In Linda Berdayes' New Media class, we read the article "Gaming Pink: Gender and Structure in The Sims Online" by Jennifer Stromer-Galley and Rosa Leslie Mikeal from the book Digital Media (ed: Paul Messaris and Lee Humphreys). The Sims Online is a virtual community similar to Second Life. I believe the difference between the two is TSO does not allow the gamer to control exactly what the avatar does and says in the way SL does. Maybe I will have to create a TSO account and play around.

This article discusses the perpetuation of gender stereotypes in this community and attempts to explain why they exist. It also explores the tension between online and offline identities and how the offline identity can become a target for online harassment. Interestingly, though, the authors conclude that TSO is an empowering game for women.

This article, in regards to my comp, begs the question- do traditional gender roles and stereotypes create a conducive environment for gendered harassment?



Note to self: begin list of terms that need to be defined and start creating definitions