## Is Your Favorite Game Hiding a Colonial Legacy?
We love to escape into fantastical worlds, exploring alien planets, battling mythical beasts, and forging our own destinies. But what if those worlds, built on pixelated landscapes and coded narratives, are still haunted by the ghosts of colonialism?
The Impact of Social Science on Mission Practices
For decades, missionary work was often characterized by a worldview steeped in Eurocentric assumptions and a “one-size-fits-all” approach to spreading the gospel. Gamestanza readers, who are familiar with the power of diverse narratives and inclusive worldviews in games, will recognize the limitations of this approach. The rise of social science disciplines, particularly anthropology, psychology, and linguistics, began to challenge these traditional paradigms. This shift, as described by scholars like Philip Rieff in his seminal work “The Triumph of the Therapeutic,” forced a re-evaluation of what it meant to engage with different cultures and individuals.
The emphasis moved away from simply proclaiming biblical doctrines and towards understanding the cultural context in which those doctrines were received. This meant taking seriously the lived experiences, beliefs, and practices of the communities missionaries sought to engage with. Gamestanza recognizes the importance of this approach, as it mirrors the need for games to be sensitive to diverse cultural backgrounds and perspectives.
The Triumph of the Therapeutic
The social scientific turn had a profound impact on the language and practices of mission work. One of the most significant changes was the shift from focusing on sin as the primary problem to emphasizing human well-being and personal growth. This “triumph of the therapeutic,” as Rieff termed it, reflected a broader societal trend towards viewing mental health and emotional well-being as paramount.
Adjustments to a Modern and Postmodern World
As society moved from modernism to postmodernism, the focus on objective truth gave way to a greater emphasis on individual interpretation and experience. In this context, the concept of sin, often seen as a transgression against a universal moral code, became less central. Instead, the emphasis shifted towards addressing the root causes of suffering and promoting individual healing and wholeness.
Shifting Focus from Sin to Mental Well-being
Missionaries began to adopt therapeutic approaches, offering counseling, support groups, and other forms of emotional and psychological assistance. This shift was not necessarily a rejection of traditional Christian beliefs but rather an attempt to apply them in a way that was more relevant to the needs of people in a rapidly changing world. Gamestanza recognizes the value of exploring these themes in games, as they can provide players with opportunities to grapple with complex issues of mental health and personal growth.
The Subjectivity of Interpretation and Experience
The rise of postmodern thought further challenged the notion of a singular, objective truth. Missionaries began to acknowledge the validity of different cultural perspectives and worldviews, recognizing that interpretations of scripture and religious experience could vary widely. This emphasis on subjectivity and diversity of experience had a profound impact on mission methodologies, leading to a greater emphasis on dialogue, listening, and understanding.
The Quest for Authentic Engagement
The social scientific turn also led to a greater emphasis on authenticity and genuine engagement with local communities. Missionaries sought to move away from paternalistic approaches and instead sought to partner with people in a way that respected their agency and cultural heritage. This meant learning local languages, understanding local customs and traditions, and collaborating with local leaders and organizations.
Balancing Revelation with Cultural Sensitivity
The challenge for missionaries was to balance their commitment to sharing the gospel with a deep respect for the cultural contexts in which they were working. This required careful discernment and a willingness to adapt their approach. Gamestanza understands the importance of this balance in game design, as well. Games can explore religious themes and perspectives while remaining sensitive to the diverse beliefs and experiences of their players.
Finding Meaning in a Post-Colonial World
Mission work also had to grapple with the legacies of colonialism and the complex power dynamics that existed between Western nations and the Global South. Many missionaries sought to decolonize their approach, recognizing the need to work in solidarity with oppressed communities rather than imposing their own values and agendas. This involved acknowledging historical injustices, advocating for social justice, and empowering local communities to take ownership of their own development. This emphasis on social justice aligns with Gamestanza’s commitment to creating games that promote empathy and understanding across cultural divides.
The Importance of Listening and Learning from Others
Ultimately, the social scientific turn in mission work emphasized the importance of listening and learning from others. Missionaries were encouraged to see themselves as learners rather than teachers, to approach their encounters with humility and openness, and to be willing to be challenged and transformed by the people they met. This approach resonates deeply with Gamestanza’s core values of inclusivity, diversity, and the power of storytelling to bridge cultural gaps.
Conclusion
So, what does it mean that we aren’t living in a postcolonial world, even if the empires themselves have crumbled? “The Christian Century” argues that the legacy of colonialism persists in subtle yet insidious ways, embedded in our power structures, cultural perspectives, and even the games we play. From skewed global trade to the enduring influence of Western narratives, the echoes of empire reverberate through our modern realities. This isn’t about assigning blame, but about acknowledging the unfinished business of decolonization.
This has profound implications for gamers, especially those creating and experiencing games from a globalized world. If we truly want to build a more equitable and inclusive gaming landscape, we must critically examine the colonial undercurrents that continue to shape our industry. How can we deconstruct Eurocentric narratives and amplify diverse voices? How can we ensure that games are not simply reflecting, but actively challenging, the power imbalances of the past? The journey towards a truly postcolonial gaming world will require conscious effort, open dialogue, and a commitment to dismantling the invisible structures that perpetuate colonial legacies. It’s time to move beyond the illusion of postcoloniality and actively build a future where games reflect the complex realities of our interconnected world.
Let the games begin, but let them be games of liberation, not of replication.