Why Does Pharah Have Native American Skin?
Pharah, a popular character in the online multiplayer game Overwatch, has been a topic of discussion among fans and critics alike. One of the most striking features of Pharah is her Native American skin, which has sparked curiosity and debate about the game’s representation of indigenous peoples. In this article, we will delve into the reasons behind Pharah’s Native American skin and explore the implications of this design choice.
Pharah’s Background
Pharah, whose real name is Fareeha Amari, is an Egyptian-born character in Overwatch. She is a skilled pilot and member of the Egyptian security squad, Helix Security International. Pharah’s backstory reveals that she was born to a family of warriors and soldiers, and she has a strong sense of patriotism and duty. Her parents, including her mother Ana, were part of the original Overwatch team, which was disbanded before Pharah’s time.
The Design Choice
According to an interview with the game’s director, Jeff Kaplan, Pharah’s Native American skin was a deliberate design choice. Kaplan explained that the team wanted to create a character that was not only skilled in combat but also had a strong cultural identity. They chose to give Pharah Native American features to reflect her connection to the land and her people.
Representation and Cultural Sensitivity
The decision to give Pharah Native American skin has sparked controversy among some fans and critics. Some have argued that the character’s skin tone is not representative of the Native American community and that it is culturally insensitive. Others have praised the design choice, citing the importance of representation and cultural diversity in the gaming industry.
Implications of the Design Choice
The implications of Pharah’s Native American skin are multifaceted. On one hand, the character’s design choice can be seen as a step towards greater representation and diversity in the gaming industry. It shows that game developers are willing to take risks and challenge traditional norms in their storytelling and character design.
On the other hand, the design choice can also be seen as culturally insensitive and problematic. Some have argued that the character’s Native American skin is a stereotype or a tokenistic representation of indigenous peoples. Others have criticized the lack of representation of Native American characters in the game, despite the presence of Pharah.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Pharah’s Native American skin is a deliberate design choice that reflects the game’s commitment to representation and cultural diversity. While some may argue that the character’s skin tone is not representative of the Native American community, others see it as a step towards greater inclusivity and diversity in the gaming industry. Ultimately, the implications of Pharah’s design choice are complex and multifaceted, and they spark important conversations about representation, cultural sensitivity, and the importance of diverse storytelling in the gaming industry.
Additional Resources
- Overwatch Wiki: Pharah
- Blizzard Entertainment: Overwatch
- Jeff Kaplan’s Interview on Pharah’s Design Choice
References
- Blizzard Entertainment. (2016). Overwatch. PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One.
- Kaplan, J. (2016). Interview with IGN. Retrieved from https://www.ign.com/articles/2016/05/18/overwatch-pharah-interview-jeff-kaplan
- Overwatch Wiki. (n.d.). Pharah. Retrieved from https://overwatch.gamepedia.com/Pharah