There are many communities which are dominated by a single gender, such as gaming. Games like Magic: The Gathering have had a push to diversify their general demographics, yet this may not be improving the quality of the game on a competitive level.
Recently there has been a push for women to be put into roles in the eye of the community such as coverage but this does not contribute to the improvement of the way women are viewed as they are not held to the same standards their male counterparts are. This creates an environment which is easily comparable to the implementation of affirmative action which has been proven to be less necessary in recent times. The game itself rewards the players based on results, so why shouldn't job opportunities in this community hold similar requirements.
Many argue that female role models for gamers must be in the spotlight in order to gauge their interest for similar endeavors but they will see someone who did not have to work as hard as they may have to for similar results strictly based upon their gender. While there may be those that disagree, I believe that the most qualified should receive the desired position. This would be possible in a perfect world but we have yet created such an environment. Those in positions where they are not fully qualified will lower expectations of quality throughout the community.
Magic: The Gathering is a male dominated game and males will not often dispute this as anyone wouldn't want to be outright rude to a lady. Women will not often argue against this as well since having women in the public sphere theoretically pushes forward feminist trains of thought.
This idea holds the same value when feature matches are selected for coverage, at large and recently successful players should be featured as opposed to selecting a female for the sole purpose of showing a female. There is also the assumption by a majority of players that when they sit down across from a female that they play decks that require the least amount of decision making; such as aggressive decks. This stereotype needs to be challenged and women should try to push their skill level even further. Women need to show that they are not there simply to support their significant other but to play an event for themselves.
I am often criticised as being sexist when I voice these opinions when I do not support all behavior by females at magic events. While I am fine with anyone playing magic, I believe it is better for the game if everyone is playing for the right reasons. Gaming is fueled by various strong passions but there are those who play just to make others feel content. At competitive events, while there is not always a prerequisite to enter these events, the level of play, intensity, and integrity of the game is challenged.
In order for women to be taken seriously in a male-dominated game they must understand and push themselves to be as successful as possible.
