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This week's Soapbox gets a little serious. First, if you want to know what Adam is talking about, search YouTube for "Call of Duty Grenade Spamming" to find the original viral video that Adam will be talking about this week.
Once you've seen it, you'll understand where The Sess is coming from in this episode of Sessler's Soapbox. Adam is not a fan of the large amount of hate speech that is thrown about on Xbox Live and the PSN during multiplayer matches, and from his perspective, that video has given those activities a somewhat passive approval from Infinity Ward. This video couldn't have come at a worse time, considering Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 is coming out in less than two weeks. Do you agree with Adam on this subject? Or do you believe the developer has no responsibility towards what gamers do while playing their game? And please, keep the discussions civil.
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Hate_B_Gates
For all the people concerned about "political correct-ness" taking over our society it seems to me the center piece of the argument is that you don't want to be called racsict or homophobic. If your allowed to use whatever word you want to describe people then I have the "freedom of speech" to call you a racist homophobe. I don't see how you can have it both ways. Seems like a stupid argument from someone who hasn't taken the time to follow their "logic" to it's "logical" conclusion.
I agree with everything Adam said except the F word is not equivilent to the N word, that's kind of like equating Charles Manson to Adolf Hitler. Both messed up people, but other than that I don't see the need to bring up one when discussing the other. It would be like equating calling somebody fat with calling somebody the F word... both would hurt somebody's feelings but it's not the same. You might even hurt someones feelings more by calling them fat than the N word or the F word, that does not make them equivelent or "equally bad". Just my opinion...
blucrab
I would just like to say that words only mean what we think that they mean. F*g used to mean a bundle of sticks to be burned, gay used to mean happy or joyous, idiot used to be a classification for mentally handicapped people, bugger used to mean anal sexual intercourse. Words only have negative meanings when we give them negative meanings. I could start calling gay people puppies and use it in a negative fashion. This could catch on and eventually people would find it offensive to use the word puppy. We need to just realize that people do not always use words with their intended meaning, it is all about context, words alone are just words. A good example is Blazing Saddles. Many people enjoy this movie, find it hilarious even. In multiple instances, they use the word n*gger to refer to the main character who is black. Does this mean that the movie is offensive? Does this mean that we should get rid of all copies of this movie? I don't think so, and I don't think that many other people would either because we understand that the movie is a comedy and that they do not intend to offend people. I would like to add a note that the only reason that I censored the words was because otherwise I would not have been able to post this.
EccentricSage
Adam, you are just so sweet and adorable and wonderful. I really think that level of compassion and willingness to put your neck out there and say something gamers might not like is one of the qualities that makes you so endearing. Right along with your foul language. :D
I think we're seeing the result of an internet subculture that views derogatory terms as something to be used ether as an ironic insult or mean spirited humor meant to offend people who aren't in on the joke. I don't believe they intend it as hate speech against the groups the words were previously used against in most cases. But that is part of why they do it. They find it amusing that people who wander in and don't know what's going on are offended by it. They hate the reigning in of free speech in the name of political correctness, so they use the very most controversial and sensitive subjects as a source of slang terms and inside humor. This makes it all the more frustrating for people who don't want to just get used to the occurrence, or who take their words more seriously than intended, because the people using the terms see those who are offended as just being week. It creates in them a sense of self righteous satisfaction because they believe it's all a joke.
When it comes right down to it, this is the result of a certain level of ignorance in it's truest form.
The derogatory term previously used against homosexuals in particular is a word that younger generations have re-defined. Often you will see the word paired with a word describing the thing that someone else is doing that the person finds annoying. I think it was even used on South Park since I was in elementary school simply as a generalized insult rather than a derogatory slur, as well. I think this word in particular isn't being used as hate speech by the younger people who say it in most cases.
Me, personally, I am bisexual and got picked on in school for admitting it because the school was very Christian. But overall where I live, gay-bashing isn't very common anymore. Younger people like myself where I live don't know what it's like to feel our lives might be in danger because of what we are. We've heard it used more as an insult for something you did rather than a slur against homosexuals. When I hear it I usually don't associate it with hatred, personally. And that's fine amongst like minded individuals of the same background.
The problem is that when people are chatting online with people who think and feel the same as they do, they forget that it's not acceptable nor understood the same way outside their social circle. I have to agree that people need to be reminded that there are people out there for whom the trauma these words are associated with is still very fresh. For some people it's not just a matter of being PC or too sensitive. There are still places where minorities fear for their lives. Where people are still targeted and murdered for what they are. For some these words still represent an ever present threat they encounter in their daily lives which they, like all of us, should be allowed to escape from when enjoying video games. When you think about it that way, is it really so much to ask that people be a bit more considerate?
EccentricSage
Adam, you are just so sweet and adorable and wonderful. I really think that level of compassion and willingness to put your neck out there and say something gamers might not like is one of the qualities that makes you so endearing. Right along with your foul language. :D
I think we're seeing the result of an internet subculture that views derogatory terms as something to be used ether as an ironic insult or mean spirited humor meant to offend people who aren't in on the joke. I don't believe they intend it as hate speech against the groups the words were previously used against in most cases. But that is part of why they do it. They find it amusing that people who wander in and don't know what's going on are offended by it. They hate the reigning in of free speech in the name of political correctness, so they use the very most controversial and sensitive subjects as a source of slang terms and inside humor. This makes it all the more frustrating for people who don't want to just get used to the occurrence, or who take their words more seriously than intended, because the people using the terms see those who are offended as just being week. It creates in them a sense of self righteous satisfaction because they believe it's all a joke.
When it comes right down to it, this is the result of a certain level of ignorance in it's truest form.
The derogatory term previously used against homosexuals in particular is a word that younger generations have re-defined. Often you will see the word paired with a word describing the thing that someone else is doing that the person finds annoying. I think it was even used on South Park since I was in elementary school simply as a generalized insult rather than a derogatory slur, as well. I think this word in particular isn't being used as hate speech by the younger people who say it in most cases.
Me, personally, I am bisexual and got picked on in school for admitting it because the school was very Christian. But overall where I live, gay-bashing isn't very common anymore. Younger people like myself where I live don't know what it's like to feel our lives might be in danger because of what we are. We've heard it used more as an insult for something you did rather than a slur against homosexuals. When I hear it I usually don't associate it with hatred, personally. And that's fine amongst like minded individuals of the same background.
The problem is that when people are chatting online with people who think and feel the same as they do, they forget that it's not acceptable nor understood the same way outside their social circle. I have to agree that people need to be reminded that there are people out there for whom the trauma these words are associated with is still very fresh. For some people it's not just a matter of being PC or too sensitive. There are still places where minorities fear for their lives. Where people are still targeted and murdered for what they are. For some these words still represent an ever present threat they encounter in their daily lives which they, like all of us, should be allowed to escape from when enjoying video games. When you think about it that way, is it really so much to ask that people be a bit more considerate?
Sergekrack
I can somewhat understand your Arguement Adam, but the fact of the matter is Infinity Ward and no other gaming company out there worth the time we give them is going to endorse that kind of language, used specifically in that context. I didn't even know that the Acronym was there until you pointed it out, and quite honestly it doesn't bother me even knowing it's there but that's my own opinion.
I would simply remember the reasons why it was brought into such a large spectrum of use on Xbox Live, we all know about the 13 year old kids that go on and just start swearing up a storm saying stupid things like that or other various inappropriate and just simply annoying words in our language. The reason they do that is because their parents no doubtedly have used that word in the derogatory context, and the child simply doesn't know the meaning, but knows it's an insult. Were they to know that it's express purpose is to belittle or demean someone I highly doubt kids today would use it, unless they were brought up to hate. And at that point, you can't really blame the child.
You make a very good case as to why the word shouldn't be used in a derogatory context, people really do feel that they're not accepted by society and that thought isn't as sad as the simple fact that they aren't. I am the only person in my group of friends that believes Gay Marriage is a non-issue because Marriage is so widely used inappropriately and not taken seriously. I guarantee you, the only reason a lot of gay couples would want to get married is simply to speak out on how unfair society treats them simply because of their lifestyle choices.
My main point is this, that it's not a gaming company's fault for using a word like that to describe someone who is infinitely annoying(Grenade spammers). But you also need to remember that the definitions of words change SO much that people on xbox live don't even think about using the term as a derogatory comment towards homosexuals, they use it as an insult to someone they don't like simply because it has been deemed as an insult. If you think a word's meaning is set in stone you'd be very, very wrong simply because people's opinions/culture/upbringings are so varied that there just is no way to say that it means one thing.
Now, I know what you might think, \"does that mean it's OK to call homosexuals that?\" Absolutely not. Because in doing so you are degrading that person for the express purpose of offending them, which is NEVER ok. The same thing goes for any other specific derogatory term used to degrade a person or peoples.
In conclusion I would simply argue that you do what most of us do, treat the people who use those kind of words in such a context with the respect they deserve. Which is, in fact, absolutely none. It is incredibly immature to use words like that simply because they have had(or do have) derogatory meaning towards someone and the english language is far too complex to use something so incredibly stupid as an insult. Witty Retorts are the way of the future, and I'll tell you right now, they're much, much funnier usually.
Sergekrack
I can somewhat understand your Arguement Adam, but the fact of the matter is Infinity Ward and no other gaming company out there worth the time we give them is going to endorse that kind of language, used specifically in that context. I didn't even know that the Acronym was there until you pointed it out, and quite honestly it doesn't bother me even knowing it's there but that's my own opinion.
I would simply remember the reasons why it was brought into such a large spectrum of use on Xbox Live, we all know about the 13 year old kids that go on and just start swearing up a storm saying stupid things like that word or the \"N\" word and other various inappropriate and just simply annoying words in our language. The reason they do that is because their parents no doubtedly have used that word in the derogatory context, and the child simply doesn't know the meaning, but knows it's an insult. Were they to know that it's express purpose is to belittle or demean someone I highly doubt kids today would use it, unless they were brought up to hate. And at that point, you can't really blame the child.
You make a very good case as to why the word shouldn't be used in a derogatory context, people really do feel that they're not accepted by society and that thought isn't as sad as the simple fact that they aren't. I am the only person in my group of friends that believes Gay Marriage is a non-issue because Marriage is so widely used inappropriately and not taken seriously. I guarantee you, the only reason a lot of gay couples would want to get married is simply to speak out on how unfair society treats them simply because of their lifestyle choices.
My main point is this, that it's not a gaming company's fault for using a word like that to describe someone who is infinitely annoying(Grenade spammers). But you also need to remember that the definitions of words change SO much that people on xbox live don't even think about using the term as a derogatory comment towards homosexuals, they use it as an insult to someone they don't like simply because it has been deemed as an insult. If you think a word's meaning is set in stone you'd be very, very wrong simply because people's opinions/culture/upbringings are so varied that there just is no way to say that it means one thing.
Now, I know what you might think, \"does that mean it's OK to call homosexuals that?\" Absolutely not. Because in doing so you are degrading that person for the express purpose of offending them, which is NEVER ok. The same thing goes for the \"N\" word, or any other specific derogatory term used to degrade a person or peoples.
In conclusion I would simply argue that you do what most of us do, treat the people who use those kind of words in such a context with the respect they deserve. Which is, in fact, absolutely none. It is incredibly immature to use words like that simply because they have had(or do have) derogatory meaning towards someone and the english language is far too complex to use something so incredibly stupid as an insult. Witty Retorts are the way of the future, and I'll tell you right now, they're much, much funnier.
Aning
I watched the video after seeing this blog, and I don't think I would have noticed the acronym without Sessler pointing it out.
oXb3
I am a gay gamer and I felt offended by this. and I want to thank you Adam for this video. It made me feel like someone actually cares about the LGBT community =] Thanks again Adam!
Wanzerfan
Last night, I ran into this problem in the first Modern warfare while online with the PS3 version of the game. I joined a game that had nothing but those pricks. I swear, those douche-bags were tossing those things out like candy to freaking trick-or-treaters. I can understand why Infinity Ward made the video, but I think they should've watched a little more before finally releasing it.
grimreaper2010
i hate g4 for being politically correct. feeling will always get hurt. people will move on. get over it.
ITS LIFE!!!
Threshmstr_flex
can someone link me the web page that has infinity ward stating they hate the homosexual community?
1111101111011010101
it was not intended to be hurtful and was probably purely accidental, but that does not change the fact that it was nonprofessional and disrespectful.If i was a part of infinity ward i would have been ashamed to have let something like this happen. Im sure this will not impact the game selling at all, they could be blurting obscenities intentionally and people would still buy it.
SKETCHFro
Crazy enough...I just signed into LIVE today to play Modern Warfare 2, and was referred to as the "N" world by some kid before even stepping into the game.... If there wasn't a mute button, or the fact that with friends I could go to a separate chat, I probably would be avoiding the online play myself. I really wonder if besides people's individual mind set to stop spamming the word online, if there would be anything to help move away from that. Tho this is wishful thinking.
Time to grow up a bit world.
Wanzerfan
All this bruhaahaa over an old British slang word for a cigarette...
Sad to say, in this country, contrary to popular belief, there is no right not to be offeneded.
Oh, and Adam, I see you only get paid to [i]play[/i] a douche-bag on television, it's good to see that you aren't one in real life. I also aggree that I wouldn't even touch a champagne cake if there is any hint of excrement on it.
Keep up the good work.
G4_Junky
At one time I may have gone along with the use of the F* word, but I have learned to be more tolerant of others lifestyle choices. I used to be one of the worst trash talkers you could find(not a good thing). But I really couldn't see until the F* word until I REALLY looked for it. Even if I had seen it easily I would think they would be mocking the nade spamming no0bs that are on CoD constantly.
Political Correctness is fine but don't go searching for a reason to complain about something. People like that are just so miserable they have to drag anything they can find into the light and scream "Look at what I found, isn't it so offensive?... You can't see it, I'll point it out to you." If we did this with every thing ethnically and morally offensive half of the world's comedians would be in exile fearing persicution.
Basilisk1991
My favorite gaming expletive A$$clown
Basilisk1991
I hear the N-word nearly every time I kill someone, and I'm white. The acronym was a facepalm moment for Infinity Ward, it was a stupid mistake and watch the most recent episode of South Park (the biker one) for my opinion on the word (It dosen't just refer to you homosexuals!)
MeisterShane
Why is it alright for African Americans to call themselves the "N" word,but if a different racial group uses the "N" word,it is deemed that racial group is rascist??? Same with homosexuals,why is it alright for homosexuals to call themselves the "G" word or the "F" word,but if a different sexual group says the "G" word or the "F" word,then that sexual group is deemed using hate speech...If one group is fine using the speech that all groups should be fine using the speech...plus what ever happened to "FREEDOM OF SPEECH"
Kbomb13
I'll be the first to admit that if I find something stupid in a game, I may say something like, "Oh, that's so gay," which some may find offensive, but I never use a type of slur against someone, if I'm arguing with them, I stick to what makes them an idiot.
CSShadowFang
This is probably the only thing i would have to disagree with Adam...ever. You not helping progression by saying DONT call these people this or that. That is segregation in a different way. Saying that these people cant be called this name is separating them form the rest of society. Also the majority of the US excepts gay people for who they are. The majority of people on xboxlive use the term f*g. so that tells you that we have progressed past the point of F*g=gay. BTW i thought this before the south park episode. Also Adam you grew up in a time where gay people weren't excepted completely yet. The new generation has. I'm in between so i can see both sides. Anyway your perception of F*g is completely different then the new generation. I even dont mind the n word. Its the same basic principle. if some people can use a term others cant aka ,black people calling each other the n word, then they get separated from the rest of society. Only when we can break down these walls can we move forwards as a society.
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