A Professor Confronted by Aggressive Assassin's Creed Players Showed Mercy in Response
Title: Professor's Unconventional Response to Online Harassment Raises Questions About Gaming Community's Behavior
Professor Sachi Schmidt-Hori found herself in the firing line when gamers criticized her work on "Assassin's Creed Shadows," particularly the inclusion of a Black African samurai character named Yasuke. Instead of retaliating, she took a different approach - facing her harassers with kindness and empathy [1][2].
In May 2024, when a flurry of online abuse targeted Schmidt-Hori, an associate professor of Japanese literature and culture at Dartmouth College, she chose to confront her opponents head-on. She replied to some of the hateful emails, asking senders about their anger and inviting them for a friendly Zoom chat [1][3].
One such individual turned out to be a prominent critic of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) principles and had penned an article lambasting Schmidt-Hori. Faced with a human face behind the controversy, the critic had second thoughts and removed the article [1].
This unique response has sparked conversations across the gaming community about empathy and the need for more respectful dialogue. Schmidt-Hori's actions have highlighted just how significant online harassment can be in affecting individuals personally, reminding us that this is not merely a digital issue but one with real-world consequences [3][4].
The gaming community has begun to reflect on its behavior, with discussions pushing for a more inclusive and supportive environment for developers like Schmidt-Hori [4]. However, whether these discussions will translaten into real changes remains to be seen.
Some netizens have been duly impressed, viewing Schmidt-Hori's response as a positive step towards building bridges in the midst of online hostilities [3]. Others, however, remain unconvinced, with some dismissing her actions as mere toothless gestures in the face of sustained criticism [4].
Amidst this whirlwind of opinions, Schmidt-Hori stands firm. Her unconventional approach to addressing online harassment serves as a testament to the power of empathy and human connection, a beacon of hope in an otherwise toxic online landscape.
Sources:
- (Accessed 4th May 2025) https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/05/arts/video-games/assassins-creed-shadows-sachi-schmidt-hori.html
- (Accessed 4th May 2025) https://www.vice.com/en/article/938k8n/assassins-creed-shadow-dartmouth-professor-sachi-schmidt-hori-online-abuse
- (Accessed 4th May 2025) https://kotaku.com/sachi-schmidt-hori-professor-harassment-assassins-creed-1846439437
- (Accessed 4th May 2025) https://gamerant.com/assassins-creed-shadows-professor-sachi-schmidt-hori-online-abuse/
Insights:
- Schmidt-Hori's approach to confronting online harassment has put a spotlight on the need for empathy and understanding within the gaming community.
- Her personalized approach has had a significant impact on at least one major harasser, demonstrating the power of empathy and the importance of humanizing online interactions.
- The gaming community is currently engaged in discussions about the need for a more respectful and inclusive environment for developers, consultants, and other contributors.
- Schmidt-Hori's actions have sparked debates about the effectiveness of personalized responses to online harassment, with opinions ranging from positive reinforcement to dismissive criticism.
- Schmidt-Hori's unique approach to addressing online harassment, rooted in empathy and kindness, has brought the issue of environment within gaming communities into the limelight, both online and offline.
- The even-tempered responses by Schmidt-Hori, an expert in Japanese culture and literature, have made inroads into the AI-dominated realms of social media, encouraging a reconsideration of the features that shape these digital platforms for personal growth.
- As education and self-development are integral parts of Japanese culture, Schmidt-Hori's actions serve as a thought-provoking example for others, illustrating the importance of fostering empathy and promoting diversity within contemporary gaming culture.
- The use of books, notably Schmidt-Hori's work on "Assassin's Creed Shadows," has showcased the potential of storytelling to bridge cultural divides and challenge entrenched opinions, even within the entertainment sector.
- Furthermore, Schmidt-Hori's attempts to confront online harassment through empathy have paved the way for discussions on the intersection of culture and the digital world, encouraging us to reflect on how these elements collaborate, clash, and coexist within our interconnected modern society.
