The Top 7... Lazy Character Clichés

Description: Movies and television still receive a lot of flak over their less-than-diverse portrayal of minorities, but videogames - the youngest and most immature of the three media - has got to be the worst offender. Need proof? Um...

Common characteristics:

  • Bulging, almost inhuman arms with biceps the size of basketballs and veins the size of garden hoses.
  • Absolutely no sleeves. Tear off by hand if necessary.
  • Fists clenched and ready at all times.
  • Deep bass voice that speaks primarily in slang or swear words.
  • Tattoos, of course.
  • Chains, of course.


Possible Inspiration:


The Antidote:

How sad is this? A West Coast gangster from the projects is the best antidote to racial stereotyping we could come up with. Although he is surrounded by undeniable caricatures, however, CJ Johnson of Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas is somewhat unique and believable. He's smart, skinny, soft-spoken and - at the beginning, at least - more worried about family and friends than about guns or rap music. We'll take what we can get, we guess...

I enjoy sunshine, the company of kittens and turning frowns upside down. I am also a fan of sarcasm. Let's be friends!