Mass Effect: Sexuality
Mass Effect 1was one of the first games of its kind–an RPG / action hybrid that allowed for the possibility of a romantic (sexual) relationship with another in-game character. The creation of game company Bioware, Mass Effect gave the player the option to engaged in a relationship which culminated in a “romantic love” scene between the protagonist and the love interest of choice. The player themselves could choose a female or male lead character (called, either way, Commander Shepard), and one of the love interests was an alien called Liara T’Soni, a member of the long lived (living up to a thousand years) Asari race. The Asari are mono-gendered and very feminine, being referred to and referring to themselves in the feminine. Predictably there was something of a media outcry, particularly with Fox News (though they showed themselves extremely ignorant when it came to the actual game) as they, and others, had learned that if one played the game as a female lead, one was also able to romance Liara, depicting something of a alien lesbian relationship.
In its sequel, Mass Effect 2, the possibility of a lesbian relationship was removed altogether. However, a character by the name of Kelly Chambers was introduced as Shepard’s Yeoman and ship counselor. As with Mass Effect 1, Kelly is a possible love interest for either a male or female Shepard, however, there are no depictions or even implications of any sort of sexual relationship or encounters. As the ships counselor, Shepard has plenty of opportunities to talk with Kelly and in the course of one of their discussions, Kelly makes the remark — when asked if she is into aliens — that “Passion is nice wherever you find it. Character matters, not race or gender”. Where Mass Effect seems to allow for the possibility of lesbianism or pansexualism (where the Asari are concerned), Mass Effect 2 appears to promote pansexualism, though this time within a purely human dynamic.
Having played both games (and enjoying them very much, to the chagrin of my fiancée), I’ve noticed certain themes present in the Mass Effect universe: sexuality, the nature of truth, relativism and subjectivism, life after death, etc. Depending on how this goes, I might write a few more things on these themes present in Mass Effect. As the title suggests, I’ll be beginning with the topic of sexuality as it’s been the most controversial aspect of the Mass Effect universe. What follows are my thoughts about the teaching present in the game, I don’t necessarily agree with it.
The producers of Mass Effect appear to b
e presenting a commentary on the (modern) struggle of gays and lesbians through the human / alien dynamic they have presented between their (female) Shepard and Liara T’Soni. In this respect Bioware actually seem hesitant as the (lesbian) relationship is hidden behind a mask of alien sexuality — their mono-gendered nature — and the general xenomorphic feel of the relationship, the foreign feeling presented to us (in game, Liara is constantly commenting and apologizing for her lack of familiarity with the human species). As a quick aside, in comparison to Bioware’s more recent game Dragon Age, the player is presented the possibility of a homosexual relationship, though with noticeable lack of media outcry. We are told by Liara that the Asari are able to reproduce with any species of any gender and that this is preferable (‘pure-blood’ Asari are looked down upon in Asari culture) as the offspring will inherit the traits of the “father” (even if the father is another (female) Asari). It seems to me that there is a quite clear message: lesbianism should be acceptable and is in fact in the Mass Effect universe (which paints a future portrait of humanity). Further, that for other more evolved species (the Asari are considered the most advanced of the Mass Effect races), pansexualism (or something near to it) is the accepted norm, especially due to their biology. This seems to touch on a form of relativism in itself. That is, morals, values, ethics etc. are relative to a culture (or in this case, a species) and that no one should be judging that species. As the Asari are regarded as the most evolved species, it may also be an indication that as other races evolve to the same point, they would adopt similar or as close to the same views as possible.
In Mass Effect 2 Liara is effectively taken out of the picture (possessing something the equivalent of a cameo and two quests) and instead we are introduced to Yeoman Kelly Chambers, the ship’s counselor and, for lack of a better word, secretary. It is in Kelly that we’re told that it is a persons character, rather than their race or gender that is paramount in whether or not one should decide to pursue, or not pursue, a relationship with the individual in question. This is some what at odds with a few groups in the Mass Effect universe. Cerberus, a pro-human group (though often mistaken for anti-alien at the same time), and random individuals who hold what is effectively xenophobia towards alien races. As I’ve come to understand the game, these groups are looked upon in disfavor and it’s implied that such an outlook is quite wrong (and, if sapient alien races do exist, I would be inclined to agree). The modern notion of tolerance (our notion of tolerance) seems very present in this regard. As the game is fictional, we may learn that the developers believe we should already hold the viewpoint Kelly holds, especially when approaching gays and lesbians, of note, gay marriages, relationships, etc.
From what I understand of Mass Effect, the message is very much a reflection of the “up-and-coming” generation (or even my generation and the one or two before it), especially in regard to their ideals of “tolerance” (the modern concept of tolerance is absolutely horrible, if I may say) and sexuality. We are told that ideas are personal and relative to the individual. That no one should be judged or judge and that if you want to do something and it isn’t hurting anyone else, go ahead and do it. It is very much the product of the culture it was created in.
