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D&D General Let He Who Is Without Sin Cast the First Magic Missile: Why Gygax Still Matters to Me
- Thread starter Snarf Zagyg
- Start date
billd91
Not your screen monkey (he/him) 🇺🇦🇵🇸🏳️⚧️
Aside from shtupping groupies (probably without checking their IDs)? Mostly accusations of plagiarism, I think.
Plagiarize.
Let no one else’s work evade your eyes.
Remember why the good lord made your eyes,
And don’t share your eyes, but plagiarize, plagiarize, PLAGIARIZE.
But always remember to call it, please, RESEARCH.
Sacrosanct
Legend
Presumably they were complicit in Jimmy Page kidnapping and raping 13-16 year old Lori Maddix.
Well dang, guess I gotta get to Googling that one!
DarkCrisis
Let her cook.
I met him at a GenCon as well. My first one in fact. He was nice enough to wait while I went and found my friend so they could meet and he signed our 1E books. Super nice guy who loved his fans, as far as I could tell.
Caio Torben
Villager
The accusations of misogyny against Gary Gygax, the co-creator of Dungeons & Dragons (D&D), have sparked significant debate in recent discussions about the game's legacy. To evaluate these claims fairly and comprehensively, it is crucial to place Gygax’s opinions and attitudes within the historical and cultural context of the time in which he lived and worked. Doing so not only clarifies the nuances of this debate but also highlights the dangers of judging historical figures through a contemporary lens.
1. The Historical Context of Gygax's Views
Gary Gygax developed D&D during the 1970s, a period when societal norms surrounding gender were markedly different from those of today. American society, much like the broader Western world, was dominated by traditional views on gender roles. Women were often seen in limited capacities—as wives, mothers, and homemakers—with fewer opportunities for career advancement or public expression compared to men. This cultural backdrop influenced many individuals, including Gygax, whose views were shaped, in part, by these prevailing norms.
However, it is important to distinguish between culturally absorbed attitudes and active misogyny. Misogyny, in its strictest sense, involves a deliberate aversion to or discrimination against women, implying a conscious intent. In Gygax’s case, while some of his comments may be considered problematic by today’s standards, there is no clear evidence that he actively promoted the exclusion or marginalization of women within the D&D community. In fact, the game itself, from its inception, attracted female players and allowed women to engage in a creative space that was, at the time, predominantly male.
2. The Danger of Anachronistic Judgments: Examples from Other Authors
To illustrate the complexity of judging historical figures by modern standards, consider the following examples:
H.P. Lovecraft
H.P. Lovecraft, one of the most influential horror writers of the 20th century, is frequently criticized for his racist views, which were explicitly expressed in his writings and personal correspondence. Lovecraft lived during a time of racial segregation, and his racism, while disturbing today, was unfortunately common among many of his contemporaries. Despite these views, his literary impact and the creation of the Cthulhu Mythos remain significant.
Rudyard Kipling
Rudyard Kipling, author of "The Jungle Book" and a Nobel Prize winner, is often accused of being an advocate for British imperialism—an ideology that viewed colonial domination as the "white man’s burden." While these ideas are rightfully criticized today, during Kipling’s time, they were widely accepted and even celebrated. Kipling’s work continues to be studied and appreciated, despite the problematic aspects of his political beliefs.
James Fenimore Cooper
James Fenimore Cooper, best known for "The Last of the Mohicans," is another example. His works have been criticized for their portrayal of Native Americans, reflecting the stereotypical and often prejudiced views of his time. While Cooper's depictions are viewed as problematic by modern standards, they must be understood within the context of 19th-century American attitudes toward indigenous peoples.
William Shakespeare
William Shakespeare, the celebrated playwright, has also faced scrutiny. His works reflect various attitudes towards women and social hierarchies that were prevalent in Elizabethan England. While some of Shakespeare’s characters and themes are viewed as reinforcing gender stereotypes, his plays remain a cornerstone of literary study, highlighting the difficulty of separating an artist’s legacy from their historical context.
These examples underscore the risk of assessing the work and lives of historical figures solely through a contemporary lens. Applying modern standards to past figures can lead to a decontextualized understanding of their contributions and an oversimplification of their complex legacies. This approach may obscure the value of their cultural and literary achievements.
3. The Evolution and Inclusivity of Dungeons & Dragons
Regarding Dungeons & Dragons, it is important to note that the game has evolved significantly since its creation. Modern D&D is celebrated for its inclusivity, providing a platform where players of all backgrounds and identities can explore fantasy worlds and create characters that challenge traditional gender norms. This evolution is not a direct refutation of Gygax’s attitudes but rather a reflection of the broader social changes that have occurred in the decades since.
Today’s D&D community embraces diversity and fosters an environment where everyone is welcome, regardless of gender, race, or sexual orientation. The transformation of the D&D community illustrates how a cultural product can grow and adapt to new times, even if its origins are rooted in a different social context.
4. Conclusion
In conclusion, when evaluating the accusations of misogyny against Gary Gygax, it is essential to adopt a balanced and historically informed approach. Recognizing that his views may reflect the standards of his time does not excuse any problematic behavior but instead helps us understand the complexities of the context in which he lived. Comparing Gygax with other historical authors like H.P. Lovecraft, Rudyard Kipling, James Fenimore Cooper, and William Shakespeare shows the danger of judging past figures by today’s standards. Rather than reducing Gygax’s legacy to these criticisms, it is important to consider the full scope of his contributions and the ongoing evolution of the community he helped create. History should guide us toward understanding, not serve as a simplistic tool for condemnation.
1. The Historical Context of Gygax's Views
Gary Gygax developed D&D during the 1970s, a period when societal norms surrounding gender were markedly different from those of today. American society, much like the broader Western world, was dominated by traditional views on gender roles. Women were often seen in limited capacities—as wives, mothers, and homemakers—with fewer opportunities for career advancement or public expression compared to men. This cultural backdrop influenced many individuals, including Gygax, whose views were shaped, in part, by these prevailing norms.
However, it is important to distinguish between culturally absorbed attitudes and active misogyny. Misogyny, in its strictest sense, involves a deliberate aversion to or discrimination against women, implying a conscious intent. In Gygax’s case, while some of his comments may be considered problematic by today’s standards, there is no clear evidence that he actively promoted the exclusion or marginalization of women within the D&D community. In fact, the game itself, from its inception, attracted female players and allowed women to engage in a creative space that was, at the time, predominantly male.
2. The Danger of Anachronistic Judgments: Examples from Other Authors
To illustrate the complexity of judging historical figures by modern standards, consider the following examples:
H.P. Lovecraft
H.P. Lovecraft, one of the most influential horror writers of the 20th century, is frequently criticized for his racist views, which were explicitly expressed in his writings and personal correspondence. Lovecraft lived during a time of racial segregation, and his racism, while disturbing today, was unfortunately common among many of his contemporaries. Despite these views, his literary impact and the creation of the Cthulhu Mythos remain significant.
Rudyard Kipling
Rudyard Kipling, author of "The Jungle Book" and a Nobel Prize winner, is often accused of being an advocate for British imperialism—an ideology that viewed colonial domination as the "white man’s burden." While these ideas are rightfully criticized today, during Kipling’s time, they were widely accepted and even celebrated. Kipling’s work continues to be studied and appreciated, despite the problematic aspects of his political beliefs.
James Fenimore Cooper
James Fenimore Cooper, best known for "The Last of the Mohicans," is another example. His works have been criticized for their portrayal of Native Americans, reflecting the stereotypical and often prejudiced views of his time. While Cooper's depictions are viewed as problematic by modern standards, they must be understood within the context of 19th-century American attitudes toward indigenous peoples.
William Shakespeare
William Shakespeare, the celebrated playwright, has also faced scrutiny. His works reflect various attitudes towards women and social hierarchies that were prevalent in Elizabethan England. While some of Shakespeare’s characters and themes are viewed as reinforcing gender stereotypes, his plays remain a cornerstone of literary study, highlighting the difficulty of separating an artist’s legacy from their historical context.
These examples underscore the risk of assessing the work and lives of historical figures solely through a contemporary lens. Applying modern standards to past figures can lead to a decontextualized understanding of their contributions and an oversimplification of their complex legacies. This approach may obscure the value of their cultural and literary achievements.
3. The Evolution and Inclusivity of Dungeons & Dragons
Regarding Dungeons & Dragons, it is important to note that the game has evolved significantly since its creation. Modern D&D is celebrated for its inclusivity, providing a platform where players of all backgrounds and identities can explore fantasy worlds and create characters that challenge traditional gender norms. This evolution is not a direct refutation of Gygax’s attitudes but rather a reflection of the broader social changes that have occurred in the decades since.
Today’s D&D community embraces diversity and fosters an environment where everyone is welcome, regardless of gender, race, or sexual orientation. The transformation of the D&D community illustrates how a cultural product can grow and adapt to new times, even if its origins are rooted in a different social context.
4. Conclusion
In conclusion, when evaluating the accusations of misogyny against Gary Gygax, it is essential to adopt a balanced and historically informed approach. Recognizing that his views may reflect the standards of his time does not excuse any problematic behavior but instead helps us understand the complexities of the context in which he lived. Comparing Gygax with other historical authors like H.P. Lovecraft, Rudyard Kipling, James Fenimore Cooper, and William Shakespeare shows the danger of judging past figures by today’s standards. Rather than reducing Gygax’s legacy to these criticisms, it is important to consider the full scope of his contributions and the ongoing evolution of the community he helped create. History should guide us toward understanding, not serve as a simplistic tool for condemnation.
the Jester
Legend
Methinks you have some catching up to do. This has been addressed, and eloquently, on these forums many times; and Gygax's own words, given to us from as early as some of his pre-1e writings to as late as (I want to say) the 00s, here on this very forum, make a pretty damning indictment as regards his attitudes towards women and girls- even set against the context of his times.
While the historical context is important, part of that historical context was that it was in the middle of the feminist movement, and that women were actively fighting to be seen as equals and treated better. Gygax's mentions of women and girl gamers are generally snarky at best.
And stopped female pcs from having stats equal to males.
His racism was disturbing at the time. There are records of some of his contemporaries being highly uncomfortable with it. Lovecraft, while a seminal author who massively influenced both fantasy and horror, was a bigot through and through. That doesn't change the power and impact of his writings, but if you view them with the knowledge that he was racist, the bigotry really shows.
We should neither deny the impact of his work nor the fact of his racism.
-something NOBODY is suggesting, by the way, at least nobody in this thread (unless I missed it).
Huh. You know, I honestly don't even think about it, because, um, why would someone use an AI to post an a forum?
But then you said that, and I re-read it, and I was like .... okay then. Guess I'll have to update my meme game.
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