LARA CROFT: CYBER HEROINE

"She is presented as a beautiful, intelligent, and athletic British archaeologist-adventurer who ventures into ancient, hazardous tombs and ruins around the world," states the first Internet page upon typing in 'Lara Croft.' How could that not appeal to audiences everywhere? Then again, how could it? 

Much controversy surrounds this game. Is this the ideal woman, one that parents everywhere would like their children to embrace or is it the exact opposite? Is LC a woman to be held as determined, active and clever or promiscuous, gender-breaking and dim-witted? Very clearly, LC does not embody the stereotypical woman role-model but instead allows a powerful, masculine, very norm-defying side of her prevail. Cunningly enough, she has proven to be just what people are looking for. 

Apart from her signature short shorts and skin tight, dark-coloured tank tops, what exactly differentiates her from characters such as Michelle Obama, Hillary Clinton, Kate Middleton? LC possesses confidence, intelligence, fearlessness and an overall dominant personality; do the women aforementioned not possess the same, if not, less? So the question stands now, is it merely her clothes that allow certain groups to dismiss her advantage to all of the little girls playing her games?

Video games in general, as discussed in class, have remained one of the most criticized genres of media. Although there are no conclusive studies, many people believe that such games lead to violence, anti-social behaviour and an overall ignorance of one's own obligations. However, I disagree with said point. I believe that they serve a very grand purpose in the development of certain skills if played moderately. These games allow children to experience  the world without actually physically doing so; they get to travel to different parts of the world and get put into not so ordinary situations. As stated in class, these kids attain a new way to learn how to socially interact (through multi-player options and by talking about the games themselves in their social circles), how to think fast, how to strategically plan, etc. I believe that as much as these games can seem completely controversial due to their vulgar and crude content, they serve a very significant purpose in shaping kid's lives.

When I was younger, I wanted to be just like Lara Croft. I wanted to explore the world, fight for right, and look great doing it. She was an athletic and powerful woman who embodied what I think many people should embody. Once Angelina Jolie was pegged as LC, my view became a litle bit altered as there was an actual human living out my dream. However, Angelina perhaps made me believe that I could one day be just as successful as LC, just like she was! If one looks past the socially deemed, promiscuous clothes,  one can see the passion, desire and lust she has for living life and getting to the good. Is that not what the Christian tradition teaches us all to do? Does the bible not say, live fully, “Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us?” Does it not say "Whatever you do, work heartily?" Does it not say, "Have I not commanded thee, be strong and of good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed?" 

-Arina

Note: Here is an interesting video that describes the progression of LC's character.