Though I agree with much of what was said, I do not believe this article gets Duke Nukem off the hook. In fact, it basically asserts that claims of sexism against Duke Nukem are completely correct and justified - they just need to be understood in "context." Though ultimately I agree that sensitivity to context must be acknowledged and endorsed as a way to meaningfully interpret a text, that does not mean that the "face value" is without merit or importance. This debate has been hovering over great novels, not video games, such as Mark Twain's "Huckleberry Finn" for nearly a hundred years. How then could Duke Nukem get off the hook for simple, implicitly obvious by the tone of the article, "context?" The simple answer is that context is, unfortunately, in adequate in fully resolving the debate around controversial cultural artifacts. Yes, it is absurd to take Duke Nukem at face value on its treatment of women; yes, it is absurd to excuse Duke Nukem of its treatment of women simply for "context."
Therefore, the only choice one is left with is to critically engage with both positions and appreciate the real concerns of their arguments. Ultimately, I feel that calling out Nuke Dukem for its insensitive treatment of women, and people, is justified and necessary. However, to the age appropriate audience it may also have vindication as valuable satirical entertainment. Consequentially, any kind of censorship is misguided and to be opposed, but proper distribution and strict enforcement of age restrictions are to be endorsed and strictly enforced.
Galamode's comments