I've been a gamer for many years.  In fact, I'm a Game Art & Design major.  Whether it's by yourself or with a group of friends, gaming has always been a great passion for me.  However, recently there's been a dark spot in gaming that annoys me more and more.  First I thought to ignore it, but I have to say something, as it's just too prevalent now to ignore.

Racism in online gaming.

I'm sure all of you have encountered this in one form or another: derogatory statements made simply because of your race.  It's become to the point where I don't want to make new friends online or even talk to anyone while gaming online because of all the racist remarks.  That's not even counting all the normal trashtalking remarks that most guys (it really is most guys) indulge in.

Is it to make themselves feel superior?  Is it just another form of taunting?  Is it fear or jealousy?  Just tonight, I was playing on my on Xbox 360, on Gears of War 2.  Taunts of "are you a beaner? If you are, leave right now.  Go back to Mexico." came on the airwaves.  Sometimes, I'd just hear someone taunting other players with "ni**a" over and over.  Do these people hide behind their mics and large-screen TVs?  The taunts aren't even about my ethnicity and I want to yell at the guy, "Come say that to my face, you coward!"  Nowhere else do I see so many people being so blatantly racist except when I game online.  Especially on the Xbox Live.  It practically announces, "If you are not white, we will insult your race."  Now, I realize Gears of War is a dominantly male type of game (as are most shooters, such as Halo 3 or Call of Duty, I'm sure), but in no way does it justify all these horrible racist comments.

I know it's naive to think that racism wouldn't occur in video games, but all these racists put a bad image upon all of us as gamers.  So many people have worked so hard to make sure that people of all races are treated fairly, especially with the Civil Rights movement.  How can we make sure that this occurs with our beloved video games as well? 

In every form of media, racism is very heavily regulated or very frowned upon.  Every minority has fought hard to earn a place of some equality in America.  As a gamer, I say now, we have to let them know it's not all right to besmirch video games this way.  All gamers are created equal as well.  Race does not determine the caliber of your gaming abilities.  I hereby stand against you, all racist gamers.  We have to let them know, as gamers, we'll not tolerate it.  I hope this is the first step towards justice for every gamer.

So, fellow gamers, are you with me?  What do you think of racism in online gaming?  Have you encountered it yourself as well?

In the movies and literature, unrequited love is seen as romantic and daring, something that draws us in and really tugs at our heartstrings.

But is it really that great in real life?

I have a friend, "Sandie", who has been in love with someone she's known for almost ten years, since they met in high school.  Yet, he never really noticed her, never said more than a few words of "hello" or "how are you doing?"  But she is still so in love with him.  I have tried nearly everything to dissuade her from him, but to no avail.

Another friend, "Natalia", still loves her ex-boyfriend even though she knows he doesn't want to commit to anyone.

What do you think of unrequited love? Is it romantic, sad, or just pathetic?