Readings: Why The Fight for Real World Racial Equality is Just as Crucial in the Metaverse

It's a common misconception that virtual worlds are a safe escape from our offline prejudices. This is sometimes true but often not the case. In fact, the anonymous nature of metaverse platforms and other virtual worlds can make expressions of racism worse - especially when avatars are based around a realistic human model. Our best hope is being aware of that reality, and preparing for it.

Here's some New World Notes readings on theme:

• Racist Confederate Flag Items Openly Sold In Second Life; UPDATE, one week later: Linden Lab Quietly Removing Confederate Battle Flag Items From Second Life Marketplace
• Real Life Black People Reflect On Being In Second Life & Experiencing Virtual Racism
• Lack Of Avatar Racial Diversity In An MMO Makes Black Users More Likely To Create White Avatars & Hide Their Real Race, Academic Study Suggests
• Is It "Racial Appropriation" For White People To Play As Black Avatars?

Pictured: When the face of Dr. King shone from the Second Life sun, even during the battle over a racist political party setting up a headquarters in the virtual world.

Comments

[Luther Weymann]

Actual cultural appropriation: The Chinese had designed and made pants at least 600 years before the rest of the world discovered they could make and wear pants. Do you have any pants? Got pants on? I sure do. No guilt here. The wonderful thing about hearing from someone who believes cultural appropriation is indisputable is that you already know they are guilty of it as they tell you about it. Strange world we live in, huh?

[slope]

You're absolutely right. While virtual worlds and metaverse platforms offer exciting opportunities for creativity, exploration, and social interactions, they are not exempt from the challenges and issues that exist in the offline world, including prejudices and discrimination.