Victim of Culture

Video games can be dangerous for your relationships

At least, that’s what a clip from the Tyra Banks Show would have you believe.  In the clip a couple appears on Banks’ show.  The woman wants more attention from her man, while he seems more interested in playing video games.  Of course, this is really no different from men who devote time to watching football or playing golf.  Many women feel undervalued in relationships.

What is interesting is the response it has drawn from some gamers.  Poke around on message boards and you will find cries of “bitch” and “whore” directed not only at the woman in the couple, but also host Tyra Banks and guest Morgan Webb (from G4′s X-Play).  Really?

If male gamers would like for the women in their lives to take their hobby seriously, the correct response is probably not to call them a bitch or a whore when they ask for more attention.  When choosing between Master Chief and a woman, the woman will almost always be the correct choice.  The exception being if the Earth ever really does get invaded by the Flood, in which case you should probably stick close to the Chief.

But seriously, is this the way gamers want to react?  A woman questions their obsession and they freak out?  These aren’t even women in their lives, but people on television.  One can only imagine the fury that might erupt had this been questioning from a woman in the same room as them.

Look, if your partner feels neglected by your hobby, then you probably need to choose between the two.  Making someone continually feel neglected is good for neither of you.  And before you make that decision, examine again what you are giving your devotion and time to.  Video games are great, but better than flesh and blood companionship?  The woman in this piece isn’t even asking him to give them up, but simply to devote more time to her.  That doesn’t seem unreasonable.

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