TWD is a Litmus Test

[Donathin]

First time poster, but I've read a lot of these forums. Especially after Episode Four created various discussion here, I've come to realize something about The Walking Dead: it truly is a litmus test for whether or not you should be allowed to have children. Some of the responses directed towards Clementine are surprisingly creepy and further from the moral center that I just sort of assumed was common for most folks in regards to children.

I suppose, however, that it's great that the game can (to a certain extent) create a believable story for that point of view as well. Lee really can make some very bad "parenting" decisions in regards to Clem.

[LokiHavok]

Some of the responses directed towards Clementine are surprisingly creepy and further from the moral center that I just sort of assumed was common for most folks in regards to children.

Like what?

[Donathin]

Expressing anger enough over Clementine wanting to look for her parents and not following all of their Lee's orders that they wished they could just not go after her and let her die.

Expressing anger over the big twist of the end of Episode Four that they wish they could just leave Clem to die.

Making bad parenting decisions involving Clem.

Those sorts of things, generally.

[OZPruduction]

It's a game, nothing anyone does in a game means he'll do it in real life.

Being a good parent to Clem, doesn't instantly mean you'll be a good parent to your kid (and vise versa).

[Donathin]

It's a game, nothing anyone does in a game means he'll do it in real life.

Being a good parent to Clem, doesn't instantly mean you'll be a good parent to your kid (and vise versa).

Yeah, true enough, I suppose. I was just surprised to see those kinds of emotional reactions sparked by the game. It's just very different to what I experience, and I am neither a parent or someone hoping to be one any time soon.

[JabbaDaHuttX7]

Has very little bearing on real life. It's like saying being nice to Clem means you want to have kids of your own eventually, or that you'd be a good parent. Neither have to be true.

[YE OLDE PIRATE]

I agree with OP's statement to some degree, I do however feel it did not factor in age or Parents vs non-parents. I think most of the more hateful Anti-Clementine post are by younger kids. There was more I had to say on this subject but I seem to have forgotten what it was.

[Donathin]

Has very little bearing on real life. It's like saying being nice to Clem means you want to have kids of your own eventually, or that you'd be a good parent. Neither have to be true.

Hmm, it's a little bit of a rectangle/square situation in my mind. I don't think that feeling attached to Clem in the game and wanting to protect her indicates that you have the mentality and skillsets necessary to be a good parent. I do, however, think that being angry at Clem for leaving to find her parents or Lee getting bitten and hoping that she dies shows an instinct for selfishness or emotional detachment that might suggest obstacles that person might face as a parent.

Of course, it's one thing if you make those choices, because that's the way that you are playing Lee in the story, entirely. I'm speaking fully towards folks that experience those reactions themselves, not as their characters.

[DreadMagus]

I have to admit, some of the reactions I've seen are.... perplexing.

[Donathin]

I agree with OP's statement to some degree, I do however feel it did not factor in age or Parents vs non-parents. I think most of the more hateful Anti-Clementine post are by younger kids. There was more I had to say on this subject but I seem to have forgotten what it was.

Yeah, that's true. A lot of the best things about The Walking Dead would be lost on kids.

[TheWaltzingBread]

There isn't a lot to say about 'child raising', but it could tell us an awful lot about an individual based on who they save, who they side with and how they treat people, including Clem.

If we had a psychologist on this, it would be interesting to see what they had to say.

[Master of Aeons]

Speaking of those unwanted kids, when's that Activision game coming out?

[lucidity02]

Speaking of those unwanted kids, when's that Activision game coming out?

Ha! I especially enjoy how Activison's marketing materials all talk about the dramatic moral choices Daryl will have to make on his quest. Golly, I wonder where they came up with that idea!

On topic, I'm a parent, and I do think the various people who wish death upon a digital eight-year-old probably shouldn't have kids.

[Macon Bacon]

Well because this is a game it's kind of hard to really be Lee Everett. You not only see the world a different way but you are more or less "aware" of certain things. For example in Ep 1 when you walkers attacked Shawn and Duck, my initial instinct was "shit let me help Shawn" I thought that because Kenny was right there and I knew he would save/try to save Duck. Plus Shawn brought us to the farm. But the game gave me the choice and because I knew choice would affect the game I figured Kenny might not be able to save Duck so I did. But if I were really in that situation I most likely would have not thought twice about it and went with my instinct.

The point is, if you were in Lee's situation you wouldn't really have to take responsibility over Clem like he has. As shitty as this may sound you could easily just ask anyone of the people you've met if they know what to do with a kid. Personally I think someone who actually has kids would probably be more likely to take her in. But for the game's purpose that is why Lee is meant to do.

[Master of Aeons]

Lee is a pretty good example of a protagonist you can role play as that isn't just a bland puppet. While Link or Gordon Freeman's motives are left up to the player and his personality is yours, Lee Everett is pretty well defined outside of your choices.

Though your Lee might be softer or a tad cruel, he takes decisions out of your hands more than a few times because of the person he is. He cares about people, he likes Clem. He doesn't hit Duck when he gets too annoying.

So yeah, there is a pretty clear disjoint between us and Lee. Maybe season 2 will feature a more ambivalent character for us to slip into.

[Thasic]

I wouldn't assume because a person makes certain decisions in a game that it implies something about their personality in real life. I am playing Lee as a good, honest individual and all the decisions I make are based on that. I could just as easily play as a self centered asshole. That doesn't mean in reality I am either.

[Gennadios]

Wait, so if I'm cool with Clem but saw Duck's death as natural selection, I'm still cool to breed?

Sweet!