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01-30-2008, 06:14 PM | #1 | |
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Acceptable usage of language
Quote:
Lemme give you a piece of background material first so you can see where this particular piece of self censorship caught my eye. I play a popular video game; a lot. In fact I run a small group of about 40ish people that play the game which consists of about 10 million players world-wide. So yeah, I get it -- we can see a lot of people from different backgrounds. The game is a fantasy game and essentially about killing your opponents. We stab them with swords, use dark magic and in my particular case I control demons that fight along side of me. People die, we laugh at them. Good times. To coordinate all this, we use a VOIP system so we can all talk, listen and joke about various aspects of the game. Occasionally a profanity is spoken; "F***, did you see that guy get ****ed up the *** when we came around the corner?" Anyone that is concerned at all about this language spilling over into earshot of their family generally wears headphones. Recently, we had a guy that we had been leveling up and working with to make him better, leave our group due to language issues. Not the F-bomb or anything you normally wouldn't hear on TV, but rather the phrase "g-- damn" (which the FCC takes no opinion on and is frequently used on TV with no issues whatsoever [unless you're Sally Fields]). Now, I could see this if we were in church or even a openly public setting where an (in my opinion) conservative person might not want to be exposed to things like that, but remember the circumstances here. He was offended that we were using the "lord's name in vain". So, just to contrast, while in hellphish's quote he has written "godd***", I've written "g-- damn", which brings me back to what triggered this off-topic post to begin with. BTW, yes, I am sensitive to certain religious teachings in which the name of the deity can't be written on anything non-permanent which is why I generally use my version if I'm concerned at all. Comments? Is the guy nuts to expect people to conform to his standards or are we insensitive for using the phrase under these circumstances?
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Harry Potter may fly a broomstick, but I ride a magic lawnmower. Last edited by quade; 01-30-2008 at 06:39 PM.. |
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01-30-2008, 06:37 PM | #2 |
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I do not believe in censoring the word god! That goes against freedom of speech. Any political view that is for censoring the word god is also for abolishing the freedom of speech. Allowing people to use the word god is much different than preaching. I do not believe in people randomly preaching god.
But preaching and saying the name are two diferent things. I think preaching is disrespectful. I do believe you can share your views without preaching. As far as the word god goes I have no problem with someone substituting the word god for say Allah or Buddha or any other higher being. But to say that we have to refrain from saying something just because some odd person could be offended because of their own ignorance is not an idea I agree with. Swearing should be monitored because there are young people around. Saying god or Allah, or whatever should not be monitored. There is a major difference between saying something offensive and saying something that could offend someone. I am against saying something offensive on this forum or anywhere else (although we all do it occasionally), I am not against saying something that could offend someone. Jeremy Ryan |
01-30-2008, 07:22 PM | #3 |
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Freedom of speech is all well and good, however, since you are on a private system, you must abide by the rules of those that are in control. Freedom of speech is a much overused phrase, just like another one I was chastised for using just recently. Having freedom of speech does NOT entitle one to say whatever they want, where ever they want to. Just as one example, try yelling "Fire" in a crowded theatre, and see what happens to you. Since this is a private forum, you are obligated to follow the rules that are set out. If you don't wish to follow the rules, then take your language or whatever elsewhere, as you won't be welcomed here.
Years ago when I helped run a Bulletin Board System, we had people trying to claim they had a "right" to be on the system. They quickly found out that they had NO rights at all, and the same would apply here. You are a guest here. If you were to come into my house and use language that I deemed inappropriate, you would rapidly find yourself on the other side of the door, and most likely without much care being taken to ensure that you feel welcome to return. Jim
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01-30-2008, 07:47 PM | #4 |
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the F bomb and other nuclear weapons
Being from Brooklyn, NY "F***" isnt a curse, its a comma.
Personally My feeling is they are just words, and words cannot hurt. If you're offended by words, then you have bigger issues to deal with. now get the **** off this ****ing system, and get a G*d D*MM Life! (grin) Have a nice day Jonathan
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01-30-2008, 07:53 PM | #5 |
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All your points are valid, Jim, about this being a private board, etc., etc., etc.
Except, of course, it's not YOUR private board and, therefore, not up to you to set the rules. When Pam, or John, or one of the other owner/moderators feels the need to chastise someone for content and/or language in their postings, I'm sure they'll make their displeasure known at that time. Until that time... if you see a word, or a phrase, or something that disturbs your sensibilities... see that little "x" up in the right hand corner of your screen? Click it. Last edited by Outside2; 01-30-2008 at 08:01 PM.. |
01-31-2008, 02:04 AM | #6 | |
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Quote:
Hmm, I was not in any way stating that I had any authority on this board, nor did I say I was offended by what I had read, nor was I offended by what I have read on this board. I don't know why you jumped to this conclusion, but having just re-read my message, I was pretty clear in saying that you have to follow the rules that are set out on this board. To make it clearer, I don't make the rules, and I don't enforce the rules, but I try to follow them. I really don't need you telling me what offends me, or how to handle it. Don't jump on me for your lack of understanding!!!! Jim
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01-31-2008, 12:13 PM | #7 |
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And here I was trying so hard not to offend.
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01-30-2008, 08:13 PM | #8 | |
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Quote:
We didn't go into the player's house, he came into ours. (Well, ok, technically nobody went anywhere, but he joined our VOIP server.)
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01-30-2008, 08:16 PM | #9 | |
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Quote:
This is one we can all agree with. I am going to use the example of homosexuals. Many homosexuals feel that they can not express their sexuality for fear of offending others and getting violently attacked. This is what causes some to stay in "the closet" and they cannot be fee to be themselves. Eric, I have to say, I commend you for coming out and being so open about your sexuality. I appreciate that you are brave enough to clearly say that you are gay and proud! My mom has to keep it secret. If people where she lives found out she would be lynched (and I'm being serious the previous town her house got burned down we think it was a hate crime but the police never caught who did it). But my example, getting back on topic, is how homosexuals should not need to hide their true colors just because some ignorant bafoon may get offended. Now if they are going to the Bush residence and expect a warm welcome it is difference. They should be able to be openly passionate with each other in public though and those ignorant biggots who find it offending should keep their mouths shut and hands in their pocket! Jeremy Ryan |
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01-30-2008, 09:21 PM | #10 |
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This is an interesting thread... And I have to be transparent to say that I have a personal sensibility and offense-o-meter that is quite liberal (in addition to other liberal sensibilities). Regardless of my sensibilities, Pam, John and I often receive private messages / reported posts from folks who are offended at things being said on the forums, many times (more often than not), no "offensive" words are used, and quite frankly - again - our interpretation of the offending post was obviously different than the one who took offense.
So what we do is to pool our collective brains, look at the big picture and take action. I think the overarching theme in all this is for all of us to continue to behave like adults and use acceptable language. My rule of thumb is this (and it has been worded many other ways in many contexts): if you wouldn't say it in the company of people you didn't know well, don't say it here. The "it" can be words, phrases, etc. Its all about civility. There was a string of months mid to late last year when Pam, John and I were busier than ever putting out fires, and preventing a lot more than we had to put out, but hopefully those days are over... -Sal
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