The R Word
Well some people are saying "no" There have been several articles and discussions recently on the subject of using the word "rape/raped" to mean an uncontested win. It is very likely that the word "rape" will trigger a painful memory for a rape victim, similar to the sounds of bullets to a soldier with PTSD. However, what you readers might not know is that 42% of gamers are female. This study also states that the average age of a gamer is 37. Another set of numbers that may surprise you is that 1 out of 6 women and 1 out of 33 men will be a victim of attempted or completed rape in their lifetime. The same study also states that 80% of victims are under the age of 30, which is well within the age range of the average gamer.
Dyrus of Team SoloMid recently made a public apology at IPL4 for using the word "rape" after a fan of his approached him and asked him to stop using the word. Dyrus apologized in front of thousands of people, and right after winning the tournament. I think the fact that Dyrus is willing to do this is very commendable, and I am hopeful that others will follow in his footsteps.
In my opinion, this isn"t about banning words or censorship; it is about changing the perception of the community. We have become so desensitized to words like: "rape, ******, ******, ******" and other words that are considered quite offensive. It's easy to forget that just because you aren't offended by these words, that others are very likely to be. Even if a person hasn't been raped, the target of racism, bullied by homophobes or is mentally disabled, it likely they know someone who has. In the wise words of our admin Matt, "let's talk how we do in person, when someone can reach over the table and grab you by the collar."
The fact that discussions like these are cropping up more frequently tells me that people do care and they do want to change the rude and crude gamer stereotype. I hope that the online gaming community will slowly learn to become more inclusive and understanding, just as the real world is doing the same.
What is your opinion? Do you think this has been a long time coming or that the people concerned about this are a bunch of sissies? Join the discussion! Remember, change starts with you. :)
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