Racism on the Server
 

I suppose this is the best place discuss something that I've noticed and has been irking me.

Why is it that every time I see someone use a racial epitaph on the server's chat (happens quite often), the mods don't do anything to curb it or reprimand it? Especially whenever I see 3 or 4 mods reply very quickly with a "English only" when someone writes something in a different language, yet don't say anything when the N-word is dropped, or Spic, or something similar.

I was just wondering what smogon's policy on this is? I know the server is currently in a bit of "battle" with SkarmPiss but I think that has nothing to do with his anti-Semitism and everything to do with his spamming (so it can't really be argued that he's being banned because he's a bigot).

Not that I'm arguing that the server should be strictly all PC, but If Smogon prides itself on intelligent debate and discourse, why doesn't this extend to its server chat? A simple "We don't tolerate that on here" from a mod would suffice.

I second this. Using racial slurs, even in friendly banter, should be far less acceptable as behavior than using a non-English language.

I usually kick/mute for excessive use of that stuff anyway, but in a non-serious conversation as long as it's not spam or meant to be derogatory towards another user it's usually let go. not everything is meant to be offensive imo, but we try to make sure it doesn't turn into something offensive.

i agree with solace - there's a difference between saying "whats up my n-word" to someone and calling someone a "fucking n-word" when you lose for example. there's also a point of excessive use should be muted if they ignore a warning not to.

now, if i get pmed by multiple users that they are completely uncomfortable or offended by the chat, then i would make an announcement to tone down the language because obviously if im getting pms, then there is way too much going on - however, that has yet to ever happen and i don't think its that big of a deal for right now.

I haven't been on PO in forever, but complaining about racist slurs in any online gaming medium is like complaining about nudity in porn.

He's right. Honestly, as kd24 said, if it's not using the word offensively (like.."fuck you dirty haxing n-er") then I don't honestly see the problem. If someone is getting rude or insulting people, I tell them to stop doing that or to calm down at the risk of a mute. It depends on the purpose of the word--not the word itself.

here lies a nigga

unless it's pointed at a group of users or one in particular it shouldn't be taken as racist. KD, Solace and Blara have it right that the use of the word is much more important than the meaning of it.

On terms of handling it, I usually give out a warning before kicking/muting. I haven't had any cases where it's gone beyond a kick so I think people understand that it can be offensive.

*slow clap for genuine cleverness* I think he meant epithet, unless there are people using slurs on dead people. Quite frankly, that's just rude; you should speak well of the dead not curse at them.

basically, it is the context behind the word being said. People going on the server should know this already.

I understand the futility in complaining about slurs on on-line gaming commnunities, but I was honestly confused when I seen things using like the n-word slide, compared to the response when someone wrote in a different language. It gave a very "White is right" vibe.


I actually did mean to write epithet. I guess I've just been listening to too much old school punk.

I don't get the flood of "obviously, this can't be helped" posts. You're implying that the 'racism' the OP is complaining about is normal internet shenanigans when it's not. When someone consistently misuses offensive 'racial' words, it really doesn't matter if the dude doesn't mean any offense - it's offensive. Besides, I've seen way too many instances in which there was a CLEAR crossing of lines and yet nothing was done about it.

It's not inherently offensive, especially since the connotation for the word is predominantly a playful getting. I have never once been pmed about how the word on server as it is commonly used offended someone.

But instances where it's obviously racist are dealt with, through mutes or even bans. The other mods can attest to this.

why not just put in a censor. I agree with antar BTW

putting in a censor is probably very difficult, and i don't think its worth it. given the fact that i havent really seen anybody overly use the word or have a bad intention of it, i dont think its that big a deal

Honestly, you aren't giving the mods enough credit. At least in my experience, every time I've seen an ill-intentioned use of a racial slur, it's been disciplined with at least a warning. While these shouldn't be ignored, if the 'attack' is in good humor I really don't see what the problem is.

My thoughts exactly.

I agree with Woodchuck that the mods can be trusted in making sure ill-intentioned racist slurs will be taken seriously and punished.

I've hardly seen this user inside the PO server, but mods do take this stuff seriously if it isn't a joke or anything.

Smogon has never had any particular policy on racism. However, if someone is making malicious racist comments, the moderators will take appropriate action. We will (and have) banned users for consistently making impolitic remarks. We will not try to filter out every little thing (or really anything at all) that might offend someone, because word filters are absurdly easy to bypass and in general not worth the effort. We will also not continue debating in this thread, because we're going around in circles and, though cliche, "it's the Internet". Some people are going to say things that you don't like; certainly it is not that hard to ignore a passing mention of a slur, and as I said, disciplinary action does occur for persistent cases.