@schnoo: I'm sorry but if you can't see why it's worth critiquing the reverence for patriotic images & iconography of a nation that has a history full of awful atrocities committed against minorities & marginalised people, during a time in which the news is full of stories telling of that same kind of bigotry, I don't know what to say to change your mind.
This isn't a beef I have with America in particular, believe me. Our nation was just recently celebrating the royal family wedding despite the monarchy being a force of oppression and colonialism for centuries, as we slowly march towards an exit from the EU that was won in large part due to this nation's hatred of immigrants. It's not a problem unique to the US but it is one I'm reminded of every time we approach this particular national holiday.
I still contend that this is an extremely tone-deaf and insensitive idea for a video series given the state of the world right now (though for some of us the idea of being patriotic for America at any time is ill-conceived). Folks here can push back on that all they like, calling us "offended" or "salty", but it's simply a desire for Giant Bomb to be a little more self-aware about this stuff. We all know it's touch-in-cheek but that doesn't mean revelling in this kind of iconography can't be harmful. It can alienate the part of the audience who has an uncomfortable history with America, and to an outside perspective who don't know who Dan or Abby are, it can look like solidarity for the patriotic bigots who actually do get this "fuck yeah" about nationalism.
I think you're underestimating how proficient in mental gymnastics a person needs to be in order to interpret this video as solidarity for patriotic bigots, we aren't all olympic level athletes like you.
Ah, sure, because if there's one thing bigots are known for it's their rational & logic. It's not like this site has a history of hate groups finding meaning where there is none, to the point that Jeff had to come out against it.
Come on y'all, is it really so hard to see why this series is distasteful or uncomfortable for some folks? And even if it isn't for you, if your reaction is "lol look at these jokers getting angry over nothing", what do you think that communicates? That we can't ever be critical of the things we enjoy? That we should either like it or shut up? I'm not a subscriber for no reason, I do genuinely enjoy Giant Bomb's stuff. But they're not infallible, and folks should be able to voice their concerns when they have them. The constant need in this community to jump to the defence of the GB crew over the slightest bit of criticism is so exhausting.
We all know it's touch-in-cheek but that doesn't mean revelling in this kind of iconography can't be harmful.
Heh, nothing about this series is harmful. One can be proud of his or her country, people and heritage despite the current political climate in said country that changes every 4-8 years anyway.
It's a site about video games, try to relax a little bit and enjoy the show. :)
My guy, if you don't think this "current political climate" isn't reflective of a history of bigotry, prejudice and colonial violence, all of which helped establish the country this video series is celebrating, I don't know what to tell you. But sure, it's just a site about video games. No need to engage critically with my entertainment. :)
I still contend that this is an extremely tone-deaf and insensitive idea for a video series given the state of the world right now (though for some of us the idea of being patriotic for America at any time is ill-conceived). Folks here can push back on that all they like, calling us "offended" or "salty", but it's simply a desire for Giant Bomb to be a little more self-aware about this stuff. We all know it's touch-in-cheek but that doesn't mean revelling in this kind of iconography can't be harmful. It can alienate the part of the audience who has an uncomfortable history with America, and to an outside perspective who don't know who Dan or Abby are, it can look like solidarity for the patriotic bigots who actually do get this "fuck yeah" about nationalism.
Just because the idea for this series was intended to be lighthearted doesn't mean that's how it will appear to everyone. Intent ≠ impact. I wish the GB folks could see that.
I wonder if kids enjoy these games? From the comments it's quite clear that the adults who grew up with Sonic aren't into this stuff anymore but I'm curious if the younger kids this is aimed at are equally disparaging.
There was definitely a moment there when I was a young boy where I thought the Shadow the Hedgehog game was super edgy and rad. The fact that I wasn't allowed to play mature-rated games probably contributed to that. Then a couple years later I played Sonic 06, and even at the time my dumb kid brain was able to tell that it was real rotten.
I'm sure there's young generations than mine that will find enjoyment in these new games. Especially if there's a on-going tv series to inspire enthusiasm around the brand.
@scb360: These really need BRAD to ensure something like this video from happening. When ppl dont understand a thing and keep calling it stupid it makes this website seem JUDGMENTAL when it used to be fun
I'd say judgement is the entire point of the Quick Look. I'd rather have Jeff doing the QL because he has had fun with Destiny before, but doesn't let that get in the way of giving an honest assessment of this expansion.
I don't think Jeff or Dan's opinions in this quick look are somehow wrong or invalid, but personally I would have liked to see someone who was a little more informed on the happenings in Destiny over the past year to sit in on this quick look. A lot of this quick look amounted to the guys going, "What was that again? I don't remember".
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