Comments on: Opinion: Create a Real PSA Against Online Hate Speech

By: Tom Mason

Tom Mason — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 17:31:38 +0000

In order for a word to do any damage at all, 2 things have to happen: (1) a person says it and (2) a person CHOOSES to take offense. Most people with an opinion strong enough to write about it speak out against step 1, and only step 1.

The problem with only focusing on step 1 is that it happens unintentionally far too often. I’ve said things that have offended others without realizing it, and usually because what I said was misinterpreted. Most people probably have, but no offense was intended. I think Barrell is right about how the word “fag” is used in online games, which is that it’s not intended to offend gay people. Yet step 2 is still happening, and so damage is done.

The problem can never be solved by focusing on step 1, because even if nobody ever said anything with the intent to offend, people will always say things carelessly at times or say things ambiguously that are interpreted differently than intended.

I submit that the REAL problem is step 2 above. As long as people choose to take offense, offense is going to happen. If step 2 didn’t happen, then no words (intended to offend or not) would offend anybody. The problem would be solved, and it wouldn’t require any limits on our freedom of speech.

No mature adult would give any other human being the power to take away their peace, contentment, and happiness by words alone. “Sticks and stones can break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” What happened to that idea? Why would a person WANT to be hurt by words?

Of course, no mature adult would say anything intended to hurt another person either. I’m not defending “hate speech”, only pointing out that the offended is just as immature and just as much a neanderthal as the offender.

By: Doug Nelson

Doug Nelson — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 02:06:26 +0000

Reid, nice piece; thanks for the insights. I don’t know much about Infinity Ward beyond what I’ve seen of the leaked “massacre civilians in the airport” level for Modern Warfare 2. I originally saw that as a bold, revolting, and provocative move to get players to question the nonchalance with which they can kill in games. In the context of the PSA, however, it doesn’t seem quite as redeeming.

By: Barrel

Barrel — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 11:36:12 +0000

Barrel Could be an alias i use Online Generally? What difference is it if you know my real name or not, it certainly doesn’t represent me as a person, I’m not trying to promote hate speech here, What i’m trying to say is that i feel the word ‘fag’ When used in the context of trash talk, holds very little meaning. I honestly don’t think that homosexuality comes into it. Interestingly enough by Finishing the post with Fag it was intended to show how little weight i believe it holds, However it seems you did not take my point of view into account and have chosen to label me as a ‘Neanderthal’ Which i presume you are suggesting i’m a lesser evolved brute. Still no matter, it seems you missed my point.

By: Barrie Ellis

Barrie Ellis — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 07:54:26 +0000

Have a little empathy, Barrel. Just because lots of people use a word, it doesn’t make it right. Especially not if it denigrates a section of society who don’t deserve it. I guess you think “retard” is fair use too?

By: Rachel Blum

Rachel Blum — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 23:16:07 +0000

It’s amazing how the Neanderthals come out of the woodworks when you tell them their behavior is unacceptable. It’s also interesting that they never leave a real name – it’s much easier to hide behind an anonymous account, spouting hate.

And Barrell, in case you’re reading this: It doesn’t matter if it’s used in trash talk. Every time you say it, you’re saying you consider gay people worth less than other people.

By: Reid Bryant Kimball

Reid Bryant Kimball — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 23:01:06 +0000

Barrel, thanks for sharing your thoughts. We’ll have to agree to disagree.

By: Barrel

Barrel — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 22:44:43 +0000

Wow, Cry some more, Whether you like it or not people are entitled to say what they like, i believe it is called Free Speech. A Great deal of gamers, aren’t the most mature audience, so are unlikely a appreciate the weight which a work like ‘fag’ carries to a person like you. However what you have failed to acknowledge or realise is that when the word is thrown around casually such as it is in trash talk, it begins to lose meaning, i highly doubt that each time it is said, a hate for people who are homosexual is meant to be conveyed or even felt, in fact i don’t believe it hold . The meanings of words mutate over time as cultures change and new generations arise. Besides there are far greater issues, Fag.