The Misguided “Modesty” of Resident Evil 4 VR Remake: A Step Backward in Female Representation
In the world of gaming, remakes and adaptations often walk a fine line between honoring the original content and updating it for modern sensibilities. However, when changes are made that reinforce outdated and harmful stereotypes, it’s essential to question the motivations behind them. Such is the case with Facebook’s decision to obscure Ashley’s pantie and Capcom’s alteration of female character models in the Resident Evil 4 VR remake, which unfortunately perpetuates misogynistic ideals.
Resident Evil 4, originally released in 2005, is a classic survival horror game known for its intense action and memorable characters. However, in its transition to virtual reality (VR) and subsequent remakes, troubling changes have arisen regarding the portrayal of female characters, particularly Ashley Graham and Ada Wong.
In the VR version, Facebook chose to hide Ashley’s pantie, and Capcom altered the character models of Ashley and Ada by adding tights, ostensibly to promote “modesty.” Yet, these changes reflect a deeply ingrained and harmful societal attitude that women’s bodies should be covered and hidden, rather than celebrated and admired.
The decision to obscure Ashley’s pantie implies that her femininity and sexuality are something to be ashamed of, rather than aspects of her character to be embraced. This not only undermines Ashley’s agency as a character but also sends a damaging message to players about the acceptability of female bodies in gaming.
Similarly, the addition of tights to Ashley and Ada’s character models in the Resident Evil 4 remake suggests that female anatomy is inherently sinful or inappropriate. By covering up these characters, Capcom is effectively saying that women’s bodies are something to be hidden and shamed, rather than appreciated in their natural form.
This approach not only does a disservice to the characters themselves but also reinforces harmful stereotypes about women in gaming and society at large. It perpetuates the idea that female characters must conform to narrow standards of modesty and propriety, rather than being allowed to exist as fully realized individuals.
In the wake of growing awareness and advocacy for more inclusive representation in media, including video games, it’s disappointing to see companies like Facebook and Capcom perpetuate outdated and harmful stereotypes. Rather than bending to societal pressures that dictate how women’s bodies should be portrayed, these companies should be championing diversity and celebrating the full spectrum of human experiences.
Moving forward, it’s crucial for developers and publishers to critically examine the decisions they make regarding character representation and to prioritize inclusivity and respect for all genders. By challenging outdated norms and embracing diversity, the gaming industry can create more enriching and empowering experiences for players of all backgrounds.
In conclusion, Facebook’s move to hide Ashley’s pantie and Capcom’s decision to alter female character models in the Resident Evil 4 VR remake are regressive and deeply misogynistic. These changes perpetuate harmful stereotypes about women’s bodies and reinforce outdated notions of modesty and propriety. Instead of succumbing to societal pressures, it’s time for the gaming industry to embrace diversity and celebrate the full range of human experiences. Only then can we truly progress towards a more inclusive and equitable gaming landscape.
