Why do some of you hate CJ?

[Evil empire]

A lot of those who hate CJ are racist.

[Jeansowaty]

18 hours ago, Evil empire said:

A lot of those who hate CJ are racist.

I don't think that is a very valid argument. Maybe by 2004-2006 it was, but nowadays I figure most of those who hate on CJ look more upon the way his personality and story were written.

 

As a matter of fact, I don't hate nor do I love CJ. He's an average protagonist imo.

 

Jeez, I commented on this topic in 2014? I used to be such a dork lol. 

[HarryTVisitor]

Personally I see people hating on his life style more than his actual character. Though I am not too surprised at some of these opinions.

[GTA_CAT]

Maybe it's because you see him being so emotional about something and minutes after he's killing somebody like an ice cold killa. Perhaps are his bad manners to girlfriends, or also that time he doesen't want Kendl to be with Cesar. I don't hate CJ at all, all this things I mentiones are bad obviously but however I can accept that because nobody is perfect.

[Algonquin Assassin]

On 9/26/2018 at 11:49 PM, Jeansowaty said:

Jeez, I commented on this topic in 2014? I used to be such a dork lol. 

What do you mean used to? You still are. I kid of course. Or am i? *wink*

 

But yeah. The race card is such a low effort, cop out IMO, Ironically it comes cross as more racist to assume others are being racist just because they don't like the guy. 

 

 

 

 

[Jeansowaty]

10 hours ago, xXxRyanxXx said:

What do you mean used to? You still are. I kid of course. Or am i? *wink*

 

But yeah. The race card is such a low effort, cop out IMO, Ironically it comes cross as more racist to assume others are being racist just because they don't like the guy. 

 

 

 

 

I am, it's true, but I'm less of an idiot than I used to be these few years ago. A man learns from his mistakes

 

I know I'm getting a bit off topic but it reminds me of how I used to be in a Skype group with a Nigerian friend of mine, after playing SAMP we joined some group where others were playing and I kept calling him "nigga". Like 2 guys got incredibly butthurt, called me a racist piece of sh*t and left. Turned out they were 14 y.o. British kids lol. To clarify, I called him this way since he told me to call him like that. He's making fun of that term being racist and says that to him it's just a cute way to call him a Nigerian, lol.

[Reyiz Kovan]

Some people say they are racist,i got a question,i didn't like niko when i   first see him as the protagonist of gta4 because of not being an american,I'm not even american myself but i was like "a gta protagonist should be an american",so does this make me a racist?

i also try to find someone in gta 4 who speaks normal english and that's really f***in annoying.

(Sorry,i know this aint the place to write those.)

[Gtaman_92]

He was pretty damn funny to me.

On 8/25/2014 at 8:10 AM, lolleroz said:

Pretty much this. Compare him with Johnny in TLAD, what did Johnny do (along with Jim) when two corrupt FBI agents bullied him? he killed them all along with their backup. What did CJ do? let them bully him so we have to get through 100+ missions until we can kill their leader.

 

At least CJ didn’t turn into a meth addict and got his head stomp the f*ck out right after his girlfriend cheated on him again lmao.

Edited November 12, 2018 by Gtaman_92

[Another GTA Fan]

Well the problem I've always had with CJ is he's too much of a John Doe character; Nothing about him really stands out or makes him iconic. At least the only thing that makes him iconic is the game world itself, otherwise he's a pretty forgettable character.

 

I haven't played through the story for awhile now, and as far as I remember, he doesn't go through much of a character arc at all. He's hardly any different by the end of the game compared to what he's like from the start. He's very successful, but that's all I can say about him.

 

I think most characters get more development by the end of the game, but CJ is still just CJ once the story closes. He's adventurous and becomes successful, but he doesn't have much of a personality that stands out or character development.

That's my issue with him at least. Maybe a load of others also see this in him hence why he's so much of a forgettable character. Doubt many hate him, but I also doubt many love him either.

Edited November 16, 2018 by Recommended

[Journey_95]

Overall CJ is the most overrated GTA protagonist. He isn't sh*t but very average compared to the likes of Tommy (what a downgrade he was compared to this badass) and Niko. He is very inconsistent, sometimes a huge bitch (when interacting with Catalina, CRASH, Sweet) and then suddenly a mastermind who can take over (like the Las Venturas arc, this "smart" CJ came out of nowhere).  He has no real arc.

People only like him because of the game and nostalgia plays a big role, back then people didn't have high expectations for a video game character. If SA came out now he would be bashed a lot

[TheSantader25]

6 hours ago, Journey_95 said:

Overall CJ is the most overrated GTA protagonist. He isn't sh*t but very average compared to the likes of Tommy (what a downgrade he was compared to this badass) and Niko. He is very inconsistent, sometimes a huge bitch (when interacting with Catalina, CRASH, Sweet) and then suddenly a mastermind who can take over (like the Las Venturas arc, this "smart" CJ came out of nowhere).  He has no real arc.

People only like him because of the game and nostalgia plays a big role, back then people didn't have high expectations for a video game character. If SA came out now he would be bashed a lot

Yeah, except that each game should be analyzed based on it's time. It's like saying the newer games have better graphics so they are better. Dude each game is reviewed based on the time it's released. And most people obviously played it "when it was released" and so it exceeded their expectations based on the time. Of course it wouldn't work if it was released today. 

[Official General]

2 hours ago, TheSantader25 said:

Yeah, except that each game should be analyzed based on it's time. It's like saying the newer games have better graphics so they are better. Dude each game is reviewed based on the time it's released. And most people obviously played it "when it was released" and so it exceeded their expectations based on the time. Of course it wouldn't work if it was released today. 

100 percent agreed TheSantander 

 

It's no use comparing and contrasting all the pros and cons of a game that was released many years ago to the more recent games of it's kind now, it makes no sense when inevitably there will be significant improvements in the recent games. It's not logical or viable. 

[Algonquin Assassin]

10 hours ago, Journey_95 said:

Overall CJ is the most overrated GTA protagonist. He isn't sh*t but very average compared to the likes of Tommy (what a downgrade he was compared to this badass) and Niko. He is very inconsistent, sometimes a huge bitch (when interacting with Catalina, CRASH, Sweet) and then suddenly a mastermind who can take over (like the Las Venturas arc, this "smart" CJ came out of nowhere).  He has no real arc.

People only like him because of the game and nostalgia plays a big role, back then people didn't have high expectations for a video game character. If SA came out now he would be bashed a lot

Even in 2004 I always thought he was a huge step backwards compared to Tommy who while fairly 1 dimensional I could still take seriously. CJ would've been a way better character to me atleast if he was a bit older and more of a hardened criminal. The only thing that makes him a bit interesting is his customisation options and RPG skills to a lesser extent.

 

Personality wise he's as bland as they come.

[Official General]

On ‎11‎/‎27‎/‎2018 at 3:02 AM, Journey_95 said:

Overall CJ is the most overrated GTA protagonist. He isn't sh*t but very average compared to the likes of Tommy (what a downgrade he was compared to this badass) and Niko. He is very inconsistent, sometimes a huge bitch (when interacting with Catalina, CRASH, Sweet) and then suddenly a mastermind who can take over (like the Las Venturas arc, this "smart" CJ came out of nowhere).  He has no real arc.

People only like him because of the game and nostalgia plays a big role, back then people didn't have high expectations for a video game character. If SA came out now he would be bashed a lot

Truthfully I don't have much of an opinion when it comes to CJ as a protagonist. It was not really his character that made me love SA, it was more to do with him, everyone, and everything else that came with the main story it and how it was all put together, and the brilliant map and array of gameplay features. 

 

He was certainly not one of the best I've played in all of my GTA gaming - but by no means was rubbish either. However the Catalina b*tch episode was annoying, that I certainly agree with you on. But like I said, it's not CJ alone that made SA memorable for me, it was the great strides and ground-breaking advancements and improvements in gameplay and features that SA had made over it's predecessors that wowed me. 

Edited November 28, 2018 by Official General

[Km666]

I wonder how many of those who claim to really dislike CJ would say that Michael is their favourite character. I think the race thing has quite a bit to it as CJ, and Niko to an exstent i'd say are two of the more moral protagonists in the series so the gang/criminal elements are more justified in their stories than the others. However there is alot of importance placed on the cutscenes to explain why CJ is doing whatever he does in the following mission and adding consistancy to his story. If you fail a mission and skip the cutscene you'll forget why he's doing whatever and he seems to be flip flopping between gangsta and bitch.

 

Michael to me is the "whitest" and least GTA protagonist in the series, constantly whinging about being rich, constantly whinging in general to be honest, is an overweight, boring, middle aged, suburban, snitch with no loyalty whatsoever... But is overwhelmingly liked, often by the same people who disliked CJ. He commits crimes out of boredom, treats his annoying family like crap, has no moral compass and has a massive ego despite all of his material success being part of a witness protection program. People love him for it.

While Trevor, who is at least interesting and has the spirit of GTA is pretty widely hated too. 

Again Franklin who may as well be white for the insignificance of his being portrayed as black is well liked for reasons that I cant understand.

 

I'd say that the events of V are far more outlandish than those of SA. Michael and Trevor are better suited to armed robberies than anything a sophisticated as heists. CJ is young, adapatable. Two men past their prime going from retired armed robbers to full on heists with barely a few days planning is somehow more believeable a gangsta turned entrepreneur learning how to fly planes.

It just seems a boring old white guy is more relatable to more people.

 

[4nsmiley]

On 8/19/2014 at 5:09 PM, latigreblue said:

I'm going to put what I've seen so far and my opinion on that:

 

• He's a whiny bitch - well, so far, he's the youngest protagonist except for maybe Franklin. They keep comparing him to Tommy, who did a 15 year stint in jail and was sent down to Vice City to do a risky job. CJ just went home for his mom's funeral and found himself in the middle of all of the crap. Of course, he is going to be unhappy to do it.
• Because he's a gang-banger/from the ghetto, he should not be able to fly a plane or do any of the other stuff he can do. I just say Tommy was also a gang member and spent his younger years in jail but I don't anyone questioning how he came by his skills. (Don't get me wrong, I lurve Tommy)
• Because he is black. Many people don't want to come out and say it but I found there were people who would not play San Andreas because of the 'gang' lifestyle portrayed. They start back with the series at IV. It's their preference but I find it hypocritical that they can play as a dope using, psychotic, Mafia capo but their high principles won't let them play as a black gang member. Some who did play could only do so if they changed the skin of the character to some generic white guy.

This is facts! It like if cj doesn’t do what gangster are suppose to do. It’s like his breaking the laws of nature. 

Edited January 14, 2019 by 4nsmiley

[Algonquin Assassin]

On 1/13/2019 at 9:33 PM, Km666 said:

I wonder how many of those who claim to really dislike CJ would say that Michael is their favourite character. I think the race thing has quite a bit to it as CJ, and Niko to an exstent i'd say are two of the more moral protagonists in the series so the gang/criminal elements are more justified in their stories than the others. However there is alot of importance placed on the cutscenes to explain why CJ is doing whatever he does in the following mission and adding consistancy to his story. If you fail a mission and skip the cutscene you'll forget why he's doing whatever and he seems to be flip flopping between gangsta and bitch.

 

Michael to me is the "whitest" and least GTA protagonist in the series, constantly whinging about being rich, constantly whinging in general to be honest, is an overweight, boring, middle aged, suburban, snitch with no loyalty whatsoever... But is overwhelmingly liked, often by the same people who disliked CJ. He commits crimes out of boredom, treats his annoying family like crap, has no moral compass and has a massive ego despite all of his material success being part of a witness protection program. People love him for it.

While Trevor, who is at least interesting and has the spirit of GTA is pretty widely hated too. 

Again Franklin who may as well be white for the insignificance of his being portrayed as black is well liked for reasons that I cant understand.

 

I'd say that the events of V are far more outlandish than those of SA. Michael and Trevor are better suited to armed robberies than anything a sophisticated as heists. CJ is young, adapatable. Two men past their prime going from retired armed robbers to full on heists with barely a few days planning is somehow more believeable a gangsta turned entrepreneur learning how to fly planes.

It just seems a boring old white guy is more relatable to more people.

 

I have to laugh at the subtle jab that if anyone likes Michael and doesn't like CJ they're racist.

[Bratva Assassin]

1 hour ago, Miamivicecity said:

I have to laugh at the subtle jab that if anyone likes Michael and doesn't like CJ they're racist.

Very well said, as always, Miamivicecity. I also laugh whenever people say that as well. Also, the fact that CJ is black has absolutely ZERO bearing on why some of us think he’s an overall weak character. A good character is a good character. A bad character is a bad character. It isn’t how they look, it’s all about how developed they are!

[Algonquin Assassin]

7 hours ago, ThatKyloRenGuy said:

Very well said, as always, Miamivicecity. I also laugh whenever people say that as well. Also, the fact that CJ is black has absolutely ZERO bearing on why some of us think he’s an overall weak character. A good character is a good character. A bad character is a bad character. It isn’t how they look, it’s all about how developed they are!

Aslong as the character's interesting and well developed I too couldn't care less about their race, culture etc. 

[4nsmiley]

17 hours ago, Miamivicecity said:

Aslong as the character's interesting and well developed I too couldn't care less about their race, culture etc. 

Like tommy vercetti?

Edited January 18, 2019 by 4nsmiley

[Algonquin Assassin]

3 minutes ago, 4nsmiley said:

Like tommy vercetti?  

Seeing as Tommy's far better than CJ then, yes. 

[lil weasel]

Carl gets the job done in this fictional story, a Character of any other Name would do the same.

All action in the fictional story are those created by the publisher via the Writer(s).  We do not have a real person's biography here.

[Ballas King]

I love CJ like a son.. He is the most customization character in the game, just enjoy dressing him up in green jacket, training him in the gym and so much more, I get to build him unlike say guys like Tommy and Niko who are already well trained and built.  CJ has a great personality, cares for his family (he left yes, but after coming back he risked his life for Sweet and Kendle)  he may be fun loving but when he is angry he is really serious and lethal (like him smashing Pulaski's face). The reason people hate him, as many already said is because they are racist and do not like the fact CJ is black, simply said, even though they will try to make other excuses, you will find they are rather made up and illogical in every way. CJ, Victor, Niko and Luis are my fav characters in the whole series.

[Agent 14]

On 9/25/2018 at 2:50 PM, Evil empire said:

A lot of those who hate CJ are racist.

Please leave your sjw pc agenda out of this.

 

CJ is just an overrated protagonist nothing to do with racism.

[Gtaman_92]

3 hours ago, Agent 14 said:

Please leave your sjw pc agenda out of this.

 

CJ is just an overrated protagonist nothing to do with racism.

 

Since when is making an observation about racism considered sjw? Most people who hate CJ or any other black video game protagonist are in fact racist. 

[Agent 14]

1 hour ago, Gtaman_92 said:

 

Since when is making an observation about racism considered sjw? Most people who hate CJ or any other black video game protagonist are in fact racist. 

By this logic black who also disliked the cj character are also racist huh?

 

Stop it dude stop being a strawman.

[Gtaman_92]

40 minutes ago, Agent 14 said:

By this logic black who also disliked the cj character are also racist huh?

 

Stop it dude stop being a strawman.

 

Did you not read my post or you purposely trying to play dumb? 

[Agent 14]

15 minutes ago, Gtaman_92 said:

 

Did you not read my post or you purposely trying to play dumb? 

There's nothing to read a lot of people have posted valid reasons as to why the character is disliked and all you can think is about racism. 

[Gtaman_92]

19 minutes ago, Agent 14 said:

There's nothing to read a lot of people have posted valid reasons as to why the character is disliked and all you can think is about racism. 

 

I did not even say everyone who disliked CJ is racist so I’m not sure where your getting that from.

 

and if you really think that not one person has ever disliked CJ because he’s black then I don’t have anything else to say to you. I know what I had seen.

 

 

Edited January 28, 2019 by Gtaman_92

[Agent 14]

3 minutes ago, Gtaman_92 said:

 

I did not even say everyone who disliked CJ is racist so I’m not sure where your getting that from.

 

and if you really think that not one person has ever disliked CJ because he’s black then I don’t have anything else to say to you. I know what I had seen.

There is people who dislike him because he's black but not everybody hates the character for that petty reason. Yes there's more racist asshats that hate him because of his skin color than it is people who dislike him for valid reasons. It can't be helped people are petty in general. I was just quoting that one guy who assumed everyone that disliked him was racist. Idk what your problem is really and quite frankly I don't care to find out. But let's end this squabble here before one of us gets modded for a dumb online arguement.