How I responded to sexism in gaming with empathy - Lilian Chen

TL;DR

A gamer's evolution from shy player to vocal advocate against sexism in the competitive Super Smash Brothers Melee scene.

Transcript

Peking House is my family-owned Chinese restaurant in Willimantic, Connecticut, where I spent nearly 20 years growing up, before we sold it. My brother and I spent most of our time in the room in the back called "the office." "The office" was really just a storage room, but it had our gaming systems, and the game that we played the most was called ... Read More

Key Insights

• 😀 Competitive gaming communities can provide supportive environments for individuals facing bullying and prejudice in other areas of life.
• 🥺 Gender imbalance in gaming communities can lead to issues of sexism and objectification towards female players.
• 🥺 Personal experiences with sexism in gaming can lead individuals to become advocates for gender equality within the industry.
• 💍 Creating awareness about sexism in gaming requires engaging in conversation and empathy towards individuals unintentionally perpetuating sexist behaviors.
• 💱 Speaking out against sexism in gaming can lead to positive change and empower others to challenge and change harmful behaviors.
• 🥺 Acknowledging personal biases and encouraging dialogue can lead to a more inclusive and respectful gaming community.

Questions & Answers

Q: How did the speaker's upbringing influence her introduction to competitive gaming?

The speaker spent a significant time playing Super Smash Brothers Melee at her family's restaurant, eventually competing in local and national tournaments due to her passion for the game.

Q: What challenges did the speaker face regarding gender imbalance in the gaming community?

The speaker encountered sexist behavior and objectification in the gaming community, leading to personal struggles with self-identity and the projection of those biases onto others.

Q: How did the speaker's experiences in the gaming community lead to her advocacy for gender equality?

The speaker's realization of the pervasive sexism in gaming prompted her to speak out, share her experiences through blog posts, organize panels, and engage in conversations to raise awareness about sexism in gaming.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Growing up in a family-owned Chinese restaurant with a special focus on playing Super Smash Brothers Melee.

• Transitioning from casual matches to competitive tournaments and facing gender imbalance and sexism in the gaming community.

• Overcoming personal struggles and advocating for gender equality in gaming through awareness and communication.