I'm not arguing that the game creators didn't drop the ball on his story. He could have been much more interesting. But the qualities that Vega's fans see in him don't go skin-deep. Even his physical appearance hints at a hidden depth, which almost always affects other areas of life and character development. This is the reason why I started writing the James Vega "origins" story, The One That Got Away, to show how these shallow elements, hinted at in the game and the boring Homeworlds comic, could have been made into a really interesting story and likeable character.
The complaints I usually see have to do with his looks, his humor and the fact that he's boring. So let's examine these closely.
1. Physical Appearance
Some people see muscles and think, "Gee, they must be dumb and full of themselves". Me, I think, "Wow, they are really dedicated. That is seriously hard to do."
Could they be full of themselves? Could they be compensating for their lack of intelligence? Of course. But it's not always the case, and it's wrongon a fundamental level to judge people based on stereotypes. Now, stereotypes exist for a reason, meaning that people like that actually do exist. But when faced with a person who is different than yourself, the best practice is to assume that they are good, decent people and allow yourself to be surprised if they aren't.
I can tell you from personal experience, as a weight lifter myself, that it takes a lot of hard work, determination, dedication, self-awareness and self-control to look like James Vega does. I'm by no means a bodybuilder, I lift for health and as a personal challenge. But that's exactly why it provokes respect for this character in me. It is VERY
challenging to get in shape and even more challenging to stay in shape, especially if you live in ever-changing and uncertain circumstances. This says a lot to me about Vega's character, considering the trauma and the challenges his professional life has provided.
Furthermore, it takes a well-developed community around most people to maintain a lifestyle and life practice. For James, he has almost none. His squad is dead and he has almost no family. He's adrift, orphaned in the galaxy, much like Shepard. This is why, I'm sure, Anderson chose him to be her/his guard on Earth. They actually have quite a bit in common personally and professionally.
But I digress. The point is, he manages all that on his own. That takes inner strength. I respect that.
2. Cracking jokes all the time (I'm including the nicknames in this bit. )
At some point in our young lives, we experience intense tension, to the point where it becomes almost unbearable. The source of the tension can be almost anything: sick parents, divorce, death in the family, the loss
of a friendship, or even just a topic of conversation (like sex) that is so completely avoided that it's like a presence of its own. Take your pick or fill in the blank. It has happened to literally everyone on Earth.
Our reaction to this phenomenon can set a precedent that defines the way we interact with people for the rest of our lives. Some children retreat and become introverts. Some get angry. Some turn to creative pursuits to express their feelings about it. And some, like James Vega (and my husband), deflect with humor. Children already feel
powerless, so finding a way to affect the situation and make it tolerable is the first order of business.
We know that he didn't have an easy childhood. Very little family, a mother who died young, and an uncle and father who totally disagree about everything regarding James. These are basically his only role models and they are constantly at a battle of wills. I know that I would have dealt fairly poorly with this at a young age. I retreated into books and delved into the creative process of writing after my parents split up. James put his energy into something that he COULD control - his body - and when the tension got too overpowering, he cracked jokes.
Because of his underdeveloped social skills (at the age when this habit developed) and the positive response that most people have to humor, when well-applied, my guess is that he began "setting the stage" for humor in his relationships by giving everyone a nickname that hints at their endearing qualities. In most cases, the recipient appreciates both the humor and the personal touch. "He always calls me that," said half-jokingly, makes a positive impression on the recipient, provokes an inclusive feeling, as the one that "laughed with" and not "gets laughed at". It's difficult to ever get back on the good side of someone who doesn't appreciate it, though. They might feel that the nickname or the joke was unfairly applied and are actually offended.
But the people who do like it, love it. So that's likely part of why we see such a huge divide between Vega lovers and Vega haters. I could say more on this, but not without breaking out my psychology textbooks. I'll spare you.
3. He's Boring
This is an opinion and not a character trait, so it doesn't really merit examination. The story could have been better developed, but then, that's true of most characters. Something more can always be done, only resources or awareness prevent it from happening.
In conclusion, all I can say is that taking this particular character (or any character,or person in real life) at surface value is a mistake. Don't like a straight combat squadmate? Your preference, no problem. I get it. But there are some interesting psychological quirks behind a character with Vega's personality and I found them sufficiently fascinating enough to write two romances and one serious drama about him. And I am not a fangirl, never have been.
Was all of this intentional on the part of the writers? I can't say. The lack of in-game development would indicate not, but perhaps they just didn't get the opportunity to present their case well to the creative team. Or another reason. Or he could have been based on a real person, so they knew these qualities were possible without getting into character development. I hope not, because that's kind of lame, but it's a possibility.
You don't have to agree with me, but I hope that at least I will have provoked enough thought with this journal entry to make the naysayers see a little bit more in him, or at the very least, give some other characters a chance that you might not have before. They might just surprise you.
So what does James Vega hatin' say about you? Only you can know for sure. I'm not the type of person who slams someone, especially when I don't really understand them, so it's not my place to say.
Flamers, flame on! I loves ya anyway.
Originally posted on my deviantArt profile.
Modifié par ebreder, 16 juillet 2012 - 08:09 .
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