Not How We Look, But How We Play: Facial Deformity and Video Games

Many of us struggle with our appearance, particularly our faces. We want to be attractive, but we don't feel that way. And faces can be important to understanding each other; movements of the eyes and lips allow us to share warmth or heartbreak. But when we are uncomfortable with ourselves, we hide behind a mask of indifference, hoping to please others or protect ourselves by playing a role. Sometimes, however, masks allow us to genuinely share who we are without fear of rejection, and video game avatars have allowed me to do just that.