Lessons from Persona 5: Wake Up and Get Out There
In this time of marginalized people losing their rights, protections being revoked and uncertainty about their future, the weight of reality and the escapism that video games can provide have been clashing. Art reflects reality, and video games are no exception. There are many examples of this, from Animal Crossing to Fallout, but a great example that comes to mind is Persona 5/Persona 5 Royal, specifically, Masayoshi Shido, the embodiment of pride and corruption.
Masayoshi Shido, while he presents like a charismatic politician, is in reality a ruthless self-centered man with a savior complex whose giant ego drives him to force his ideals onto the world. His goal is to overthrow the current government to make his selfish goals a reality, and he does not care who he has to harm along the way to get there. The protagonist receives an arrest record due to the actions of Shido, placing them squarely on the path to ultimately be Shido’s demise and bring him to justice.
We do not live in the fantasy world of the Metaverse, and as far as I know, no one has the power to summon Personas that can save the world. But a major theme of Persona 5 is the collective work it takes to shape society, keep hope alive, and overthrow corruption.
Right now, we are living in scary times: SNAP benefits are potentially lapsing in November in the United States, multiple genocides are occurring throughout the world, protections are being stripped from marginalized populations, ICE raids are ongoing, grocery prices are on the rise, natural disasters, and so much more that it can all feel overwhelming to try and process it all.
Like the Phantom Thieves, it is important to take things one step at a time, remain informed, and most importantly, take action.
Diving into a little bit of Milady Confetti-lore, when I was born, my mother was on SNAP and WIC. She was a single mom graduating from high school and enrolled in government resources to take care of herself and me. She stated that the programs were a great tool and a stepping stone for her as a teen mom trying to find her way in the world with a newborn. Eventually, she did leave those programs, but now works to help other single mothers, veterans, and LGBTQIA+ folks get the aid that they need.
Sometimes you cannot help the cards life deals you, and that is what resources are for: to help your community, neighbors and fellow person.
Register to Vote
It is important to vote. People have marched, died, and fought for this fundamental right, so exercise it. U.S citizens can register to vote at: vote.org
Organize
The most important thing throughout Persona 5 was the teamwork of the Phantom Thieves and their allies. It was a group effort to ultimately make a change, and the same can apply in reality.
The media is flooded with so much news that sometimes it can be challenging not to spiral and panic. Keep calm and organize. Chaos is their goal, to keep poor and marginalized folks fighting amongst each other rather than keeping in mind who the real enemy is. We are stronger together.
‘No Politics in Games’ Is Dead
Sometimes I’m curious opposite of what many of our favorite protagonists stand for. Many people see themselves as the protagonist in many of the games we love, but then, in reality, actively exhibit traits of a villain. It’s time to wake up and get active more than ever before to stand up to them.
As much as I enjoy reviewing games, the protagonist would also side-eye me for enjoying these games but not speaking about the realities that reflect many of the themes in them. The real world is not a video game, but there are those in power trying to play with people’s lives as if they are holding the controller. The power has always been with the people, and it is time to wake up and realize that.
Below are resources that may aid people in this time of uncertainty
Mutual aid – a network of Mutual Aid resources around the US
Find help for those looking for local resources such as food pantries, financial assistance, help to pay for transit and so much more.
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