Asians Represent! Episode 1: Orientalism
Oct 1, 2018
Jade Matias, a game designer at Secret City Adventures and member of Raging Asian Women, delves into the depths of orientalism and its influence on gaming. They explore authentic representation in tabletop games, discussing the challenges and stereotypes found in titles like 'Oriental Adventures.' Jade shares her experiences as the only woman of color in her projects, while also celebrating the empowering role of taiko drumming. The conversation emphasizes the necessity of inclusivity and sensitivity in creative spaces.
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Episode notes
Orientalism As A Powered Way Of Seeing
- Orientalism frames the East as a monolithic 'Other' shaped by Western power and scholarship.
- This reduces diverse Asian cultures into exotic, consumable symbols rather than real peoples.
Rejecting Oriental Adventures As A Kid
- Daniel describes getting Oriental Adventures as a kid and refusing to use it because it felt stereotyped.
- He realized later he avoided the book because he already saw himself as 'Asian' in characters he played.
Art And Mechanics Signal Who Belongs
- Game content often packages Asian roles into sexualized or fetishized archetypes that repel Asian players.
- Visuals like the 'Sohei' art communicate limiting stereotypes even before play.
