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Recommended Reading: a brief history of female superheroes
Recommended Reading highlights the best long-form writing on technology and more in print and on the web. Some weeks, you'll also find short reviews of books that we think are worth your time. We hope you enjoy the read. Suffering Sappho! The Tortured History of Female Superheroes by Molly Lambert, Grantland With the truckload of recent comic book movie announcements, female superheroes are poised to make a big splash at the box office in the years to come -- including Gal Gadot (above) as Wonder Woman. However, previous female-led efforts in the genre haven't done well, and the biggest films continue to have dudes as the lead actors. Grantland takes a look at the troubled history of female superheroes as both Marvel and DC Comics prep to give the ladies another shot at Hollywood glory.
Anita Sarkeesian talks GamerGate on The Colbert Report
Feminist gaming critic Anita Sarkeesian paid a visit to Stephen Colbert last night on his satirical show, The Colbert Report. Sarkeesian explained the origins of the GamerGate movement and the threats she's received while the host aimed his talent for razor-sharp satire at the controversy's more ridiculous aspects. [Image: Anita Sarkeesian]
Recommended Reading: Palmer Luckey and the homemade VR headset
Recommended Reading highlights the best long-form writing on technology and more in print and on the web. Some weeks, you'll also find short reviews of books that we think are worth your time. We hope you enjoy the read. How Palmer Luckey Created the Oculus Rift by Taylor Clark, Smithsonian Magazine If you've yet to read up on the origins of the Oculus Rift, there's no time like the present. Smithsonian Magazine details the headset's origins, giving its creator, Palmer Luckey, an American Ingenuity Award this week. The piece offers a look into the gaming gadget's brief history, including the first meeting between Luckey and Brendan Iribe, Nate Mitchell and Michael Antonov back in 2012.
Gaming culture critic Sarkeesian cancels speech after school shooting threats (update)
Following threats of extreme violence at Utah State University, feminist culture-critic Anita Sarkeesian has cancelled her speech at the school scheduled for Wednesday. This morning, someone claiming to be a student at the university emailed staff members, saying that he or she would commit "the deadliest school shooting in American history" if the event wasn't cancelled, according to Utah newspaper The Standard Examiner. The email's author says that feminists have ruined their life and promised a "Montreal Massacre-style attack," stating that he or she possesses a variety of firearms and explosives and that no one in attendance or at the campus' Women's Center would be able to defend themselves should the lecture take place. This isn't the first time Sarkeesian has come under threat, either -- let alone the first time this year.
Intel is 'not taking sides,' but keeps ads off of Gamasutra
When Intel pulled advertising from the business-focused gaming website Gamasutra earlier this week, it was due in large part to an internet campaign to hit gaming websites that speak out against sexism in the industry where it hurts: ad revenue. Today, the chipset manufacturer has announced an apology (interestingly timed on a Friday evening) for this. Sort of. Intel says that it never meant to appear to be taking sides in the increasingly hostile debate: When it comes to our support of equality and women, we want to be very clear: Intel believes men and women should be treated the same... And while we respect the right of individuals to have their personal beliefs and values, Intel does not support any organization or movement that discriminates against women. We apologize and we are deeply sorry if we offended anyone. These words ring a bit hollow though, given that Intel won't be continuing its ad-buy with Gamasutra, either. For the brief apology in full, check the source link below. [Image source: Getty Images]
