Ash Parrish of The Verge returns as host to implement new segments, consider community Halo grievances, and weigh evidence that Frank might have been the first person to ever draw a dick in Pictochat.
Ash sounded real comfortable as a guest host, the runtime just flew by while I was listening.
I loved the lightning round concept
Ash, don’t apologise or worry — this show, its panel, and its listeners are exactly the forum for a conversation such as OffMyChest. (As I imagine you quickly figured out by the earnest discussion that arose)
I have to disagree about the offmychest segment. I’m Black, grew up in the lower socioeconomic areas of the midwestern US, and have faced tons of racists, haters and generally ignorant people throughout my life. I learned a long time ago they’re not worth my energy in the slightest. So I ignore them unless they bring some problem directly to my life, then I address that situation if necessary. I prefer to spread love and enjoy cool people, and just ignore the dummies because dummies will always be dummies and it’s not up to me to dish out justice in the universe or convert dummies to non-dummies.
I obviously don’t expect everyone to be like me. I respect everyone’s feelings and approach to life, even when I disagree. And I also understand this conversation was more about how to approach things as a journalist in and around the noted issue. But I do find discussions about ignorant people to be a waste of my time and energy. So this segment kinda bummed me out, in the sense that I’d rather be listening to a more interesting conversation during that time, instead of it being used for yet another venting session regarding ignorant people.
I do agree with some of the end take-aways though…the ‘Be the change you want to see’ sentiment.
Sorry for being pedantic, but this is something I care about: The article out of New York University about social media that is linked in that blue sky post does not find those two facts quoted. It cites three articles that made those findings some years ago:
The article linked is about how moderate opinions are drowned out by extreme ones. Maybe I read too fast, but I wish they defined their terms. They describe users as “extreme” and “moderate” but don’t describe any actual positions one of those might hold. They also reference being exposed to “immoral acts” online, which seemed weird to me. I guess they’re trying to be unbiased, and that’s the most politically neutral way to say that? An umbrella term that can contain racism and seeing a trans person exist.
But yeah, seems to be about the invisibility of political moderates online. Which honestly they can stay invisible for all I care, which is a good example of the hostility moderates report experiencing online (despite posting less than other users).
the notion that gamer gate people are dumb and looking for a sense of belonging, and then easily led was mentioned just provisionally so just recognizing that, but I don’t know if I find that too convincing just bc people are free to like go pick up trash at the park or read to old folks at the nursing home or any of the thousands of pro-social voluntary activities you could do if genuinely concerned about the state of the world and looking for a human connection and a sense of self worth. But no I guess it’s gaming and bitching on the internet is the way to go lol
Still need to listen to the full episode, but there is a ton of potential work that can be done in building the bridge of real, local community and gaming as a very popular shared interest. It’s more of an uphill battle, but I think a “local game community” could be as much of a thing as a local music community by building intentional and inclusive ecosystems for both creators and players to connect. I am but one measly human but definitely want to eventually help make this happen for the Midwest USA.
6:18 “[for] people who unironically like Epic Rap Battles of History.”
So, I do enjoy ERB of History. I dislike chap hop. From what I’ve heard chap hop is just… not good.
With ERB of History I find they do a good job with the writing, flow, and beats. They’ve also had collaborations with some traditional rappers like Snoop Dogg and Chali 2na… they even had T-Pain on.
Not everything they’ve done is great and a few of them are indeed cringe (looking at you, Adam vs. Eve). But just like with any musical artist/group who ever existed, not everything they do will be a hit.
Brandon nailed it about media though I think he was specifically talking about books, they’re at their best when they make you think about something else.
Also the official answer to the best use of hip hop in video Hans is the fur fighters loading screen which had a beat and the shoulder buttons could be used to add a hip hop sound to the beat like a record scratch or some horns.
I really enjoyed the long OffMyChest discussion. I like it when Insert Credit gets real.
It probably didn’t age well, but my favorite use of Hiphop in games is that Kanye song in Saints Row 3. That was the hypest shit ever to 15 year old me.
Ok this is kinda cheating as it was half prompted by Chali 2na already coming up in the thread, but Jurrasic 5’s Improvise on Jet Set Radio is my favorite licensed use of hip hop in a game
I think that it’s that desire, plus being too lazy/scared to do anything new in life is what does it. That’s why it’s a pipeline from complaining about video games to complaining about women in video games to complaining about women, etc., just continuing their self destructive habits.
I hear what you’re saying here - the difference in this case is we’re talking about what to do when your industry is threatened by this sort of thing institutionally. When the washington post is going to pick up on the stories about “controversy” in video games, when the controversy is “there’s black people in it,” ignoring it feels like you’re letting them determine the message. And when you have a platform (like ash with journalism or the rest of us with social media) it feels like turning a blind eye is allowing that message to flourish. And I think our conclusion was to provide better spaces and examples for people who could go down that path, but it’s really hard to know what to do, when doing nothing means people in your industry get attacked.
Like if you look at mobygames.com, months after the big fervor over them, sweetbaby inc is still the #3 most researched company on the page. My friend who worked there as a contractor is still getting death threats daily and just noted on social media that folks should remember to check in with people who’ve been targets of harassment a couple months out to see if they’re doing okay. It’s just very hard to turn away from them because they are hounding folks to the ends of the earth, and they’re driving the narrative about the subject.
Frank needs to be reprimanded for stepping out of line and declaring Brandon winner at the 7:05 mark. That’s the host’s call, not his, and he ought to apologize for this insolent outburst. I’m so mad I can’t even think straight. THANKS A LOT!
I appreciated the discussion on gamer gate. I work in a public facing role on a triple A game and am openly trans and the discourse can be TERRIBLE. It’s my fault the game is woke, certain characters are self inserts, all the stuff you’d expect. I try to have thick skin or avoid it but it can take a toll. I do not know what the solution is, but I know white straight guys with a voice ignoring it probably isn’t the answer. I also don’t think it’s fair to expect everyone to be an activist. However, it sucks when it feels like no one has your back. Again, IDK what we are supposed to do, but the honest conversation about it was nice to hear.
As a straight white dude without any kind of platform at all, I really don’t know what I should do about that besides just try to be a good person who people know can be counted on as an ally and all that. If I were to do a post it would really just feel like patting myself on the back or more cynically it might look like I was trying to get someone’s attention. That doesn’t mean I haven’t done it, it just feels like people already know what I’m about and what’s another post going to do. It sucks, though!
Anyway, I don’t know if this is my favorite hip hop moment in a game but I like how there’s an original Wu Tang track when you fight Shredder in TMNT Shredder’s Revenge. Great game.
If you want a Wachowski rec you should check out the Speed Racer movie it’s wonderful! Cute and colorful with a momentum to the editing that makes it super engaging.
Sorta gives me the vibes of the Amorous in your Absence music video but a movie ~ might be your kinda thing <3
