Important Message Re: Language!

[Posi-Cole]

I briefly discussed this issue with him to "get my brain wrapped arround" the matter. He says that you need to calm your ass down.

Great, so one gay person shares your viewpoint, so therefore we are being irrational . Yes, I'm sure most of us will concede the point that there ARE gay people who aren't too opposed or offended with the deragatory use of the word, but on the other side of the fence, there are those who ARE offended - not just gay people, but straight people as well.

Dont sit there and whine to me about your childhood being fucked up, cause I can promise you that mine was no picnic either.

I'm fairly confident that Matt wasn't looking for your sympathy. I'm pretty sure the point of his post was to show you that while the word isn't offensive or bothersome to you, it can be to other people. Try to follow the conversation.

Im not going to give myself a lobotomy to forget to use certain words that get people pissy.

No one is asking you to go through brain surgery. We are asking you to be considerate of someone other than yourself when selecting your language. I'll even help you out, here are some words you can use instead of 'gay' when trying to say something is bad:

awful, terrible, shitty, stupid, crappy, pathetic, weak, poor. The list goes on.

If you don't choose to 'forget' to use certain words so people don't get pissy than I guess you won't be having a very long stay at modified.

And what I said about people hating homosexs' because they get pissed at the word gay, I wasnt really sure what the hell that meant even now reading over. Seriously it makes no sense. So why are you getting pissed it was just nonsense.

That's exactly the point, it was nonsense. Try to conduct yourself like a civilized, intelligent human being when forming your posts. Currently you are coming off as a completely ignorant and asinine individual. There is a 'preview' button for a reason. If I wrote something absurd and then realized it I would simply use that magical button called 'backspace'.

The point of the rule wasn't to 'take a word hostage' or limit your freedom of speech. It was to simply make this community a friendly, more respectful place to come talk about footbag. Sorry if this involves you having to expand your vocabulary a bit if you decide to speak negatively.

I can't speak for everyone, but I can say that the footbag community is a very close, cool bunch of people, and rather than just accepting the rule and moving on you've decided to make a spectacle out of yourself, and possible ostracize yourself from the afforementioned community. Well done.

[sandman420]

make one out of a potato or apple or something. It takes skill to turn this post int o a 420 post!

[FlexThis]

[blackcrown]

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/S/ ... TE=DEFAULT

Eric

[Posi-Cole]

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/S/ ... TE=DEFAULT

Eric

That really doesn't have much of anything to do with this thread.

[zachatree]

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/S/ ... TE=DEFAULT

Eric

am i missing something?

[lightningbolt]

That story was to show that "gay" isn't a accepted word.... I think

[Jeremy]

Just a couple things:

This rule is about discrimintory words - swear words like "fuck or shit" are not subject to it - to answer Chris' question/point - They will be frowned upon if they're over used but that's probably by most people here and the mods and admins will presumably not do anything about it (at least I wont)

I was the person who originally came up with this idea and this is why:

I don't know about everyone else, but I try and read every topic and discriminatory language has never been permitted on modified so I've been going around editing people's posts so they say "Please don't use discriminatory language" to replace the word - or something similar - you may have noticed this! Most of the times when the kind of words we're talking about are used, it seems like ignorance and not actual hate for homosexual people. However this does not change really change how offensive it is - it just shows that the people using it don't care about other people's feelings - or at least that's my explanation. Not only that, but despite my warnings, people don't seem to be not using the words any less. It had become clear that the previous policy was not working at all.

So the aim of this new policy is to a. stop people using the words at all and b. make them realise that those words aren't cool to be used on this forum in a negative context.

If it doesn't work and we end up with more people suspended than posting on the forum - we'll be forced to try something else - but it was silly to keep warning people when they didn't seem to care or listen - it felt like useless work that achieved nothing.

You are all entitled to your own opinions and if you believe that it is ok to use homosexual words in a negative context then feel free to go to another forum and do that - we can't and don't want to try and stop you from using any kind of language in your non modified life - however we can stop you from using that kind of language on this board.

The recent modified survey showed that a lot of people were concerned about the possible treatment of homosexuals on this board and I'll post some of the comments (anonymously) at the bottom of this post.

It should be noted that your sexuality doesn't mean you think alike or are offended by the same stuff. I have a number of homosexual friends. Some of them would be very offended if I used this kind of language. Some would act like they are offended but it's hard to know because they're crazy and some of them would not be that offended by it all. - It's stupid to say "I know one homosexual person and this is what he thinks - therefore all homosexuals think like that" - That statement is a huge generalisation and completely false. It's quite clear that all heterosexual people don't think the same - some (usually guys) think the more partners you have at any one time the better - others think that it's best to only have one partner. etc. etc.

Ultimately we want to make this forum a forum where everybody feels welcome (except for people that make others feel unwelcome) - we encourage everybody to post on this forum just so long as they are welcoming towards other members and not offensive. You don’t have to like everybody and if you have particular views such as “I think homosexuals are evil sinners like it says in the bible” you are welcome to express those views in the relevant sub forum. However you do have to respect everybody and even if you do think they are the spawn of Satan, you still can’t make discriminatory and offensive remarks towards them based on things like; race, gender, sexuality, physical or mental disabilities, weight, or anything else like that that I’ve missed!

When you signed up to post on this forum you agreed to this:

Registration Agreement Terms
While the administrators and moderators of this forum will attempt to remove or edit any generally objectionable material as quickly as possible, it is impossible to review every message. Therefore you acknowledge that all posts made to these forums express the views and opinions of the author and not the administrators, moderators or webmaster (except for posts by these people) and hence will not be held liable.

You agree not to post any abusive, obscene, vulgar, slanderous, hateful, threatening, sexually-oriented or any other material that may violate any applicable laws. Doing so may lead to you being immediately and permanently banned (and your service provider being informed). The IP address of all posts is recorded to aid in enforcing these conditions. You agree that the webmaster, administrator and moderators of this forum have the right to remove, edit, move or close any topic at any time should they see fit. As a user you agree to any information you have entered above being stored in a database. While this information will not be disclosed to any third party without your consent the webmaster, administrator and moderators cannot be held responsible for any hacking attempt that may lead to the data being compromised.

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I’ve bolded the important part. Now the mods and admins don’t have a problem with much of that – it’s an agreement built into pretty much all php forums – but if have a problem with this policy you should have read that and not agreed to with the statement! You are under no obligation to post on this forum.

I’m sorry for such a long post!

Quotes are in answer to the question “Do you feel that your sexuality is respected?”

I'm straight, but I still get offended by gay-bashers because I have relatives that are.

NO!

I think so but a homosexual would think otherwise I guess.

I think all the “gay” crap going around is unnecessary, but overall yeah, things are ok.

Well, my sexually as a straight male is respected, but there have been a few comments made that I feel would disrespect my sexuality if I were gay.

No

I'm heterosexual, so yes. There are some homophobes that I find disrespectful. But I think other users and the mods have done a good effort to show them how outdated there mentality is.

Yes, but I don't feel that others' is sometimes.

Mine, yes, but there has (sic) been some homophobic posts that really make me quite upset.

Well I haven't been called a “faggot” yet so sure (FYI I'm not gay )

Yeah. I'm hetero. I'm not discriminated against.

I'm straight, so I guess the answer is yes.

Absolutely, though if I were gay, I wouldn’t appreciate some posters using some slang terms, but I’m glad to see moderators (and posters) speaking out against this kinda trash talk.

I've seen quite a lot of homophobia, but I am not personally offended.

While it’s not a majority – it was clearly a big issue that came from the survey and it would be pointless to conduct such surveys if we did not respond to the information we received.

[zachatree]

i think that just about corks up this topic.

[mc]

okay ryan. If you want to go on not giving a damn what other people think and doing whatever you want, I'm certainly not the one to stop you. but you know how I feel about it. and yeah, that story was to make an example of how a word can have a different meaning to someone else, and sometimes it's very, very negative.

as for whoever asked if I'm gay, the answer is, 'no'. I'm somewhere in the middle of the sexual continuum, like most everyone else. I don't have a boyfriend or anything, if that's what you're asking.

too bad my post wasn't calm enough for you. I get a little huffy over flagrant ignorance.

m

[Muffinman]

IE: You will be banned for acting repetitively (one warning) abusive to other forum members (directly and indirectly (in this case)). Be thoughtful and respectful of other peoples feelings.

[MegaFighter_X]

Ok. Time to rip you apart...

hey man personal experience is personal experience.

My roommate is gay. I live with him, just me and him. I clearly have no ill will about homosexuality. I briefly discussed this issue with him to "get my brain wrapped arround" the matter. He says that you need to calm your ass down.

Good. One gay guy is cool with it. There are others in the world that don't care. That means little.

When i was a kid other kids beat me up and kicked me and what ever fuck i had to stab a kid with a pen in 6th grade because of crazy shit. Dont sit there and whine to me about your childhood being fucked up, cause I can promise you that mine was no picnic either.

I'm sincerly sorry to hear that your childhood was rough.

If those kids called me polish while they kicked me does that make me get my panties in a wad when I hear that word? I supose but who the hell knows or cares?

I don't know. Lets switch rolls. If the polish were supressed like gays are now, how would you feel if you were spat on, shit on, and wished ill upon at every corner? How would you like it if everyone tried to make you feel like you wern't even human?

EVERYONE in this world has different esperiencees clearly. Im not going to give myself a lobotomy to forget to use certain words that get people pissy. Deal with your shizer and move on man dont spend the rest of your life worrying about dumb stuff like people calling you a homo. Worry about hitting that food processor with three good looking atractive people (hopefully nekkid) watch while rubbing oil over their bodies. See that really matters.

Dude... You're missing the point here. No one is asking you to get a mind fuck. They are mearly saying curb your behavior out of RESPECT.

Im pretty insensitive and stuff (most likely an asshole) but just understand that MY life experience were different than yours just like vice versa. But it doesnt mean either of went through more shit than the other to have the right to hold a word hostage.

Again, respect. Respect other people for fuck's sake.

And what I said about people hating homosexs' because they get pissed at the word gay, I wasnt really sure what the hell that meant even now reading over. Seriously it makes no sense. So why are you getting pissed it was just nonsense. Dont be so sensitive man you were raised arround too many women. <-that was clearly a joke to mr sensi-pants

It's been discriminatory. Homo or fag to a homosexual is like saying nigger to a black person, wetback to a mexican, etc. It's a thing of RESPECT. Quit being an ignorant dick and open your mind to what others see, think, and feel. the universe dosen't revolve around you.

Cant we all just get a bong?

Lame attempt to get some respect. It takes no skill really to turn any post into a pot post. Mention weed at the end of a post, and magically it's an OK topic. No, fuck that. If you want some respect, you have to earn it. And right now, you are doing quite a shitty job of that.

If anyone has a problem with what I said here, PM me, and I'll clarify any and all points.

[innersmile]

Wow, it's sometimes hard to believe we're living in 2004. Seriously, I have a wonderful suggestion, how about a nice cup of shut the #$@% up. Instead of baiting each other with completely useless trashing (on a forum for five snakes!!!!), just accept that these are the rules now... We're here to discuss footbag amoung many other colouful topics as a world wide community not a segregated group of shit heads that sit infront of their pcs dissing each other over some topic that you or me have no control over. Note, this thread was not a poll. It was like a news flash, it's over now, move on with your life. We have no choice in the matter so basically, comply or goodbye as my old principal used to say.

If you want to be a rebel, rather prove yourself on the street instead of an internet forum. You'll get more cred as opposed to none.

I agree with the rule because sticks and stones will break my bones but words can deeply scar me.

peace,

[Tsiangkun]

My last landlord Jewed me out of my deposit.

I hope using the word Jew to mean completely fucked over doesn't offend any Jews. It's just a word and I don't mean to offend any body. I grew up using it to mean fucked over, screwed, and ripped off. I don't associate the word Jew in a negative light with the Jewish faith, and if you do you should lighten up. There is no way people would hear me using the word as such and make a correlation that Jewish people are cheap bastards that fuck people over in business dealings.



I just wanted to use a word other than gay in this thread to illustrate the same thing, and maybe the light would click on for a few more people. I've basically reposted the same thing people were posting with gay and substituted Jew. Look absurd to anyone yet ?

[FlexThis]

[ShredPirate]

my younger brothers use the term gay in a negative way as well.
and so do all their friends... i think it's kinda outta control with the younger generation.

but i do believe this is just a trend, like "yu-gi-oh", hopefully.

[420FootBager]

this is balls....... I like to use those now unusable words but... whatever i don't wanna bother anybody

Just one last time to get it out of my system..... gay, fag, nigger, cracker, spick, chink, dot head, jew.....

OK all out of my system now..

[lightningbolt]

I am behind you Jeremy!

I agree, 'gay' and 'faggot' are out of control in the younger genration. My genration. most everybody use the words. I think some people think calling the homework 'gay' will make them cooler or something. Thoese words are accpeted in our world but words like 'fuck' are shunned away. A person could call something gay and nobody would care. Somebody could call something fucked up and cause a uproar.

It's is messed up and it's time for change.

[C-Fan]

My daughter used the word gay this morning jokingly to describe a slow ass vehicle in front of us. I corrected her and asked that we refrain from use of the word gay in favor of the word weak instead. I explained to her the discussions on this forum and how it might be offensive to others. Her responce - "Your gay!". Thanks I said. She is 11.

Oh god that made me laugh so hard. But yeah, props to Damon for being a good father, and props to modified for enlightening people.

But damn Damon, your daughter pwned you with that comeback.

[sandman420]

well i was banned for a while for posting my nonsense and other random shananigans(sp?)

I posted a pretty good post on my alias user name sandman421(clever!) here that pretty much explained my point pretty good, but alas it was deleted...

I will try and paraphrase but keep in mind that I am drunk.

I love all you guys here. I did not want to piss anyone off in my posts at all except the moderators for making a rule of something that is beyond control. Something that doesnt need to be controlled. However this isnt a free country this is a internet forum that whoever owns can make any rule that they want and that is their right I supose.

When you make more and more rules, you will generate dissent. People do not like to be told what they can and cant do. Kinda like that previous topic on "freedom" and if we will ever have it. The answer is no.

Seriously I do not wish to offend anyone;gay,negro, jew, lesbian, honkies(see I can get away with that because honkies arent allowed to be pissy when made fun of, only the other people can...what you didnt know that? aww come on..) I was only stating my dissent on the political system of a forum that I like.

What do I like about this forum? I love footbag. I love to get together with other footbaggers and hear their oppinions, as dumb as they may be

Thats what this place is all about. I put my opinion out there and I was banned for being an asshole or some such shit. Im still not reaaaaally sure but I think i pretty much know why. Hey what the heck man you do what you gotta do I do what i gotta do heeeeeyyyyy. No hard feelins homeskillets. Gave me plenty of CS time anyway.

Now I hope that you crazy honkies can forgive me for my disagreement and point of views, because I just wanted to illustrate them thats all guys. I stand up for my beliefs the same I would expect any of you to. If you dont then you just waste the air on this lonely planet.

I hope that you all dont hate me or whatever. It doesnt matter though because when you see me at the footbag tournements Ill make your asshole hurt without even having to get to the gay sex. If that offends anyone right there (do you see my point I cant even say stupid jokes without worrying baout offending people...its not wortht he time or effort to take every persons point of view into perspective for a few illustrative words) than im sorry. Seriously Im gonna start laying down the law at tourments bitches! My first will be the texas footbag tourment in austin next month! Watch out! Im comin for ya in the real world too!