Chain Mail Bikini. Skimpy, Almost Nude, Near Naked Sexy Outfits / Armor. What’s that all about?
In Wow you will notice that a preponderance of players dress their female characters in the skimpiest clothing/armor they can acquire.
You may wonder why do they do it? I have seen this same phenomenon in other mmorpg. In fact. If you are a person who is offended by partial nudity or seeing people in skimpy outfits. I caution you not to play Many Asian mmorpgs. Because you will be shocked.
The bulk of Wow and other mmorpgs populations are male players. That being said. It’s in most of these male players genetics to be intoxicated with the female body. I think its just that simple. But lets explore further.
I have witnessed some players become outraged at another players avatar that apparently is dressed for the beach, Running along in a dungeon. Some players argue that Wow is a family game, that has children playing. But
Then I question that complaint since I might ask if that person who complains about the bikini wearer. Has Ever taken the family to the beach or a swimming pool. Aren’t these locations full of people wearing swimming trunks and swimsuits and bikinis?
Disclaimer: I’m not advocating for ether the use of bikini-outfits or non-use of the bikini outfits in game. I’m just posing the question.
Apart from the moral / social implications of the appearance in games of the chain-mail-bikini. What historic significance can be applied to the wearing of such a skimpy outfit in war?
The chain-mail-bikini is something we have seen in many media representations such as books, comics, movies, theater, and tv. Heroes with what might be considered skimpy or revealing outfits actually first appeared on a mass scale in comic book media during the early 1900s. The reason: People at that time equated power and athletic ability with costumes worn by circus performers: Strongmen, Trapeze flyers, acrobats, etc. Who wore trunks for men swimsuit-like outfits for women or what has come to be known as leotards for both genders. The Idea was, less clothing allowed for greater athletic performance. If you look at all the comic book heroes you have seen notice that for the most part they are wearing colorful leotards. And or fancy trunks or bikinis.
So its not really that much of a leap of imagination to understand why players like the chain-mail-bikini outfit. It couples the allure of the female form and pretty-ness with the aspect of implied power and prowess.
Some people have complained that this type of outfit demeans women. But Women’s magazines are full of the latest fashion trends of skimpy outfits which some Fashion designers and critics praise as celebrating the female form. Some of these fashion models are parading around in fashion shows in what can be called a see-thru outfit that reveals all the model’s personal assets.
Now to the reality of combat. Some arm-chair War-enthusiasts point out that such a skimpy outfit is ridiculous. How can a human survive in a battle-field filled with knights wearing full armor. “that’s just stupid nonsense spouted by uneducated idiots with no knowledge of warfare.” Well, perhaps in a European medieval setting this holds true."
But is that correct for the rest of the world during all of history? No. Since the dawn of time, peoples who have lived in hot countries have warn virtually little more than a loincloth while carrying a sword or spear and shield. The Roman legions encountered Britons (during the summer season) that fought bare-chested with painted bodies. What about Native Americans that (In summer) fought wearing lion cloths against cavalrymen armed with rifles. How about Hawaiians Same thing. Zulu Warriors, Same thing. Just about every aboriginal tribal warrior world wide fought half naked. They would laugh themselves silly if someone showed up for war dressed in full armor.
So. Is the chain mail bikini a legitimate / appropriate outfit for Wow Avatars?
Please share your opinion.
.