Gregway - May 2021 Part 2

Hey, Kenny. You know that we're passionate about that! I think the thing you're wrestling with -- and so are we -- is balance. You make it sound like we did noting for AAPI, but that's not correct. We streamed with IGN as part of their huge fundraiser, promoted it on KFGD leading up to it, and raised a ton of money. But is that equal to what we did for BLM? Palestine? Extra Life? We try to help so many organizations in so many different ways, but when we do, it can seem to some like we did more for one than another. In the end, it's always us trying to help while doing our jobs. It's a fine line to walk, and it's an ongoing conversation we're having.

Kinda Funny

Politics are inevitably part of every single aspect of work/life/culture these days. Ignoring politics and acting like it doesn't exist doesn't work, but demanding that politics be brought up in every single discussion also doesn't work in my opinion. If Greg and co want to talk about the political aspects of a game they should, if they don't then I don't think they should feel obliged. I agree with everything you're saying - not trying to put words in your mouth too, these are just my thoughts.

“I take my job too seriously to get high.” - Greg Miller on reviewing Oreos. lol respect. Love when you talk about your relationship with Gen; so wholesome and inspiring. ❤️

NeO JD

Please don't mistake my post. I am 100% in favor of talking about the politics of everything, including games. Because there is politics in everything we do. Ignoring the politics of a situation is political itself. We can't ignore the wider situations around our hobbies. It's okay to acknowledge that, and still participate in our hobbies. However I do not feel it's okay participate in our hobbies and ignore the wider situations. I'm just saying it's up to each of us when to decide where we make hard stands. And we should be okay when other's hard stands aren't in line with our own.

Matthew Poonamallee

Great response. I do feel like this is almost a no-win situation if you take a hard stance. The world isn't black and white, if the KF crew tried to paint every issue as black or white there would inevitably be places where hypocrisy would be called out. We have frequently talk about the vocal minority making the most noise, and I really think the demands to infuse politics into every subject is one where the majority of listeners feel uncomfortable with.

So in regards to playing/reviewing games from problematic companies: I 100% get what you're saying. I think it's important for all the best friends to remember that there is no ethical consumption under capitalism. Nothing we consume, from food, to clothes, to games, to our homes is wholly ethical. Everything has ties to a person or group that supports terrible things somewhere in the world. Does this mean we should all build cabins in the woods and shun society? I don't think so. We all have to find out own lines in the sand. Maybe this means you stop playing Ubisoft games. Maybe it means you stop eating factory raised farm animals. Maybe you stop buying clothes made in sweat shops. But just because I won't play Ubisoft games (by way of example) doesn't mean anyone who plays them is supporting toxic workplaces. Sometimes it's enough to say "Hey, Ubisoft has been really shitty." The world makes hypocrites of us all, and the best we can do is acknowledge it and do our best to support each other.

Matthew Poonamallee

First off, great video Greg! In regards to 16:45, I'm more disappointed that it seemed you've made more efforts to call out China and talk about Hong Kong, than you guys did in regards to anti-Asian racism or celebrating AAPI month. Particularly since the racism is happening in America, especially the Bay Area. More so when the Hong Kong controversy isn't black and white, and I've seen plenty of Hong Kong people be complicit in helping to stoke anti-Asian racism in their effort to get back at China. One case is censorship, the other is Asian people being discriminated, attacked, and killed for their race. As an Asian American fan, I was hoping you guys were as passionate about that. Especially with KF being so great with social issues like Palestine or BLM as mentioned. Anyways, love ya Greg!

Kenny Lam

Now I get to brag to everyone that Greg responded to me! Thank you Dark Lord!

Hell yeah, baby! - Greg

Kinda Funny

Ooooh good point. It's definitely an impossible situation at times. I guess just peppering in reminders in general might be the best move since it wouldn't create another piece of content but gets the message across? Even mentioning it at all is a good start and I think you guys have done a really good job so far. Mainly I'm just spitballing. Having a conversation at all is why I love Kinda Funny! 🥰

Sure, but I feel like you're sliding into a third bucket of content there, right? (When I was rambling about #1 Reviews and #2 KFGD.) We did that last year and called out the dumb move to post the video addressing the problem separately from the conference. - Greg

Kinda Funny

This might be a silly suggestion, but I think E3 would be the best time to speak out when a company is crappy. For example, if Ubisoft doesn't address any issues during their press conference or before, Tim or Bless could be like "Full disclosure: Ubisoft has a shitty work environment, remember to support victims and call out abusers and toxic workplaces and be aware of all the facts before buying the game." It wouldn't be telling people not to buy the game, it would be a sort of PSA reminding people that their favorite games can sometimes come from shitty places and it might get more people to call out bad business or demand better from the company that makes the game. Calling out the power structure at Ubisoft would be the way to go. Toxic workplaces can start from the top and Ubisoft promised to do better and they haven't. E3 is the place to show the growth of a company and their newest developments, so if a company like Ubisoft hasn't grown since then, it's something that's definitely valid to talk about during E3. Hopefully that wasn't too rambling!