Let me be honest. Racism is pretty much dead as a mainstream phenomena within the US. Yes there are guys who wear sheets over their heads and run around with a pro-white agenda, but they are a tiny minority and hardly well loved.
However, for a lot of people who are poor, and on the fringes of society the accusation of "racism" is what keeps them going. A sort of monolithic enemy (which doesn't even need to exist) to justify and define existance rather than looking at the hard work that needs to be done. Especially with modern black culture I think it's an uncomfortable realization for many to look at it and realize that a lot of the problems they face are themselves, rather than the genuine pressure of society.
Guys like Bill Cosby have talked about it for a while, with mixed responses. Basically the point that all the oppertunities are there, but when your dealing with a racial subculture that actually considers things like education a negative thing, to the point where it can be considered "selling out" or "not black enough" it's an issue.
At any rate, there is still enough oomph left in racism where it results in attention not only from minority communities, but from overenthusiastic liberals who really want a clear cut battle to fight, whether it exists or not. Simply by mentioning racism this thread got like 300+ responses for example.
While it has chilled out over the last few months, I was getting irritated when it seemed EVERY game was being criticized as racist at least in places like Gamefaqs forums for a while.
Also, for the record I do not consider Resident Evil 5 even remotely racist. Like it or not tribals and such still exist out there in Africa and magazines and TV programs do shows on them. Nothing racist about it when it's true, and in the context of RE 5 it makes perfect sense that during a parasite outbreak they would be hit like anyone else in the region. Sheeva's "Sheena" costume is also far from being racist, it's a sexy look and fits with a fantastic african theme. Truthfully though I *DO* think they should have given Chris a
Tarzan costume to make the point off handedly.
On top of all of this all I can say is 'meh' because frankly I wouldn't be surprised if Valve started the whole thing themselves to generate publicity. The timing is uncanny. Here we've got a racism accusation which will help detract from the criticisms of them lying to their fan base. On top of that it's an accusation where a lot of fans are ultimatly going to really behind them and support the game just because it's ridiculous. Not to mention all the sales to minorities who might not otherwise be interested because they want to see what all the fuss is about. Irregardless of the source of the accusations this could not have happened at a better time for the game.
Also when it comes to blacks in video games, I'll be entirely honest in saying that there are games that could be considered a LOT more negative about them (and all minorities) than even RE 5. I mean look at your various crime-themed games. In Saint's Row each of the gangs is pretty much a differant ethnic criminal stereotype (except for the Saints which is delightfully multi-cultural). Then you've got San Andreas (one of the best games of it's genere to many), and various other spin offs and such. Taken as a whole I'd say those games do more to present a negative image than any zombie-frag-fest ever conceived.
