Change Starts With You

[quote=Mowen][center][img=http://www.mowendesigns.com/images/articles/article_16.jpg][/center] If you have played any online games you know that the online gaming community is not the friendliest around. Racial slurs and phrases like “get raped” have become commonplace, but should we really just accept this? Even if someone stands up and says “hey that’s hurtful” the typical response is that they should grow a thicker skin and put up with it because this is the internet. Is this the community we want to be a part of? 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 [url=http://www.theesa.com/facts/pdfs/ESA_EF_2011.pdf]42% of gamers are female[/url]. This study also states that the average age of a gamer is 37. Another set of numbers that may surprise you is that [url=http://www.rainn.org/statistics]1 out of 6 women[/url] 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. [center][embed=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RAfuiSv3fBA&feature=player_detailpage][/center] 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, nigger, faggot, retard” 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 you, the reader’s 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. :)[/quote]

[quote=rival kaz]Jarvan aproves of what Dyrus said[/quote]

[quote=DeadshotCalamity]I especially love the classic phrase "s*ck my d*ck Homo!". Because to that its just too easy to respond "I'm gay because you want me to s*ck your d*ck?"[/quote]

[quote=Mowen][quote=DeadshotCalamity] I especially love the classic phrase "s*ck my d*ck Homo!". Because to that its just too easy to respond "I'm gay because you want me to s*ck your d*ck?" [/quote] So true, so true. Reminds me of that South Park episode. :P[/quote]

[quote=IceCreamy]Dyrus, y u so awesome :>[/quote]

[quote=koksei]wasn't there a post like this on reignofgaming? well w/e. In my opinion "rape" can be interpreted in many ways. And I don't rly care that much about it. If we talk especially about that word - that is. In general I think a lil bit of swearing is okay and you still have the option to ignore people. I usually don't ignore anybody I just don't respond to them at one point - it's just way too funny to read what they are writing:P[/quote]

[quote=Kikru]Dyrus, people think there cool or awesome because they insult people. But Dyrus youre awsome for standing up for people who are gays,or been raped or whatever. You ROCK!!![/quote]

[quote=Anil]I'll accept some swearing as just part of the trash talk, but I never, ever accept people making racial or homophobic slurs and I never use them myself. I find that completely repulsive. Back in my MMORPG days, I left several guilds because members were tossing slurs, or going on about sex. As for the word rape, I've never really been aware of the pain that word could cause others, though I never use it ingame. Some people may think I'm thin skinned, but words like "f----t" and "n----r" shouldn't be used anymore. Anywhere.[/quote]

[quote=iDavez]Maybe it's because these offensive people in the community are very insecure in real-life. Spending their time on the internet and games, they can be someone, maybe even something, they always wanted to be. Ignoring these wanna-be-cool people is probably the best option for yourself when you're gaming with/against them. But that doesn't take away the problem. I think Dyrus' choice is the best thing a gamer should be doing. If there would be enough people to "stand up" against these ragers, a change might take place. Being not visible to others whilst gaming can make insecure people confident, but that you have to call people "fags", "niggers" (Welcome to CoD6 and CoD games after that), or whatever, is just inappropriate and pathetic. To all of those people who are like that, go to your parents and ask them to give you more attention or a cookie. But don't do this.[/quote]

[quote=AFKwithyoursister]I'll just leave this here. [embed=www.youtube.com/watch?v=mcufhlHzu9g][/quote]