NY Times Article — Even in a Virtual World, ‘Stuff’ Matters
Posted on September 11, 2007
Filed under News, Reflections, Trends
“When people are given the opportunity to create a fantasy world, they can and do defy the laws of gravity (you can fly in Second Life), but not of economics or human nature. Players in this digital, global game don’t have to work, but many do. They don’t need to change clothes, fix their hair, or buy and furnish a home, but many do. They don’t need to have drinks in their hands at the virtual bar, but they buy cocktails anyway, just to look right, to feel comfortable.”
If you get a chance to read this article, entertain the idea that this emulation of “a mainstream culture” is just that. I’m keenly aware of the those individuals and cultural milieus which set themselves apart in SL. For example, just in the last month, I’ve noticed more women whose avatars are round(er), flat(er), old(er), unique(r), than the mainstream look. I usually see these women in women-only sims. As virtual environments and their cultures develop, I’m certain we’ll see pluralism expressed in a variety of ways.
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