Quite an interesting, yet relatively common in context, topic was discussed today in the Final Fantasy XIV sub-reddit. TchotchkeAficionado of reddit expressed her disappointment in the gamer stereotype reaction: "of course you're a healer, you're a girl."

As we all know, unfortunately, parts of the gaming industry still holds a bit of sexism especially among younger males towards females but the broader range of this kind of discussion is for another time. Still, it's really odd to me how we label certain aspects of anything really as gender-based rather than the expectation that someone does something because its their preference. See, I'm a guy and I generally prefer to play the healer-role in every MMO. I'm also a hardcore, competitive gamer and one that's had his arse kicked around on occasion by female pro players.

It's funny because as a male, I can seemingly play anything yet not be commented on it. On the other hand, some of my female friends are ALWAYS criticized in some shape or form. But let me tell you, the ones I do play with are mechanically exceptional with one even topping the DPS chart in my FFXI linkshell, which mind you was server #1 and geared to perfection on Caitsith.

In reality, I can go on and on about this topic, but I'm going to leave it to you guys to discuss how you feel about this gamer stereotype. Yea, I know, "been there, done that" but that doesn't mean you can't voice an opinion. I feel it might be a cultural thing, with the expectation that the female caters to the family and eventually leads on to how we view the grand spectrum of things. Can't say that's a bad thing at all but when it hits an immature point, it's kind of sad.