What would you do if you THINK you see inappropriate name?

[XxOstiaxX]

Nothing, is not like his name will give me a debuff where i lose 50kgil every second.

[Rubicon]

There are those who will laugh and move on.
There are those who will not care and move on.
There are those who are genuinely affected and should act on their moral conviction.
And there are those who enjoy being "police" and take pleasure in reporting others because it makes them feel more important. They also usually are mall cops or work elevators at anime conventions. Wannabe authoritarians.

[Chezen]

Wow. I haven't checked on this thread in a while... I honestly thought it would fall into a flame war. I'm really glad I was wrong, and it makes me proud of our community.

A lot of people have stated on here more or less what I meant in my somewhat less than better put post, when I said people posting such names show a lack of respect for authority and for people around them. As other people have said, a person who would make such a name, tends to be a pretty obnoxious person, and it can be indicative of what to expect from him. That's more or less what I meant with my statement.

I did know a guy in another mmo named Balzac IV or something of the sort, and while he was ruff around the edges, he was nice to me. But then, I was a lot more naive then, and how he acted to others, I can't be sure.

People aren't black or white (in terms of being right or wrong), but shades of gray, thats something I tell my mom a lot. They have their reasons for things, and it's not always clear-cut on what is right or wrong. But when it comes to rules, you have to make them black or white. Certain terms are considered vulgar by our respective societies, and therefore culturally taboo. But I think a lot of people mix up "vulgar" with "bad". Vulgar refers to something being gross or distasteful, and includes things like spitting or chewing with your mouth open. People should refrain from doing vulgar things, and displaying vulgar names, simply because it's gross and you should have a better respect for people than that. If you can't respect others, others won't respect you.

Unfortunantly, there is a whole plague of people (kids I hope because adults acting like this is really scary) who treat each other with such disrespect that it's become normal both on forums and in games. Many on here have said to develop a thicker skin... I really don't think anyone should have to. If everyone treated each other with respect, there would be no need for thicker skin. Maybe if we'd be proactive, and treat others with respect and care despite how they treated us, things could effectively change across these communities. I'm not saying that's easy, especially when the negative attitudes pull you down. I've avoided these forums more than once over them.

...I asked my husband this topic question, because I thought it was an interesting one. His reply was, "I wouldn't do anything, but I could see why someone might be upset by it." For myself, it really does depend. There are a lot of names that would go over my head. I still don't know what "Dixie Normas" or whatever means, nor do I want to. There is some ignorance that I think is a perfectly good thing. You can't think "bad" over things you don't know. In these cases, I'm perfectly content with being uninformed.

[Yves]

Okay, let me stop you right there.

I wasn't trying to equate offensive names with cyber bullying.

I was specifically replying to these statements:





I presented specific cases, and organizations that have officially recognized them, where words on a screen can and indeed did harm someone.

Too often, you hear kids say, "It's the interwebz, get over it." Does the written word somehow hurt or offend less than the spoken word? No, it's just that since you're on the other side of a computer, all too often, you're not held accountable for it.

I couldn't agree more.

Oh hey, that defines your angle clearer so either I misinterpreted or missed it. I am still out on whether or not things like words should cause harm to people. Of course, what should/ought to happen and what does happen is often never the same thing. My main point was to hopefully dull any possible overreaction from people where they take the cyber bullying concept and spin it into something more (and also partially to get divert the conversation from that route.)

I think the general consensus is that offensive names need to stop. The area where debate is going to land is the definition. Such a simple problem with a generally immense task to solve!

Really cool discussion and nice exchanges from Rowyne and everyone else!

[Crica]

Words on a screen from random strangers can't harm anyone unless people choose to use the words as an excuse to harm themselves or each other.

Therefore, it is not the words that harm anyone, but the people.

If people stopped using words as an excuse to cause harm to themselves and each other, we all would be able to use words for what they were meant for - sharing information - instead of resorting to censorship which allows ignorance to flourish.

[Hartigan_Redsail]

lol humiliate your country? Please.

[Vandark]

You saw 2 words that you didn't like and one of your urges was to report it to the authorities? Americans...

LMAO I Agree who really cares enough to find the time to worry about someones name, seriously.. pointless.

[Dragon]

Whatever happened to "Love thy neighbor"?
T>T

Neighborly love should go jump off a cliff and die. (I'm partially kidding.)

One should have to work to earn respect/love, like anything else.

[ispano]

Words on a screen from random strangers can't harm anyone unless people choose to use the words as an excuse to harm themselves or each other.

Therefore, it is not the words that harm anyone, but the people.

If people stopped using words as an excuse to cause harm to themselves and each other, we all would be able to use words for what they were meant for - sharing information - instead of resorting to censorship which allows ignorance to flourish.

Except words, and especially the possible intent behind them can cause harm as they are. There is no need to even go further. Hearing certain words can harm someone. It's not the same as physical harm, and many people can just ignore it and not let it affect them. Regardless, it still does affect some people. You believe they can't harm, but they can. If you choose not to accept it, well that's your problem and i'd ask that you keep your forceful opinion on the matter to yourself.

[ispano]

One should have to work to earn respect/love, like anything else.

Agreed. People who think they automatically deserve respect just for existing, no. I won't disrespect you either, but until you prove, not intentionally of course, if you deserve it or not, I'll withhold it. And before anyone feels they have to please me to earn my respect, that's no true either. If I see your normal self worthy of respect, then you get it.

Like the term "respect your elders".... Only if they are deserving of it in my eyes. And it doesn't take much either.