While this effect may not pose a threat in all sectors, it is important to be aware of our bias so as to not fall into the trap of stereotyping, or, put classically, “judging a book by its cover.” Zooming out, we can see how the halo effect can alter our decision making on everything from politicians to cereal brands. However, the halo effect is not limited to groceries and the workplace. In favoring others on the basis of outward appearance we are prone to making uninformed decisions and can miss out on quality employees, political candidates, and products. In a meta-analysis comprised of two studies, researchers Xu, Martinez, and Smith found that conventionally attractive people who worked service jobs (ex: hotel customer service, restaurant staff) were rated higher by their customers compared to other employees.8 While the awareness that attractiveness plays a role in global evaluations has been documented since the 1950s, exploring how this may create profound inequality in various domains illuminates the pervasive nature of the halo effect. Research suggests that race, attractiveness and gender all impact the likelihood of positive or negative evaluation at work. Unfortunately, the halo effect can play a large role in the workplace. 1 This demonstrates how consumers can be manipulated to spend more money than necessary. Studies have shown that when the same food products are labeled either “organic” or “conventional” the “organic” products receive higher ratings and consumers are willing to pay a higher price for them. One example of this can be seen in the psychology behind consumer habits. Bear’s novels went to great lengths to ensure that both answers to the question of the human-Forerunner relation are not only valid, but can co-exist in a way that doesn’t necessitate a final answer as to which one is more accurate.Aside from its negative impact on our individual lives, the halo effect can add up to create systemic challenges. The Forerunner Saga, Evolutions, and Legends all have little connections that build a much larger picture while, at the same time, denying us any answers.Ĭontrary to the notion that the Forerunner Saga just answered all of our questions and “removed the mystery” of the ancient era, it only served to further substantiate the unknown. That’s 343 at their best, with all the intertextual layering of their worldbuilding. The Forerunner Saga came around with 343’s early years, where they had the benefit of being able to plan out several years of fiction and how it would all fit together. It all sort of exploded in 2007 with Iris, Halo 3, the Terminals, and Contact Harvest, all of which resulted from differing contexts from behind the scenes that we now know a lot more about. ![]() That’s not to say that there aren’t inconsistencies in this grand narrative and simpler intentions for the outcome of this weren’t present during Bungie’s tenure, but what I think needs to really be recognised is how much the telling of this story comes down to the vision held by individuals over the years. It’s not a simple matter of “Bungie unanimously did X, and then 343 ignored it and did Y”. ![]() I wrote an article on this over two-and-a-half years ago, but the additional wealth of information we’ve received (from both lore texts and behind the scenes tribulations) since then has compelled me to revisit this topic with the hope that it will be something of a definitive and comprehensive record on how the relationship between humanity and the Forerunners developed from 2001 to now.ĭespite what is commonly thought in the ongoing ‘Bungie versus 343’ discourse, the question of the relationship between humanity and the Forerunners has not been definitively answered and the context behind Bungie and 343’s approach to addressing it is far more complicated than it appears on the surface.īringing this back around to the fundamental issue of the relationship between humanity and the Forerunners, it’s plain to see that it’s mired in more complexity than it tends to be given credit for – owing to the fact that we now have a greater insight into the trials and tribulations faced by the developers behind the scenes in Halo‘s earlier years. Words that one would think are about as direct and unambiguous as you can get – “You are Forerunner” – and yet this continues to be one of the most misunderstood and misappropriated lines in the entire series. The statement is comprised of three words. It’s been over ten years now since Halo 3 released and we ‘finished the fight’ ( er… sort of?), bringing with it this ‘reveal’ from 343 Guilty Spark at the end. You are Forerunner… but this ring is mine.” “You are the child of my makers, inheritor of all they left behind.
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