Overwatch's new Mei skin draws criticism for cultural appropriation | PC Gamer - elliottcrial1955

Overwatch's new Mei skin draws literary criticism for cultural appropriation

(Prototype credit: Blizzard)

Overwatch has unveiled a new legendary hide for Mei, and that coiffure ain't it.

The MMA-elysian skin Millimeter-Prunus mume appeared happening the Overwatch League memory yesterday, sporting a paladin's vest, gloves, and title belt. Simply it also gives Mei—a Taiwanese hero—cornrows, a traditionally Black hairstyle.

The inspiration for the hairstyle appears to deliver fare from Zhang Weili, a Island MMA fighter who wears her hair in a similar style. Tight braids are common amongst MMA fighters with yearner pilus, but cornrows are typically not eroded by fighters who are not Black.

Assign 'em up, MM-Prunus mume is stepping into the ring 🥊Secure this legendary Mei skin Now, just one of these days for the #OWL2021 May Scrimmage!Study more ➡️ https://t.co/4UFOc1uQJq pic.twitter.com/f5PnW9TQE4April 28, 2021

The hairstyle has drawn criticism from players, who pointed out that on that point are many an different MMA-inspired hairstyles to draw from. Likewise as the issues around cultural appropriation, the fact that a Black hair style has successful its way into the game before a Black feminine hero has been a pointedness of criticism. While Overwatch 2 will inclose Visit, Blizzard has not released a Black female champion in the game's fivesome-year history.

Blizzard has had a rocky history with the right smart it's handled diversity and representation in Overwatch. Dorado, a North American country map, was supported on an Italian city. The introduction of Sigma was riddled with harmful and noncurrent mental health tropes, and the choice to make him barefoot being "to deal the 'asylum' look" (via Polygon).

Rash has yet to reply to the feedback, with the MM-Mei skin currently happening sale until May 11.

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