She's Got Game

Initially, a slight interest in being helpful was what sparked my decision to volunteer for the 3G Summit. It was not until I learned more about the event that I became even more involved plus the chance to work with the five visiting game designers and scholars has been a big motivation. But since memory does not entirely serve, the leader position seems to have come about more organically than anything.

A part of me needed to be a part of this because I was afraid of what the 3 G(s) stand for. The delicate nature (and not in a feminine connotation) of “Girls, Gaming and Gender” can be a strange brew to pass around. Once I realized I was in a position to help shape what this event would be I made sure that I would voice my opinion every chance I got. Because the 3G Summit is such a collective project, I would never expect all of my ideas to be directly represented; I can only hope that the influence I have contributed will have a positive effect.There is no way of telling what will be best, misunderstood and/or thought of by those who come and participate in the Summit. My intent is to provoke critical thought and self-reflection, even(especially?) in those who have the “right” idea. A more personal hope/caution of mine is to maintain my honesty without coming off as insensitive, but I also hope to speak my mind without being labeled a feminist. Not that either would be repulsively placed, but inaccurate, since I consider myself more of a semi-hopeful humanist.

What do  guy gamers you know think about this project? Are they for it or against it? 

For the most part I’ve heard positive feedback. However, I have heard a jeer or two about- but only carried by some of the stereotypes the Summit is bringing to question. This negativity hasn’t been around closer come the Summit, but whether or not it is because its message is becoming clearer or rather that those who have spoke ill are becoming more cautious, I can’t be sure. I do hope at the very least it is not just the latter. It has been hard to get across at times, but the 3G Summit is not just about girls and gaming. It encompasses men and women, as well (i.e. gender). We have volunteers of both sorts in the student advisory team and not just because of our more male dominant Interactive Arts & Media department at Columbia. 

You have already started working and teaching some of the high school girls who will be participating, how is that experience? What have you learned about them so far? Any surprises or disappointments?

It’s hard to describe exactly how I feel about the few meetings I’ve had with the girls. Not only because of the mentioned fewness, but perhaps it is more-so because I have never been in such a position before. It is a strange role, being the teacher’s assistant; I feel kind of like Kevin McDonald’s Bass Player. I try my best to keep an open mind to the whole process without trying to push my ideals on them. A spectator at times and a contrarian at others, I find myself mostly contemplative with occasional varied voices, all while trying not to overstep my boundaries.The biggest surprise I have come to with the girls is their openness in the short amount of time we’ve spent together, even considering that some more boisterous than others. The feelings that have come with this surprise and interactions in general have been mixed. Admiration and curiosity are a part of said mixture, and I would not say that I have been disappointed by anything, but there have been times that I have felt a bit of apprehension. Not because of the girls but for them. Hearing the prejudice they have encountered already is not only a reason for worry, but even their spoken reactions can be a little hard to be all for. Their anger is not surprising or wrong, it’s just hard to help them find a way to vent without victimizing others. Because we are having them visited by the shticks of sexist past, it’s hard to try teaching them to think critically of the stereotypes existing presently while simultaneously trying to avoid creating future ones.

On a more personal note, what is your favorite video game?