japan really look up to and aspire to emulate, and I genuinely don't think that's wrong. Anything that can bring so many girls so much joy and camaraderie isn't something I can rightfully condemn.
...So yeah, I doubt this will change anyone's mind, but I felt it was something worth sharing, to give a different perspective on things -- and maybe help you understand where I'm coming from a little, if nothing else.
Sorry for the long response!
-Tom
Essentially, the game industry needs its titles like Short Bus. The fact that Japan is the only place where there are in fact non-pornographic games with explicit content is kind of depressing (and even then, these titles only exist on PC and are usually censored for release on platforms where they don't allow that stuff.)
...I hesitated whether or not to post this, but decided in the end that I probably should. So forgive me for jumping back in, but I feel this needs to be said.
You feel this view marginalizes a large group of people, and that's OK -- you're entitled to that opinion. But I actually hold this opinion for somewhat personal reasons, at least regarding the E3 badge argument.
Back in 2001-2003, I taught at two Japanese junior high schools through the JET Programme, and got to know quite a few of the students while I was there. And there were a sizable number of them who dreamed of becoming pop idols -- male students as well, though admittedly mostly female. They would have pictures with them of the pop idols they looked up to most, and while some were more modest (Mini Moni and the like), there were a few with outfits that I'd peg as distinctly similar to Rise's.
The girls all felt these outfits were incredibly cute, and I recall some mentioning that they were even working on making costumes of their own based on the ones they were seeing. They weren't doing this for the sake of attracting boys, but because they truly desired to wear similar outfits, and look adorable in them, and perform on stage in front of crowds, and become famous. For them, that was an actual dream -- something they were working toward, honing their vocal talents and dance choreography alike after school every single day.
Now, you may say that this dream is the result of a society that encourages women to objectify themselves for fame and glory, and that's fair enough. But actually being there, and seeing the spark in these girls' eyes... I can honestly say that it was making them happy. They were putting tremendous effort into attaining the closest thing to pop idol status they possibly could -- more effort than they put into their schoolwork, honestly -- and the passion they had for this goal was absolutely undeniable.
So when I hear someone say that Rise's outfit on that E3 badge is objectifying, or shows too much skin, or is too sexualized for the character... I can't help but think back to those girls, and imagine you telling THEM that. And if you did... I think they'd be absolutely crushed. They weren't even aware of objectification, or sexualization, or anything of that nature -- they just wanted to look cute, dance in sync with one another, sing bubbly songs, and have fun. Not for anyone else's sake, but for their own.
I feel that when people speak out against this kind of thing, it's like telling these girls that they're wrong for pursuing this particular dream -- that they put their eggs in the wrong basket and should reconsider all their life choices.
In short... I actually feel that public disgust for things like this is, in its own way, marginalizing the hopes and dreams of these girls. It's telling them, "There is only one way a girl should conduct herself, and this is not it." And that's not something you should ever tell a kid -- especially when their dreams are giving them something to be passionate about.
To me, it's kind of like when people made fun of me in high school for playing video games too much.
I just think it's important to keep an open mind, and to understand that while Western culture teaches us that outfits like this are sexual and "wrong," Eastern culture embraces them not for objectification, but for empowerment. It's "girly," sure... but it's something that a lot of girls in Japan really look up to and aspire to emulate, and I genuinely don't think that's wrong. Anything that can bring so many girls so much joy and camaraderie isn't something I can rightfully condemn.
...So yeah, I doubt this will change anyone's mind, but I felt it was something worth sharing, to give a different perspective on things -- and maybe help you understand where I'm coming from a little, if nothing else.
Sorry for the long response!
-Tom
...I hesitated whether or not to post this, but decided in the end that I probably should. So forgive me for jumping back in, but I feel this needs to be said.
You feel this view marginalizes a large group of people, and that's OK -- you're entitled to that opinion. But I actually hold this opinion for somewhat personal reasons, at least regarding the E3 badge argument.
Back in 2001-2003, I taught at two Japanese junior high schools through the JET Programme, and got to know quite a few of the students while I was there. And there were a sizable number of them who dreamed of becoming pop idols -- male students as well, though admittedly mostly female. They would have pictures with them of the pop idols they looked up to most, and while some were more modest (Mini Moni and the like), there were a few with outfits that I'd peg as distinctly similar to Rise's.
The girls all felt these outfits were incredibly cute, and I recall some mentioning that they were even working on making costumes of their own based on the ones they were seeing. They weren't doing this for the sake of attracting boys, but because they truly desired to wear similar outfits, and look adorable in them, and perform on stage in front of crowds, and become famous. For them, that was an actual dream -- something they were working toward, honing their vocal talents and dance choreography alike after school every single day.
Now, you may say that this dream is the result of a society that encourages women to objectify themselves for fame and glory, and that's fair enough. But actually being there, and seeing the spark in these girls' eyes... I can honestly say that it was making them happy. They were putting tremendous effort into attaining the closest thing to pop idol status they possibly could -- more effort than they put into their schoolwork, honestly -- and the passion they had for this goal was absolutely undeniable.
So when I hear someone say that Rise's outfit on that E3 badge is objectifying, or shows too much skin, or is too sexualized for the character... I can't help but think back to those girls, and imagine you telling THEM that. And if you did... I think they'd be absolutely crushed. They weren't even aware of objectification, or sexualization, or anything of that nature -- they just wanted to look cute, dance in sync with one another, sing bubbly songs, and have fun. Not for anyone else's sake, but for their own.
I feel that when people speak out against this kind of thing, it's like telling these girls that they're wrong for pursuing this particular dream -- that they put their eggs in the wrong basket and should reconsider all their life choices.
In short... I actually feel that public disgust for things like this is, in its own way, marginalizing the hopes and dreams of these girls. It's telling them, "There is only one way a girl should conduct herself, and this is not it." And that's not something you should ever tell a kid -- especially when their dreams are giving them something to be passionate about.
To me, it's kind of like when people made fun of me in high school for playing video games too much.
I just think it's important to keep an open mind, and to understand that while Western culture teaches us that outfits like this are sexual and "wrong," Eastern culture embraces them not for objectification, but for empowerment. It's "girly," sure... but it's something that a lot of girls in Japan really look up to and aspire to emulate, and I genuinely don't think that's wrong. Anything that can bring so many girls so much joy and camaraderie isn't something I can rightfully condemn.
...So yeah, I doubt this will change anyone's mind, but I felt it was something worth sharing, to give a different perspective on things -- and maybe help you understand where I'm coming from a little, if nothing else.
Sorry for the long response!
-Tom
...I hesitated whether or not to post this, but decided in the end that I probably should. So forgive me for jumping back in, but I feel this needs to be said.
You feel this view marginalizes a large group of people, and that's OK -- you're entitled to that opinion. But I actually hold this opinion for somewhat personal reasons, at least regarding the E3 badge argument.
Back in 2001-2003, I taught at two Japanese junior high schools through the JET Programme, and got to know quite a few of the students while I was there. And there were a sizable number of them who dreamed of becoming pop idols -- male students as well, though admittedly mostly female. They would have pictures with them of the pop idols they looked up to most, and while some were more modest (Mini Moni and the like), there were a few with outfits that I'd peg as distinctly similar to Rise's.
The girls all felt these outfits were incredibly cute, and I recall some mentioning that they were even working on making costumes of their own based on the ones they were seeing. They weren't doing this for the sake of attracting boys, but because they truly desired to wear similar outfits, and look adorable in them, and perform on stage in front of crowds, and become famous. For them, that was an actual dream -- something they were working toward, honing their vocal talents and dance choreography alike after school every single day.
Now, you may say that this dream is the result of a society that encourages women to objectify themselves for fame and glory, and that's fair enough. But actually being there, and seeing the spark in these girls' eyes... I can honestly say that it was making them happy. They were putting tremendous effort into attaining the closest thing to pop idol status they possibly could -- more effort than they put into their schoolwork, honestly -- and the passion they had for this goal was absolutely undeniable.
So when I hear someone say that Rise's outfit on that E3 badge is objectifying, or shows too much skin, or is too sexualized for the character... I can't help but think back to those girls, and imagine you telling THEM that. And if you did... I think they'd be absolutely crushed. They weren't even aware of objectification, or sexualization, or anything of that nature -- they just wanted to look cute, dance in sync with one another, sing bubbly songs, and have fun. Not for anyone else's sake, but for their own.
I feel that when people speak out against this kind of thing, it's like telling these girls that they're wrong for pursuing this particular dream -- that they put their eggs in the wrong basket and should reconsider all their life choices.
In short... I actually feel that public disgust for things like this is, in its own way, marginalizing the hopes and dreams of these girls. It's telling them, "There is only one way a girl should conduct herself, and this is not it." And that's not something you should ever tell a kid -- especially when their dreams are giving them something to be passionate about.
To me, it's kind of like when people made fun of me in high school for playing video games too much.
I just think it's important to keep an open mind, and to understand that while Western culture teaches us that outfits like this are sexual and "wrong," Eastern culture embraces them not for objectification, but for empowerment. It's "girly," sure... but it's something that a lot of girls in Japan really look up to and aspire to emulate, and I genuinely don't think that's wrong. Anything that can bring so many girls so much joy and camaraderie isn't something I can rightfully condemn.
...So yeah, I doubt this will change anyone's mind, but I felt it was something worth sharing, to give a different perspective on things -- and maybe help you understand where I'm coming from a little, if nothing else.
Sorry for the long response!
-Tom
Actually, for what I remember, Shadow Dragon had improved sales from its predecessors. Path of Radiance and Radiant Dawn had the worst sales out of the worldwide games (even the Japan-only Mystery of the Emblem on the Super Famicom sold better).
...I hesitated whether or not to post this, but decided in the end that I probably should. So forgive me for jumping back in, but I feel this needs to be said.
You feel this view marginalizes a large group of people, and that's OK -- you're entitled to that opinion. But I actually hold this opinion for somewhat personal reasons, at least regarding the E3 badge argument.
Back in 2001-2003, I taught at two Japanese junior high schools through the JET Programme, and got to know quite a few of the students while I was there. And there were a sizable number of them who dreamed of becoming pop idols -- male students as well, though admittedly mostly female. They would have pictures with them of the pop idols they looked up to most, and while some were more modest (Mini Moni and the like), there were a few with outfits that I'd peg as distinctly similar to Rise's.
The girls all felt these outfits were incredibly cute, and I recall some mentioning that they were even working on making costumes of their own based on the ones they were seeing. They weren't doing this for the sake of attracting boys, but because they truly desired to wear similar outfits, and look adorable in them, and perform on stage in front of crowds, and become famous. For them, that was an actual dream -- something they were working toward, honing their vocal talents and dance choreography alike after school every single day.
Now, you may say that this dream is the result of a society that encourages women to objectify themselves for fame and glory, and that's fair enough. But actually being there, and seeing the spark in these girls' eyes... I can honestly say that it was making them happy. They were putting tremendous effort into attaining the closest thing to pop idol status they possibly could -- more effort than they put into their schoolwork, honestly -- and the passion they had for this goal was absolutely undeniable.
So when I hear someone say that Rise's outfit on that E3 badge is objectifying, or shows too much skin, or is too sexualized for the character... I can't help but think back to those girls, and imagine you telling THEM that. And if you did... I think they'd be absolutely crushed. They weren't even aware of objectification, or sexualization, or anything of that nature -- they just wanted to look cute, dance in sync with one another, sing bubbly songs, and have fun. Not for anyone else's sake, but for their own.
I feel that when people speak out against this kind of thing, it's like telling these girls that they're wrong for pursuing this particular dream -- that they put their eggs in the wrong basket and should reconsider all their life choices.
In short... I actually feel that public disgust for things like this is, in its own way, marginalizing the hopes and dreams of these girls. It's telling them, "There is only one way a girl should conduct herself, and this is not it." And that's not something you should ever tell a kid -- especially when their dreams are giving them something to be passionate about.
To me, it's kind of like when people made fun of me in high school for playing video games too much.
I just think it's important to keep an open mind, and to understand that while Western culture teaches us that outfits like this are sexual and "wrong," Eastern culture embraces them not for objectification, but for empowerment. It's "girly," sure... but it's something that a lot of girls in Japan really look up to and aspire to emulate, and I genuinely don't think that's wrong. Anything that can bring so many girls so much joy and camaraderie isn't something I can rightfully condemn.
...So yeah, I doubt this will change anyone's mind, but I felt it was something worth sharing, to give a different perspective on things -- and maybe help you understand where I'm coming from a little, if nothing else.
Sorry for the long response!
-Tom
With FE5 being a Japan-only Super Famicom game released in 1999, that's to be expected.That said, none of them have sold as poorly as Thracia 776. That game didn't even break 150,000 copies.
You say pointless junk, but I can't think of any mystery dungeon roguelike games on the Vita. If the game is bad and is all fanservice (which it probably is sadly).
It sucks that some of the genres I love actually need this shit for it to even sell.
Stuff
-Tom
It's hard to attack you because you're being so earnest, but as you anticipated, this will change the minds of only people with very weakly formed opinions. That innocent people can pursue warped ideals is why things like sexism and racism are so insidious and deeply rooted in society.
It's hard to attack you because you're being so earnest, but as you anticipated, this will change the minds of only people with very weakly formed opinions. That innocent people can pursue warped ideals is why things like sexism and racism are so insidious and deeply rooted in society.
It's hard to attack you because you're being so earnest, but as you anticipated, this will change the minds of only people with very weakly formed opinions. That innocent people can pursue warped ideals is why things like sexism and racism are so insidious and deeply rooted in society.