I've always shied away from miniatures, those tiny, chess like pieces which represent PCs and NPCs. It'll take all the imagination out of the game, I thought. Miniatures make it into a board game. I'm here for role-playing, not to count squares and move little plastic or metal figures like a grown-up Candyland.
My DM had laid out an impressive dungeon map and provided us with a plethora of miniatures to choose from. I and the other female player had a hard time finding female figures both armed and clothed. Big boobs and wee bits of leather or chainmail? Check! Fully clothed and adequately armored? Not a chance.
That aside, miniatures did make it easier to judge distances in combat and figure out attacks of opportunity. I have to admit, they do add a little something to the game.
Still, why can't my female elf ranger wear pants? All the males get pants. Why is she stuck in a loincloth and ity-bity top? Maybe she should loot some pants in her next random monster encounter.
I think miniatures have come a long way from what they used to be. Some of the stuff Reaper, Ralpartha and other companies produced early on (and even now) was/is borderline pornographic, which in many instances is very alienating to women gamers, which is a shame. I love that I get to game with so many creative and intelligent women these days and it seems like things, at least from some companies are becoming more inclusive.
ReplyDeleteHave a look at the below link, which lists out all of the female miniatures that Wizards of the Coast has produced (many of which I have) and while many of them do have a certain amount of impracticality about them, many of them are well armored in full suits of armor, or fully clothed with no skin showing but their faces. By my count 55 of 87 of the female miniatures are fully dressed, in what could be considered at least an attempt at portraying functional armor or clothes (even if you disagree with its functional design).
http://www.vesivus.com/minis/Female.htm
I’m betting that those 55 would even pass the test on the “repair her armor” website. However, I guess there is still a ways to go, as the remaining 32 have bare midriffs (why would you have a bare midriff in a fight where someone could stick you with a sword?) or other skimpy outfits (the only topless one is the succubus, and she’s covering up with her arms). So, are a few sexy miniatures really that bad? It kind of reminds me of all the controversy surrounding Merida from Brave. I liked what one CNN contributor said about it in her opinion article here:
http://www.cnn.com/2013/05/14/opinion/drexler-brave-heroine
“The fact is that "babes" can be worthwhile role models, too, and no less so than those women whose looks are more rough and tumble” not that any miniature would ever be a role model for anyone like a Disney Princess would, but I digress.
Molly. I had no idea you gamed. Or, maybe I did and forgot. It's a hazard of growing old. Pathfinder is the pinnacle of the D20 system, in my mind. Consider me subscribed.
ReplyDeleteIf I can find the subscribe button...
Hi Sean :). Thanks for your comment. I've added a subscribe button. Can you tell this is my first blog?
DeleteI like your blog so far! The background image is pretty sweet. It reminds me of the old hotel room in The Matrix where Morpheus presents Neo with the choice between the blue pill and the red pill.
DeleteI'd like to also comment on the topic of your post here, but I think you and are going to agree so closely on this subject that I'd be doing little more than restating what you've already said.
Comment away. Makes me feel cool that folks are interested in what I have to say :)
DeleteHey there. Thanks for your comment and the links.
ReplyDeleteI have to disagree with the overall message of Miss Drexler. The point about Merida is not that "babes" can't be role models - the point is Merida already existed in an attractive form. There's no need to sexy her up to make her an acceptable role model. That's the issue - that Disney doesn't think a being smart, strong, brave and capable is enough. They have to be 'sexy' as well.
What kind of message is that sending to the vast majority of normal looking people? What is that telling our girls?
As to the miniatures, yes, there are many which are not offensive. The problem of bikini armor is an old story in the fantasy genre. I think as more women and the men who love and respect them make their voices heard, we'll see less and less booby-plate.
I don't really blame Disney, they are just a big money making machine. Mindless, and oblivious to the lives they impact. Like every corporation all that matters is the bottom line, does product X make enough money to justify its existence, if not, product X will cease in favor of product X1 which will perhaps make more money. This doesn’t mean it’s right. If the corporations of our world had a conscience and displayed compassion, it would be a better world, but I really just think they are a symptom created by each individual who consumes and what they choose to buy. I think it's every individual's responsibility to send the message to these corporations with their pocket books that a Disney Princess who is smart, strong, brave and capable is enough without her being 'sexified'. I agree with you. I also much prefer the original Merida, she was awesome and didn’t need to be changed. However, I doubt I will be going out to purchase a Merida doll, no matter her design, so I guess my opinion doesn’t really count here.
ReplyDeleteOf course your opinion matters! I think you're right about Disney. They're just trying to do what corporations do - make money. I am glad to see they decided not to create sexy Merida after all. Sort of gives you hope for the future to know that even a behemoth like Disney has to bow to public outcry. Fight the power and so on ;)
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