Archaeology of Tomb Raider: In the Spotlight: Kelly M
| Interviews by Fans | |
|---|---|
| Title: | Archaeology of Tomb Raider: In the Spotlight: Kelly M |
| Interviewer: | |
| Interviewee: | Kelly M |
| Date(s): | May 30, 2014 |
| Medium: | online |
| Fandom(s): | Tomb Raider |
| External Links: | In the Spotlight: Kelly M – The Archaeology of Tomb Raider, Archived version |
| Click here for related articles on Fanlore. | |
Archaeology of Tomb Raider: In the Spotlight: Kelly M was conducted in 2014.
Some Excerpts
Do you run a Tomb Raider fansite or blog? If so, what would you say was your biggest achievement to date?
Well, yes. Yes, I do. In fact, you’re staring right at it. ^_^
With regards to personal achievements, I’d say my biggest achievement is launching this blog and meeting so many wonderful people from around the world, albeit via Twitter and Facebook (a real-life meet-up is certainly on the cards). I’m obviously biased but I think that the Tomb Raider fan community is one of the most welcoming, creative, and inspiring fan communities I’ve ever had the pleasure of coming across. Part of the reason I’m still blogging today is due to the overwhelming support and positive feedback I’ve received from fans. And the countless hours of Tomb Raider talk and hilarity on Twitter, courtesy of Stella, GamingManMark, DrJohnOakland, Rident, Laurie, José, Ruebs, Katie, RardRaider, and many, many others.
How has Tomb Raider changed your life?
It’s hard to quantify but I think it’s safe to say my life would certainly be different without Tomb Raider. First of all, I wouldn’t be writing this right now or running a fansite. Second, I wouldn’t have met so many fantastic people online or spent countless hours playing the games. And third, I’d have one less role model in my life. Lara’s confidence and bold nature have been an inspiration…even if I’m still painfully shy and socially awkward in real life. ;-)
What are your thoughts on Lara’s image? Is she simply the product of a sexist gaming industry or can she be seen as a positive role model?
Honestly, I hate these questions as they always make me feel like I need to justify Lara’s existence or defend the way she looks. There’s no doubt that she was designed with a male audience in mind (it *was* the 1990s after all) and this is made painfully clear in the commercials and promo art used to promote the earlier games, some of which were downright dodgy.
Having said that, if people look past her physical “assets”, they’ll realize that Lara is an intelligent, resourceful, and determined woman who knows who she is and what she wants from life. She knows how to live in the moment and is always eager to learn more and expand her horizons. Surely these are positive qualities that anyone (male or female) should aspire to. Of course, the less said about her lack of concern for ancient relics or endangered wildlife, the better…