Offensive content (Rule Thread #4)

[lordmage]

Originally Posted by CellWho

I would include religion and sexual orientation. I also believe the severity of the incident should include an immediate ban.

i believe this is covered else where in the new rules to come but good idea.

[taz3cat]

I for one don't know what anyone's race, age or very much personal about most people on this forum. Those that I PM I don't ask those personal questions. I think a person will have to work hard to make a raceal statement specific about another person. If they do then they need to be punished. It is gobal statement that someone may make and Jim is right, other use different slang/english and it don't mean the same. In the UK a fag is a cig. We american probably have some slang that means something else to others.

[Nuck]

The term 'gay' is used with amazing frequency on the net and has taken on a large number of meanings based on context. For instance, I could say that all the people that want bans for first time infractions were being gay but it wouldn't actually mean I was referring to their sexual preference. It would just mean they were being gay

[lordmage]

that is true but would you call someone a cig or a fag.
in the state a fag=homosexual

so asking if your a fag. applies to the states but saying can i have a fag applies to other places

[Lika]

Originally Posted by Nuck

The term 'gay' is used with amazing frequency on the net and has taken on a large number of meanings based on context. For instance, I could say that all the people that want bans for first time infractions were being gay but it wouldn't actually mean I was referring to their sexual preference. It would just mean they were being gay

A lot of people find offense of the term "gay" if used in that way. Gay is not dumb, stupid, lame or any of the other so-called internet or street meanings. Those slang uses were started for one reason only and that is to bash another as less than one's self.

Unfortunately it has become common enough that kids and a few adults don't realize they may be hurting others - so they say it without thinking. However, any self-respecting medium including this forum would not allow personally derogatory slang use in any forum.

[lordmage]

well said Lika and i agree with you in this respect.

[Nuck]

Originally Posted by Lika

A lot of people find offense of the term "gay" if used in that way. Gay is not dumb, stupid, lame or any of the other so-called internet or street meanings. Those slang uses were started for one reason only and that is to bash another as less than one's self.

Unfortunately it has become common enough that kids and a few adults don't realize they may be hurting others - so they say it without thinking. However, any self-respecting medium including this forum would not allow personally derogatory slang use in any forum.

There are a lot of people who will find offence with just about anything that someone says. I understand why gay people would not want to confuse the word but like it or not, language evolves and this is one example of it.

I personally don't use the term and if I see it used I instantly move that person into a mental category with others that use terms like "pwned", "full of win" and "roflcopter".

"Gay" is not personally derogatory slang and any offence is likely an association in the mind of the reader. It has many different meanings based on context which was my original point.

[SmokeyJoe]

Yeah - actually, I'm not a fan of using the word "gay" in a derogatory fashion, as it has evolved out homophobic abuse.

You are right that it is used in a way that is usually not meant to refer to someone's sexuality, but it's also clear that this is where the term of abuse originates from, so I can see why some people find it's use highly offensive.

[smokumchevy]

I also agree with the term's general use as not being specific in meaning a defamation or judgment of lifestyle.

Here in Ottawa, Canada at least, it has become part of the "younger" regular vocabulary and without a doubt has obviously flowed over to parents and peers.

I've caught myself using the same expression, while not consciously, and without any link to personal lifestyle choices.

Its just one of those things, along with many, that will offend some but not others depending on the context it is used in.

VapeOn,
Greg

[Willowsong]

Originally Posted by SmokeyJoe

Yeah - actually, I'm not a fan of using the word "gay" in a derogatory fashion, as it has evolved out homophobic abuse.

You are right that it is used in a way that is usually not meant to refer to someone's sexuality, but it's also clear that this is where the term of abuse originates from, so I can see why some people find it's use highly offensive.

I'm not a fan of this either, and think it should probably be discouraged, however when calculating infraction points, if it's quite apparent that it's being used the popular (albeit uncouth) slang, that a simple warning would be sufficient.