A Smash Bros. Melee commentator has faced a wave of criticism after comparing a black competitor to Diddy Kong during a match, sparking accusations of racism. The controversy highlights the ongoing struggle for racial equality in gaming, as well as the need for greater education, awareness, and accountability to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
Commentator's Racially Insensitive Comparison
During a match between 'Dart' and 'Swiftie,' prominent Smash Bros. commentator SuperGirlKels made a comment about the appearance of competitor 'Swiftie,' which sparked immediate backlash from viewers.
“Oh my god, look at that face,” SuperGirlKels said. “What is that? That’s Dart, right? I’m so used to Dart being a, like, light-skinned black person, but this Dart is a, like, dark-skinned black person.”
The comment sparked immediate outrage from viewers, with many accusing SuperGirlKels of being racist.
“How is that even a thing to say?” one person says in the Twitch clip. “What does that even mean, ‘light-skinned black person’? Like, what does that even mean? That’s offensive.”
“It’s not just a comment on how Dart looks,” another viewer says. “It’s a comment on how Dart is black, and therefore Swiftie is black too. And then, ‘oh, Dart is a light-skinned black person’ – like, what do you even say to that?”
SuperGirlKels has since apologized on Twitter, saying that she “didn’t mean to offend anyone” and thanking those who have reached out to her to educate her on issues of Race.
“I understand the gravity of my actions and words and am truly sorry,” she says. “This is a lesson not just for me but for everyone; we must all be more aware of what we say and how we say it.”
Despite the apology, many have called for more action to be taken against SuperGirlKels, saying that the incident is “not okay” and needs to be “addressed.” It also sparked a larger conversation about racism in the gaming industry, with some noting that it highlights the ongoing struggle for racial equality in both Esports and gaming at large.
“I’m glad she apologized,” one person says in the Twitch clip. “But I don’t think it was okay for the comment to get ignored. I’m not saying she should be banned or fired, but this is a big issue and something needs to be done.”
“Racism is real, and it is everywhere,” another viewer says. “It is up to you to be aware of it and to check your actions and words. I don’t think we should overreact and silence people, but I think we should be more aware of what we say and how it affects others and be more mindful in our language.”
Discussion on Diversity and Inclusivity in Gaming
SuperGirlKels is a prominent figure in the Smash Bros. community and has faced controversy in the past. This incident has once again brought her actions into the spotlight and sparked a larger discussion about diversity and inclusivity in the gaming industry.
Esports commentators and players are often seen as role models and should be held to higher standards of conduct, particularly given their positions of authority within the industry. Moving forward, it remains to be seen how this incident will impact SuperGirlKels’ career and the esports community as a whole, but it has certainly reignited discussions about diversity and inclusivity in gaming.
Check out even more about gaming on the Rakbankup.
