Posted on 10/06/2013 12:00:19 PM PDT by 2ndDivisionVet
This year marks the 15th anniversary of the release of “The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time.” Critics frequently laud the Nintendo 64 title as the greatest video game ever. And yet the ways it deals with class, race, gender and animal rights are all deeply problematic.
Some readers may take criticism of “Ocarina” as dismissal of the game. But this isn’t the case. As Feminist Frequency blogger Anita Sarkeesian says, “Remember that it’s both possible and even necessary to simultaneously enjoy media while also being critical of its more problematic or pernicious aspects.”
Because games’ technological capabilities have increased so rapidly since “Ocarina” was released, I suspect the title’s reputation is somewhat inflated due to nostalgia of critics of a certain age. But it’s a nostalgia I share. There is no game with which I have more fond memories. So criticism here should be interpreted as loyal opposition.
The game’s perspective on class issues can best be seen in its portrayal of the Kakariko carpenters and the wealthy family in the House of Skulltulla.
The relationship between the self-described “boss” of the carpenters and those he calls “my workers,” appears to be one of a guild member and apprentices or journeymen. The boss refers to himself as a master craftsman, and says the workers were hired by the royal family to improve the village. Karl Marx described this relationship as one of “oppressor and oppressed,” comparing it to that of “freeman and slave, patrician and plebeian, (and) lord and serf.”
“Ocarina” portrays the apprentices or journeymen as lazy and shiftless, and the boss as the only one willing to work....
(Excerpt) Read more at salon.com ...
LOL making a fuss about a video game..I always thought that liberals have NO life, this just reaffirms that fact
Zelda: The Wind Maker HD came out today for the Wii U, Im gonna buy it
There two guys at the refinery where I work who look just like Mario and Luigi. They know it and play it up..
Someone has too much time on his hands
On the other hand, jihad firstperson shooters are probably A-OK.
Ridiculous? Moronic is closer. Funny, the Zelda series are my wife’s favorite games to this day.
It’s a game for God’s sake.
Of course it’s moronic, it’s Salon. The Marx quote doubles the idiot factor.
Karl Marx described this relationship as one of “oppressor and oppressed,” comparing it to that of “freeman and slave, patrician and plebeian, (and) lord and serf.”
It would seem that the author has never had to run a
business or lead a crew...
Marx, that’s so 19th century.
Marx and Mohammed, both stuck in the past.
Don't even start me on Ms PacMan.
“Dead Rising” is insensitive to the needs of “life deprived” Americans. At least the democrats still let them vote.
How do you like the Wii U thus far?
The Wii U is great..it can play Wii games too so it will probably replace the Wii soon. I think the mistake Nintendo made from the get go was that they charged too much for the system, 350 for the deluxe model(Which is what I have) was overpriced..if they had made it between 199-250 I think they would have sold more. I am looking forward to Super Mario 3D world its coming out November 22nd that game looks GREAT
What a loser, I wonder what the people in NY drink to make them think up such crap..!
We’re looking at getting my 5 year old son a console for Christmas, and it’s looking like a PS3 at this point (due to cost). However, regarding the Wii U I really like the concept, and of course the Nintendo exclusives.
lol! Or Conker’s Bad Fur Day
The PS4 looks awesome..but for a 5 yr old depending on the kinds of games he likes to play, I would consider getting him a Wii U..its more kid friendly, and maybe the price will go down..some stores already have them marked down..Wii U fit comes out November 1st, Mario and Sonic Olympic Games 2014 also comes out in November..Wii U party comes out the end of this month so yeah they are coming out with some good games..Your 5 yr old might like Disney Infinity Starter Pack, that is out for all the systems..or if he is into Pokemon the new Pokemon X & Y is coming out on October 12th..many games to choose from, maybe around Black Friday is when they might have some great deals
Lindsey Stirling’s Zelda medley on violin.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b3KUyPKbR7Q
12.6 million hits.
Well said!
And this woman is very grateful to all of the men who make my modern lifestyle possible. (Of course, the best man of all is my wonderful husband.)
I've tried and tried, but I still can't enjoy salon.com.
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