On the "Sexualization" of Female Protagonists

I've read quite a few articles that discussed or alluded to the role of sexualized imagery with regards to females in video games. Below is an image of two of gamings most famous female protagonists, Samus Aran from Metroid (seen here in her tight-fitting "zero-suit") and Lara Croft of Tomb Raider (in her normal, and in some respects most covering, attire). Clearly both ladies were created with a nod to visual appeal based on present American standards (travel to other countries, or even a few decades back, and these idealized images would be quite different, though no less idealized). The thought is that this imagery is designed to titillate, feed male fantasy and as a result harm women by reinforcing unrealistic expectations. I've had occasion to think about this a lot and consider it from several different angles, and ultimately I'm going to have to place my judgment on the matter by saying "I disagree".

This is a sensitive issue, and certainly there is amble evidence of "fan service" on the part of many game designers, but all things are not equal in the world of games. One would not take a painting such as La Grande Odalisque by Jean Auguste Dominique Ingres and place it upon equal footing with a centerfold in Playboy, even though the two images would share quite a few similarities. This is an extreme example of course, and I'm not suggesting that Samus and Lara represent high art, only pointing out that there is often a fundamental difference in kind and type when considering two otherwise similar things.

Samus and Lara are no doubt idealized based upon what is presently considered to be attractive in our culture, and are to a degree presented to be pleasant on a sensuous level. But on the other hand, it is impossible for an idealized image of a woman to be considered unsensual. The ideal is based upon physical attractiveness, and physical attractiveness is necessarily linked to sensuality. This does not suggest that a woman who is considered "sexy" is therefore slutty. Take Samus, for instance. Certainly she has the physical build of an idealized woman, but at no point in the entire Metroid series is she portrayed as anything less than upstanding, strong and powerful (I don't consider Other-M's portrayal of her struggle with fear and the past to contradict this). Certainly her "zero-suit" fits like a second skin, but for most of the series she appears in her iconic battle armor, which apart from having no sexual characteristics at all, would make it impossible to wear anything looser underneath. So although you can go around and around about the design choice, the zero-suit makes perfect sense and is actually particularly modest within the rules of the world she was created to exist in. Certainly they could have dressed her in less. As for Lara, again, aside from her idealized physical appearance, she's dressed in a tight tank top and shorts. She could have rather longer shorts on, or perhaps a more loose-fitting shirt, but once more within the context of her world, exploring tropical destinations (she does appear more "fully clothed" when placed in other settings), the outfit is hardly worth considering. Although drawn as an idealized female form, she is never portrayed as loose, but is an archaeological genius, strong, independent and quick-witted. Quite frankly, both of these woman would, on the basis of their character, be excellent role-models, if not for the idealization of their design which is largely attributed to satisfying the sexual appetites of young adolescent boys. But to that, we must consider the whole history of art; unless we are journeying into the world of Realism, which paints the world as it is (games have never been much for realism), the whole of human history rests upon picturing the world in more idealized terms. Much of early Italian and medieval art portrays idealized women, but they are softer and heavier. Why? Because during this period in history this was considered more attractive. These women were not considered realistic so much as ideal. Travel to other parts of the world today, for instance countries in the middle-east, and you'll be able to find cultures that still hold to these same ideals over the more twiggy girls that tend to be idealized in western culture today (perhaps not surprising, chesty girls seem to have always been considered ideal regardless of their other physical leanings). It is hardly surprising that woman in games, just as in any other media, should be portrayed according to a culture's present set of ideals. We may object to the impracticality of achieving said ideals, but that doesn't change them. It is an example of art reflecting life; not the life that we see in the world around us (Realism) but the life that exists in the subconscious of the generation.

Another point to consider is that such women are not just the norm because of males. The fact is, females often enjoy partaking in the same escapist fantasies just as much as anyone else. How many reasoning people look at a picture of Lara Croft and determine to pattern themselves after her physical appearance? On the other hand, how many females enjoy picking up a game where they can not only indulge in the fantasy of a heroin, but an idealized one? This is a common thing, and it is not indicative of sexual-identity issues. If you asked my wife to comment on Lara Croft's looks, she'd respond that "she's hot". Heck, I'd say the same thing about Sting and that doesn't make me homosexual. It's a shared set of fantasy ideals that crosses gender lines. It is not unique to women; male heroes, which are more plentiful and thus perhaps escape scrutiny on account of their commonality, are also portrayed as idealized. Duke Nukem, Serious Sam, the great action heroes of gaming are often portrayed as either muscle-bound superheroes, or, if less muscular, metro-sexual male models. Exceptions exist, like a certain Italian plumber, but it's not a double-standard...within the world of Mario, there are no physically idealized characters. Princess Peach may be cute, but she's hardly sexy. But within the confines of the action-oriented male-fantasy games, how many guys would rather play as themselves, instead of as the Duke? Part of the enjoyment is the escapist fantasy of becoming the "ultimate man".

There may be room for argument on whether the culture should have fantasy ideals with regards to things like physical appearance, but ultimately that becomes a philosophical argument. The reality is that we do have them, always have, always will. We have them because it is a part of our psyche, a symptom of our existence within a fallen, broken world. We know ideals exist, even if they are beyond our grasp, and looking to them gives us hope and captures the imagination. This is true of higher ideals, principles of love, freedom and peace, and it is the same element within us that flows down into "lower" ideals as well. Is it all pure fantasy? Yes, but sometimes that's the point. If God grants me a daughter, I will raise her to respect herself, to love herself, to be strong and courageous and to accept who she is. And when it comes time for her to play out her imaginative fantasies, I would prefer that she do it on the backdrop of Lara Croft than the backdrop of Barbie.