222973 "The damsel in distress trope is one of the most widely used gender clichs in the history of video

games and has been core to the popularization and development of gaming as a medium...As weve established The Damsel in Distress is part of long tradition of mythological narratives dating back through the ages. But those historical roots are no excuse for the continued use of a trope that perpetuates regressive and patronizing myths about women...Its long past time to disrupt the established pattern break the cycle and create new gender paradigms." -Anita Sarkessian, from "Tropes vs. Women in Video Games Video Series, Parts 1 & 3" If I were a video game producer, I would laugh this quote all the way to the bank. Laugh it all the way to the bank meaning Ill just laugh at her while cashing in my check for one of the most popular plot lines available in not only video games, but also movies and stories. Super Mario is one of the most popular games ever made and damsel in distress is the foundation for that game. Had Peach not been kidnapped by Marios archenemy, Bowser, there would be no purpose to the game. Quite simply, the damsel in distress trope is not politically incorrect; therefore it should not be taken in any offense. If the damsel in distress trope was so offensive towards women, how is it that the majority of Disney movies are not? In fact, one might argue that a good portion of these films are geared for the female audience. One might argue, that these films are more degrading towards men. The majority of the villains are men and these films set up an unrealistic image of men. Obviously one might rebuttal with something along the lines that games and movies like this display women as helpless, but it could be argued, for example, that had Mario been in a vulnerable state, he couldve just as easily been

222973 kidnapped by Bowser. My point is it is unfair to criticize video game developers and producers for simply following the vast majority of pop-culture and media. Another aspect where I find Sarkeesians criticism unjust is simply through our nations bill of rights. Freedom of speech or freedom of press, either way there is nothing constitutionally wrong with the damsel in distress trope. Anita is calling for change upon something because it is patronizing towards women, yet I believe it is fair to assume, if these games or movies were so imposing towards women, then why are they so popular. Yes, mostly men buy video games, however that is where Disney films may assist. The majority of Disney princess movies are obviously sold to the female audience. There is nothing wrong with this damsel in distress trope first, by principle, then second, by law. I believe that Sarkeesian is simply looking to write an article. She has no facts or information that proves that the infamous damsel in distress trope insults even the majority of women. In my opinion, Sarkeesian either had her feelings hurt, simply for attention, or she is, as I stated earlier, simply looking to write her next article. The damsel in distress storyline is not going anywhere anytime soon. As long as video games, and even stories for the matter, are being developed and produced, you are sure to find the damsel in distress trope on a shelf in a store near you. Another point to consider, one that has a significant effect on the matter, is what is the target audience for video games? Yes, females do play video games, and to say that they dont would prove Sarkeesian correct. Data shows that the average gamer is male, with a median age of 26 and a household income of $50,500. (Sepos) Vice president of marketing for Ziff Davis Game Group, Rey Leyda, says later in the article, Any marketer who wants to reach the sweet spot of 18 to 34 males should

222973 absolutely go after this demographic that is defined by their common love of computer and video games. These quotes dont promote sexism within the industry, but rather who is willing to shell out the big bucks. As a gaming developer attempting to maximize revenue, it is easy to see whom you want to sell your game to, and with that comes what kind of game you want to sell. Its simple business strategy. If a person didnt like what was sold to them they wouldnt buy it, plain and simple. Women obviously arent feeling too harsh towards the media that they are engaging themselves with because many females play video games. According to the "2013 Essential Facts About the Computer and Video Game Industry" report, produced by the Entertainment Software Association, 45% of all game players, and 46% of the most frequent purchasers of games, are female. Adult women make up 31% of the gameplaying population. (Frum) To support this sources credibility, it important to note that The Huffington Post and the USA Today used the exact same data from the same source. (Association) The fact that women make up such a large portion goes to show that Sarkeesians feelings towards the matter are quite personal and dont represent the feelings of the broad female audience. The data above simply shows that many gamers are women, perhaps more than the number or percentage you originally had in the back of your mind. Considering the fact that a very popular trope used in video games is the damsel in distress trope it is not hard to understand that female gamers certainly have no problem with it. One of the most well known and beloved gaming franchised, Super Mario Brothers, uses this exact story line. Many other games use similar ideas to form the foundation of their stories as well, Super Mario Brothers is just a good example due to its global impact. As earlier stated,

222973 the damsel and distress trope is just extending into videogames, as it is very popular in other forms of media such as TV and movies. To say that Sarkeesians outcry is downright wrong may be incorrect, but to say that her views do not necessarily match that of the makeup of female gamers would be a statement that you could take to the bank.

Works Cited Association, The Entertainment Software. 2013 Essential Facts About The Video Game Industry. Frum, Larry. Nearly half of all video-gamers are women. 8 August 2013. 22 April 2014 <http://www.cnn.com/2013/08/08/tech/gaming-gadgets/female-gamers/>. Leyda, Rey. Market Focus: Video Gamers Melissa Sepos. 2006. Sarkeesian, Anna. Tropes vs. Women in Video Games Sepos, Melissa. "Market Focus: Video Gamers ." Target Marketing (2006).