If you're a regular reader here at Japanator, you know that our organization is not the most -- how should I say this? -- conventional one out there. We follow the same model that all of the sites under the ModernMethod Network header follow. We don't write hard-hitting reports all day, and we don't regurgitate press releases. We don't have sticks up our asses or pocket protectors in our shirts. Even though we're paid to do so, we still present the news as it would be presented by fans, and not snotty journalists. It took awhile for the internet to warm up to us, but now we've made our place here, and we're now on equal footing with just about everyone else out there. All of the network sites cooperate with their respective businesses, and we recieve review copies, press releases, and event invites just like everyone else. We just sound a bit different. We're here to entertain and have fun, adding our own flavor to the news items we all care about. Think of us as less of a service and more of a community.
If you frequent Japanatator, then you surely know about ModernMethod's flagship site, Destructoid. This gaming community is past hope, and we like it like that! We offend on a daily basis, and we're championed by our readers for it. That being said, Destructoid and Japanator are two seperate beasts. At Japanator, we don't set out to offend, but I guess we do now. And that's why I'm coming to you.
We care about your opinions most, dear reader. So, I need to know: Am I, Japanator's Editor-in-Cheif, a sexist pig? And, if I am, should I be concerned about this as a writer on anime/manga/Japanese culture?
Hit the jump to read on.
I worked hard at Anime Expo 2008. I ran from panel to panel, doing my best to provide coverage of the major events. I remember one night where I didn't even get to eat until close 11 p.m.; Tim and Gia saved my life! Our home team here filled in the gaps, and while we haven't done our AX 2008 wrap-up yet, I'm feeling pretty good about our coverage. I didn't think any of it was offensive... or any more offensive than normal.
It turns out that my liveblogs are filled with sexist comments! I've caused a stir by saying that Dark Horse Editor Samantha Robertson is a "good lookin' gal." Guess what? She is! I still don't understand how this could be turned into a negative comment. But somehow, by not saying that Samantha is talented or smart, I'm a sexist pig. I commented on a LiveJournal post earlier about how I could have said that Dark Horse panelist Michael Gombos was a "good lookin' dude," and wondered if that would have been any less sexist. Would it have been? I seriously don't know! Maybe I'm just so sexist that I can't see clearly!
And then the question begs to be asked: should I even concern myself with worrying about offending others like this? Honestly, I never set out to offend. I like everybody. Regardless of position, I think of myself as a dutiful J-blogger, covering the big news for his outlet. How much harder would my day-to-day job be if I spent all day worrying about if my articles offend or not. I would never get anything done!
If you step back and look at Japanator, it's mostly a boy's club. We have female writers, too. I suppose they're amazing to put up with the blatant sexism that floats around these parts. And the content? It's about as horny as possible! I think back to our Japanese Idol coverage. It brought crazy traffic! Scanning our front few pages now, we have have a sexy pictures of Revy and the Major squaring off, tons of female cosplay snapshots, and a picture of two guys kissing. And then there's my "call me" comments. I thought those were funny. Everyone tells me those are funny. Are they not funny now?
Oh, and have you listened to our podcast? Ha! It's terribly perverted!
I'm not really doubting myself or the work of the Japanator staff here. And in the end, like it or not, we still get paid to write this crap. Sexy? Maybe. Japanator is filled with sexy commentary and pictures and whatnot. We're all horribly perverted, as good otaku should be. But I don't think there's anything here that makes us terribly sexist.
What do you think?
Oh, and for the record, I still think Sam is a looker! I don't know her enough to say how brilliant she is, but I'm sure that if she's working at Dark Horse, she's pretty badass.
47 comments
Why are you worried about what someone said about you online.
Of course you're a perverted sexist bastard. Be proud of it. Roll around in the mud and bask in the glory of pervertedness, just like the dirty pig you are.
You shouldn't have wasted your time to comment or make this post.