Declined Use of the word "faggot"

[CallMeBubblesDahling]

It's in the rules not to use it. Clearly. There is no contextual reason to use it. Using the word faggot in anyway is an insult. Saying "stop playing like a faggot", "U R A FAG" "I hate those faggot engies" or any other use isn't appropriate. It never means a good thing, we all know this. If I substituted any racial slur in place of faggot/fag, it would still have the same force and intent, but would absolutely result in action taken.

If the rule is: "Racism and other insults to gender, religion and sexual orientation." I can't think of a single usage of the word faggot, fag, queer, homo or any other gay slur that would mean anything other than an insult. I've read many forum postings where people are confused and unhappy with the inconsistent enforcement of this rule. You wrote the rules, enforce them. I'm honestly getting tired of seeing how heavily enforced the racism rule is, but there isn't much enforcement of "faggot" even though it is given equal emphasis in the rules.

It's very confusing how such a hard moral stance is taken against racism, but a lesser one is taken against homophobic slurs. They are both generally meant with the same amount of distaste, prejudice and generally douchebaggery. I have thick skin, but it's ironic in a debate about racial slurs, contributors are using the word faggot, insultingly, and without consequence.

I've also noticed that while a hard line is taken against racial slurs, actions taken seem to be gags/mutes, yet people get banned from play for having a party. Eh? You can break one of the most heavily touted rules of the server, but still able to play? That's kind of odd (I'm not being a sarcastic ass, that's genuinely odd to me). The level of offense you take to racial slurs (rightly so) would suggest proper play bans, especially if you want to discourage the use.

It would enhance my own, and others experience on Skial (both website and TF2 servers) if there was a more consistent enforcement of clearly stated rules against insults regarding sexual orientation. It's 2013 eh, grab a thesaurus and sound a bit more intelligent. I'd really just like to see a more consistent enforcement of all rules, players take the time to report them, the least you could do is match our efforts to keep the servers fun.

 

[Meowcenary]

Does an admin just want to tell me where the line is drawn to break this rule? It is a rule after all. That's a simple question that someone should be able to answer.

From another thread regarding this topic:

"So I'm not going to bother reading this because it's really up to admin discretion whether or not they see it as insulting. It's a grey area and always will be one. I don't know if you're genuinely an idiot Perseus or you just like to stir up shit (because that's exactly what this thread is going to do.) Go to any community, they aren't banning for faggot because too many 12-year olds use the term and that's the generation so I don't think we're going to do anything about it except in more extreme cases. If Violet thinks it's clear, then that's her decision and if someone comes in requesting an unban for it, then she has to deal with it."

This quote was made by Takethepants, I can't use the reply function to quote his post because the thread is locked.

You can see for yourself here http://www.skial.com/threads/its-ab...ce-on-sexual-orientation-insults.27153/page-2

Last post on the last page

 

[CallMeBubblesDahling]

http://www.esrb.org/ratings/search.jsp?searchType=title&titleOrPublisher=Team Fortress 2

game is rated m for mature maybe play different game?

You're right, it is. I generally can handle a lot. But there are rules, and they mention insults based on orientation as being in violation of them. What you're suggesting is that the rules don't really apply. If it's an M rated game than language that does get bans should be allowed. Using the word faggot in some instances can be a lot more threatening than other language that people have been banned for. I'm asking for the written and established rules to be enforced, and what line has to be crossed in order for them to be enforced. The rule enforcement of this server seems to really depend on IF the admin wants to enforce them, which is just odd. Going off what you're saying a lot of the rules just shouldn't exist, you're trying to make exceptions for some rules, but then not for others. Why have the rules then if many of them have exceptions?

 

[TheNotSid]

i thinkg we need less rules yes

 

[CallMeBubblesDahling]

Some people think that and you're absolutely entitled to that. I also think it's fair to assume that if a rule is going to be written, it should be well defined and consistently enforced. Otherwise, why write and establish the rules if they aren't going to be? It's also a bit ludicrous to sign up to admin, which means enforcing the rules as their written and not only do that when you feel like it, but then go and break the rules. Asking for clarification, expansion and consistency isn't asking the impossible, it's just asking a group of people to do what they signed on to do.

 

[Maddo]

Some people think that and you're absolutely entitled to that. I also think it's fair to assume that if a rule is going to be written, it should be well defined and consistently enforced. Otherwise, why write and establish the rules if they aren't going to be? It's also a bit ludicrous to sign up to admin, which means enforcing the rules as their written and not only do that when you feel like it, but then go and break the rules. Asking for clarification, expansion and consistency isn't asking the impossible, it's just asking a group of people to do what they signed on to do.

I signed up to keep the servers a fun and competitive environment, and with all respect to the rules I interpret them my own way. Every admin has their own take on them, and we do have regular discussion which ensures we apply a consistent approach. If a player uses the word faggot once, then it could mean nothing, it could just be a jovial term used between friends, repeated use which is designed to discriminate, alienate, or just offend someone for their sexuality is something we deal with. Another thing you should consider is that the term is changing in its meaning, unlike 'nigger' it is more becoming a way of showing camaraderie as in, "sup faggot".

 

[CallMeBubblesDahling]

I talked to another admin who was actually helpful in explaining how the rule was enforced and the general parameters for what constitutes a violation. I was given a clear and straight answer. I understand how this specific rule is defined and enforced and after having it explained to me, I'm perfectly comfortable with it. At this point, I'm cool and done with this debate/fight/etc haha.

Thanks Maddo for that, the other admin I spoke with and yourself have done alot to help explain how things work here. You both have actually addressed my suggestion/question, as opposed to just denying it, posting a bunch of links and generally being abrasive. I genuinely appreciate your help.

I'm not going to be become a problem for the community, and it's something I apologize for. Like I said, it can be touchy subject for me sometimes. I look forward to enjoying my time with the Skial community as a whole an from now on I'll try my best to be a good member haha. Have a good Sunday eh!