Performance
Performance is an act or show presented to an audience, typically involving acting, singing, dancing, or recitation. It can be used to convey ideas, emotions, or stories through movement, speech, music, or both. Role-playing involves taking on different identities, roles, and behaviors within a specific context. In this article, I will explore how performance in role-playing games (RPGs) and tabletop RPGs such as Dungeons & Dragons (D&D), Pathfinder, and Call of Cthulhu deconstruct masculinity and femininity.
Masculinity and Femininity
Masculinity and femininity are social constructs that define what it means to be male or female. They are shaped by cultural norms, expectations, and stereotypes that dictate how men and women should behave, dress, think, feel, and interact with each other. These concepts have been used to reinforce gender inequality and oppression for centuries. They create rigid gender roles and limit people's potential.
Deconstruction
Deconstruction involves analyzing and critically examining societal beliefs, practices, and institutions to reveal their underlying assumptions and biases. In literature, film, art, and pop culture, deconstruction challenges traditional representations and narratives, offering alternative interpretations and perspectives. The same applies to role-playing. When players assume characters who challenge conventional notions of masculinity and femininity, they disrupt existing power dynamics and open up new possibilities.
D&D Characters
In D&D, players create characters based on race, class, alignment, abilities, and personality traits. Some classes, such as the Sorceress, Paladin, Bard, Rogue, and Warlock, are traditionally associated with specific genders and attributes.
Players can choose to play these roles regardless of their sex or identity.
A male player may choose to portray a female Paladin who defies stereotypical masculine characteristics like strength and aggression, while a non-binary player may play a male Fighter who embraces them.
Gender Roles in Call of Cthulhu
Call of Cthulhu is a horror RPG set in the 1920s that explores cosmic horror and madness. Players take on the roles of investigators seeking to uncover mysterious events and prevent the awakening of ancient evils. The game features gendered character classes, including the Occultist (male) and the Psychic (female). While these archetypes reinforce heteronormative beliefs, players can subvert them by creating multifaceted characters who transcend binary identities.
Pathfinder Roleplaying Game
Pathfinder is an RPG inspired by Dungeons & Dragons, featuring similar mechanics and fantasy settings. It offers a variety of races, classes, and backgrounds for character creation, allowing players to customize their avatars and explore different identities.
A transgender player may create a half-orc Barbarian who challenges ideas about gender and physicality, while a queer player might design a genderfluid Elven Sorcerer who blurs the lines between male and female.
Deconstructing Masculinity and Femininity
Performance in role-playing games allows players to experiment with gender identities and sexualities, breaking down rigid binaries and offering new possibilities. By portraying characters who defy traditional norms, players challenge societal expectations and stereotypes, promoting equality and inclusion. This deconstruction of masculinity and femininity has implications beyond the gaming world, encouraging broader social change and acceptance.
What role does performance in role-playing have in deconstructing masculinity and femininity?
Performance in role-playing can play an important part in challenging gender stereotypes by allowing individuals to experiment with different identities and behaviors outside of their prescribed norms. By taking on new roles, people may gain insight into how society perceives men and women, and how these perceptions shape their own sense of self. This can lead to greater awareness and critical thinking about gender norms and expectations.