Barret Observations
Barret is an unfair stereotypes to everyone of African origin, and Square should be ashamed for including such blatant racism.
First of all is the obvious love for guns and violence, implying that all black people are like this. Barret loves fighting and will use any excuse to do so. His wanton trail of destruction throughout the world of FFVII is, quite frankly, sickening. And the fact that he'd rather have a gun - symbol of war and violence - than an arm - symbol of the handshake and peace - speaks volumes about whats Square think of black people.
Second of all, the terrorist aspect. Barret is the evil terrorist mastermind responsible for the death of many lives, and threatens or bribes his followers in AVALANCHE into doing his bidding
As we can see, he forces the likes of Wedge into doing his bidding with threats of violence, which is tantamount to slavery. We also see him throw Biggs across the room in the AVALANCHE hideout for no apparent reason.Wedge: Hey, Barret! What about our money...?
Barret slams his right mechanical machine gun arm on the crate.
Wedge: Uh, nothin' ...sorry.
His language is another aspect which mocks his race.
First of all, his profanity.
Originally Posted by Barret
Implying that black people are no more than uncivilised and uncultured brutes. Similarly, some of the other language he uses is very low register, and stereotyped to blacks, like "thang", "yo", "dawg" and "homie".
His grammar is very non-standard. The example The hell you so calm about as quoted above is a perfect example of his flawed grammar, again implying the stupidity of black people. Tifa even comes out and calls Barret a "retard" at one point (choose to sneak into the Shinra building) to back up that Square truly think this of him and his race.
Finally, the stereotype that black people use drugs is also implied, but never specifically stated.
Just what do you think "Loco Weed" is supposed to symbolise, anyway?
In short, this is disgusting, and I recommend you all write an angry email to Square, as I have done.
