Gaming's Sexual Harassment Problem

Today I came upon this article and felt that it brought about a new and different aspect of a topic that we discussed this week: gaming.  As we talked about in class, the sexual objectification of women and the minute yet offensive roles they play in video games is disturbing and creates problems with attitudes and behaviors in men.  Dill et. al's study indicated that men "exposed to stereotypical content made judgements that were more tolerant of a real-life instance of sexual harassment compared to controls" (pg. 1402).  These judgements and behaviors are closer than we thought.  This article addresses the sexual harassment that female gamers face WHILE playing online versus other gamers.

The video game industry relies on their online platform that allows for players to talk to one another while playing the video game.  According to this article, women are not disturbed by the sheer competition and "trash talk" that happens while playing.  However, what does bother them is when the verbal abuse "stops focusing on women as players and targets them simply because of their gender."  The sexual harassment over gaming came in many forms such as intentionally sexist comments, jokes about rape, threats or being asked for sexual favors.

Because of this apparent abuse, women are pleading for the gaming industry to take a stance against this.  Some may argue that gaming is mostly for men and that this concern is far and few in between.  However, the article clarifies that many women do play video games, but decide to mask their identity as to avoid this sexual harassment.  By neglecting this harassment, the gaming industry is virtually (no pun intended) telling women that they are less important members of society.

http://thenextweb.com/insider/2016/03/24/gaming-will-always-be-for-men-until-the-industry-addresses-its-sexual-harassment-problem/#gref

Dill, K. E., Brown, B. P., & Collins, M. A. (2008). Effects of exposure to sex-stereotyped video game characters on tolerance of sexual harassment. Journal of Experimental Social Psychology, 44(5), 1402-1408. doi: 10.1016/j.jesp.2008.06.002 

NFL bans players with domestic violence, sexual assault convictions from scouting combine

Last week, the executive vice president of football operations of the NFL released a statement that the National Football League would no longer allow players with convictions for domestic violence, sexual assault or weapons offenses to participate and attend the annual scouting skills combine.

The combine is the primary opportunity for post-college athletes looking to play at the next level to showcase their abilities on the football field.  Further statements indicated that all invitees would have to submit a background check and that any misdemeanor or felony would bar said athlete from any league-related events, including the glamorized and highly-touted NFL Draft.

This new rule has been established due to the continuous problems the NFL has been dealing with with its players engaging in unruly behavior, especially cases of domestic violence and sexual assault (Ray Rice and 43 other NFL players in the last few years).  It is interesting and troubling to note that the case of Jameis Winston (one that we will be covering in class soon) would still have been able to participate in the combine because he was never officially convicted, despite allegations and a civil suit at Florida State University.  However, Frank Clark, a player familiar to us because Michigan is his alma mater, would have been barred because of his conviction of domestic violence last year.  It is encouraging that our university was responsible in charging Frank Clark despite his fame and status as a high-profile athlete.

I am curious what people in class think about this new rule the NFL put in place.  Is the National Football League seriously concerned and worried for the lives of players' partners, girlfriends, or wives?  Or, is it simply damage control because of the increasing tainted reputation associated with the League?

To read more, here is the link:
http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2016/02/08/nfl-scouting-combine-bans-players-domestic-violence-sexual-assault-weapons-convictions/80040774/