Every version of The Sims that comes out becomes more and more realistic. I was joking with a friend the other day that by the time we get to version 4, the Sims will be able to do our jobs!
There are always several expansion packs in each version. This version has Open for Business (for the enterpreneur), Pets, Glamour, Family Fun stuff, Holiday Pack, Night Life, and University. The virtual world of the Sims is so busy that next they're going to need an expansion pack to deal with stress.
However, being Wheelie Catholic, I've been wondering why there couldn't be an expansion pack for Sims with disabilities. The expansion packs are great at adding on little details and could include ramps, guide dogs, and the ability to create Sims with disabilities. Not only would this teach kids about inclusiveness, it would be more realistic.
There is something a bit odd about a simulated world that includes no one with anything more challenging than a cold. Don't get me wrong - the Sims can die, either from old age, setting themselves on fire from cooking or lighting a fireplace. But there seems to be this idea that, during their lives, the Sims are immune from disability .
It probably reflects the general tendency in our society to deny that our population with disability exists.
However, how are able bodied people ever going to learn that having a disability can be fun if we don't give them an expansion pack?
5 comments:
I can see it now - building ramps and then sending your sims down them at breakneck speed.
Your comment clearly shows WHY we need a Sims2 disability expansion pack... it is NOT a joke! Some of us (out in the real world) are disabled and this could be a very good way of teaching children a little bit about disabilities- which was the obvious point in Ruth's posting... At the same time it might help children/people with disabilities feeling less alienated from the real world...
I have had a disablility all my life (well since i was 18 months old) and a wheelchair since i was 12 and i would LOVE to be able to be able to make my sim-self actually have a wheelchair as well...i think it's more of a way for the able-bodied creators to make more money by trying to display a "perfect" world. (that sounds bad but you get the point.) i love the sims and i would definatly buy a gimp expantion
I have wondered this for a long time too. I think it would be alot of fun for some people and a fun way to learn about different abilities, from something simple like a vision or hearing impairment needing glasses/hearing aid to cerebral palsy needing a walker/wheelchair. The people who make the sims most likely are able-bodied and don't realize just how many people have a disablility of some kind. I often wonder if emailing the creators would do any good. Would they think about it or would they not even care?
It bothers me.
I am almost regretting buying the Sims 3 (+ Island Paradise) for my little sister. She is 12 years old with cerebral palsy and cannot walk yet or even sit up unassisted. She has fairly good self esteem but has lately been frustrated that there is 'no one like her' on tv at all, and she even asked me 'can i do that? remember i can't walk' when we talk about whether she wants to do something that she sees someone else doing on tv.
I'm just so sad now that there is no disability/wheelchair option in the Sims. And some of the comments about "no one wants a disability" or "thats no fun. more like punishing your sim". Shows the lack of education about what being born with a disability means. It isn't who you are, it's just an aspect of how you interact in the world. And you and others like my little sister should be represented in something as stupid as this game and as broadcasted as television.
Yes, no one wants to be disabled, but some people are and they are still human, and they still love who they are and others love them. They have careers, and wishes, and friends, and loves too just like the stick figure model skinny people that are represented in The Sims.
I'm thinking of writing a letter to the sims. if anyone is interested in helping please look me up on facebook. Makena Z Gadient
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