A Major subject of our class was discussing web series. We looked at their effect on modern media and how they have active influence in social trends, for certain audiences of course. One aspect of web series that highlights their cultural value is their ability to make more raw-you could say honest social statements. Its easy to notice that web series are not as heavily influenced by corporate driven motives, which means they are less likely to compromise content for stability. Their are some very strong and sly social statements that exist in the web series we looked at in class. These statements exist strongly in race and gender areas, and are shown clearly in the web series “The Guild.

We see a strong sense of Gender Roles being highlighted in “The Guild”. In one of the clips we examined, we see the character Zaboo, unknowingly visit his online game friend Codex, without her knowledge. We then go on to learn that Zaboo and Codex did have a flirtatious relationship in the game they played together. Does this give Zaboo the right to come to Codex’s house to try and visit and comfort her? What Zaboo and Codex are demonstrating in this clip is an example of doing gender. In many male fantasies and even historical literature and learnings, we see a trait of the damsel in distress fantasy. The inner workings of this idea are that men need to save women, because women need saving and men are worthy of doing so, right? This backwards kind of thinking is the kind of oppression that Felicia Day is highlighting in The Guild. Even in the Gamer world today, this fantasy still exists. Men wish to, on some level prove themselves worthy of being a human. Its interesting to see that a desired way to do this is by acknowledging the incapability of another. This insecurity of the male ego is in so many cases pushed onto other genders, due internal identity struggles. This is shown clearly when Zaboo hugs Codex in the living room. You see on his face, he is comfortable and at ease. The reason being he feels he has done right by another, and by sacrificing his time shows that he is a good capable person, who is strong and able to comfort a women. But we see a completely different reaction on the face of Felicia Day. She Looks Uncomfortable and confused. She is a grown women, even though her life is at a difficult point, she did not expect random male companionship. This companionship wasn’t desired because on her own, she is actually capable. Sure, she may struggle at points, but that doesn’t mean a male needs to come save her. Zaboo was exercising his own Gender onto Codex, which makes him feel comfortable. The comfort of Codex is compromised because the show is highlighting the Gender struggles that Exist on a gamer platform, with a comedic tone.