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The issue of consent

A topic by Kras created Oct 14, 2018 Views: 1,753 Replies: 4
Viewing posts 1 to 4
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Hello. I went back to playing after a long break since I had some free time. My issue is with the conversation after the sniping and the therapy session into the simulation room to the introduction of Six. Then I had to stop because I was so angry and wanted to throw up. I would have broken Eight’s hands had he done that to me and I was angry that there was no agressive way of telling him to piss off and the narrative sheds a sympathetic light on him. The argument they have is all well and good, but only applied to the enemy. Punching someone during a fight is expected but I wouldnt punch my friend in the face when we’re hanging out. Besides, no matter what they say its still revoking one’s ability to consent. If someone wants to say no, even if they’re on the fence about should still have the ability to say no. Again, the battlefield is a different scenario because you and your opponent are both doing what is needed in order to reach a goal and both sides understand the risk they’re taking.

What I want to ask is that is this issue readressed later wherein Eight has a good and proper character arc where he comes to understand  what he did? How that scene went with what Seven’s inner thoughts are about Eight and the convo between the group seem to point to no. If that is the case, then I will drop it. However, if there is a proper readeessing of this theme, I will try to power through as the world building is wonderful. I just cannot take characters who act like this and are still written as good people.

Developer (1 edit)

1. The story is not yet finished and we will not reveal info about unreleased content.

2. From our perspective, Eight is not treated like a "good" person if the player does not choose to do so. Seven gets angry, can push him off,  warn him, has to restrain herself from causing bodily injury, and can question him in-depth on his actions. There is also far more story content rewarded to the player if they do not give in. There is no additional narrative other than this or the other option where Seven gives in and does not have time to think about her actions. Whether the characters are seen as "good" or "bad" is entirely up to the reader and their assumptions if they make any. We can't change a readers perspective or feelings, all we do is provide situations that happen and Seven's reaction to it (which is usually based on your choice if it is a strong, divisive issue.)

I really like how you brought up the idea of consent. It’s important and I don’t deny that but, Eight brings up a good point in a very twisted way: how is his actions and different than Seven punching people, or Four killing someone? He isn’t wrong. Still, that is very much a slippery slope problem, meaning: in truth, each act of “consent” must be judged within the context, in my opinion. Obviously, certain acts of consent are a constant, sex for example. Rape is never okay, regardless of the situation but, is telling a white lie, which is effectively manipulating someone else (thinking for them instead of letting them decide if they want the truth or not, ie no consent) never okay, as well? The world is never as black and white as we humans wish it to be. There is beauty in that, though. 

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In regards to your comment, I would think working for a secret agency is no different than a battle field. Ironically, the idea of HYDRA in the Marvel universe comes to mind where, some of the good guys’ coworkers took part in an evil Nazi organization. In which case, the good guy punching their HYDRA friend... is that not the same? Indeed, Seven is not evil (chaotic neutral?), that is established but, the others do not know this. Betraying each other within a secret organization is common practice in fiction (for plot reasons). I say this because, it gives Eight a practical reason for being the way he is. He is never not working. He does not separate his job from his personal life, in fact, his job IS his personal life. I think that helps enforce the question of consent but, that is just my opinion. :c 

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Cool Thanks for the thorough reply!