Table of Contents

Chapter Page

Abstract i
Acknowledgement ii
Table of Contents iii

I. Introduction 1
Background and Significance of the Study 1
Statement of the Problem 6
Review of Related Literature 7
Psychological and Sociological Aspects of Video Games 7
American Exceptionalism and Video Games as Propaganda 11
Synthesis 13
Theoretical and Conceptual Framework 14
Definition of Terms 21
Scope and Limitations 22
Research Methodology 25
Research Design 25
Unit of Analysis 25
Data Collection 26
Data Analysis 27
II. American Exceptionalism: Video Games 29
Characterization of Video Game Characters 29
White Savior and his Burden 30
Power, Ability, and the Hero Complex 32
The White Savior and his Moral Compass 35
Technological Exceptionalism 38

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The Evil “Other” 40
Racism in Video Games 41
Gender: Hypermasculinity and Violence 47
Technological Inferiority 51
Storylines: Good Vs Evil 53
Cold War and the Dystopian World 54
Apocalyptic Narratives 58
III. Game Developers, Game Publishers, and American
Exceptionalism 62
Developers, Publishers, and their Personal Biases 63
Marketing Considerations 71
Gender and the Developers 75
IV. The Gaming Community and American Exceptionalism 80
Positive Attitudes on American Culture 81
Negative Perceptions on American Action Abroad 86
Repetition of Ideas as the basis for Perception Shaping 91
V. Summary, Conclusion and Recommendations 95
Summary 95
Conclusion 98
Recommendations 100
Cited References 102
Appendix A – Interview Questions

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