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Active: 631 users

"Rape" and Game Culture - Page 30

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L
Profile Blog Joined January 2008
Canada4732 Posts
August 14 2010 01:39 GMT
#581
There is no justification and no excuse for the use of this word in the flippant way that it is thrown around.

The fact that it is used in a flippant way completely changes the meaning of the word.

When you tell someone you owned or pwned him, no one's going to say: "Hey that's fucking disrespectful to the millions of people who are the victims of human smugglers, or the slaves of yesteryear". Why? Because that's simply not what the word refers to.
The number you have dialed is out of porkchops.
buhhy
Profile Joined October 2009
United States1113 Posts
August 14 2010 01:40 GMT
#582
On August 14 2010 10:26 tree.hugger wrote:
Nice OP. I self-consciously realized how I was using the word some time ago, I still think it sometimes, but there are many other words that capture the same meaning.

There will always be people using the word, of course, but I applaud the OP in raising awareness of the connotations of this word, and how we play a role in trivializing it in our community. Hopefully you've helped convince people to change their thinking.

Show nested quote +
On August 14 2010 10:25 HeaveNTiMe wrote:
let stop using the word Kill then as well... because I know someone who got killed and we use it like it means nothing. I killed 5 zerglings... You murdered something. Use a new word, Kill doesn't belong in games...

yes, sarcasm. Thats why we should keep rape.

Whereas I can prove to you that in starcraft, my goal is to kill all your units, and destroy your base, I doubt you can show me that starcraft has anything to do with rape.


When you destroy an enemy expansion and build your own expansion on it, you're raping his expansion.
Ich
Profile Joined May 2010
United States12 Posts
August 14 2010 01:43 GMT
#583
You have a valid point OP, but you must realize that language is a constantly evolving entity. I used to stand for the same position that you have taken, but then I realized that a vast majority of the population of those I communicate with really do understand the context and meaning in the gamer sense.
XeliN
Profile Joined June 2009
United Kingdom1755 Posts
August 14 2010 01:44 GMT
#584
I'm fairly suprised this is such an active topic, is it not fairly obvious, without need to analyse, discuss or consider that metaphorical use of the word "rape" in a gamer setting is fairly innocuous and that the idea that it somehow demeans the seriousness, or even encourages//glamorises rape itself is ludicrous.

I guess you could make an argument about how fairly young children become desensitised to vulgar language or explicit ideas in gaming culture and this might be used to support such a claim but thats about the extent of it.
Adonai bless
Zocat
Profile Joined April 2010
Germany2229 Posts
August 14 2010 01:45 GMT
#585
On August 14 2010 04:34 choboPEon wrote:
Show nested quote +
On August 14 2010 04:27 KwarK wrote:
On August 14 2010 04:22 choboPEon wrote:
On August 14 2010 04:21 travis wrote:
On August 14 2010 04:17 choboPEon wrote:
This is nothing like the word niggardly being called racist because thats fucking stupid but associating the word rape with sexual assault is so completely understandable that it boggles the mind that someone would deny it.


how is that at all understandable when you're watching a sc2 cast

you have to purposely LACK understanding to not get that the word is being used differently


Because niggardly means something completely different from nigger

but rape means rape

Unfortunately rape does not simply mean rape.
–verb (used with object)
6.
to force to have sexual intercourse.
7.
to plunder (a place); despoil.
8.
to seize, take, or carry off by force.

When you rape someones base then the logical application of the verb would be definition 7, to plunder or despoil. Choosing to misinterpret it with definition 6, despite it being clearly absurd when applied to a collection of buildings, is just bad english.
Words in english have multiple meanings in different contexts.


alright this is getting contentious and, again, i know im not going to win any converts so i wont linger in this thread for too much longer.

i will respond to this, though: "Words in english have multiple meanings in different contexts." And often the meanings are connected, they do not exist in a vacuum and, again, for you to claim that when people say rape in a gaming sense that there is no connection to definition #6 seems ridiculous to me! but whatever, it's not like i shed a tear every time i read it, i'm as numb to it as most males 18-35 are.


It isnt ridiculous. The English language is (again/still^^) "influencing" other languages. Look at poker - we talk about a "Full House", a "Flush", or a "Straight" in German.
When I hear "rape" in a gaming environment I honestly do not think about the sexual forcing. There is no connection.

If I hear "rape" in another context though - I think about the fitting translation.

English is the language we gamers communicate in - but I, personally, and a lot of other foreigners adapt those words without considering their "normal" meaning.
Though I dislike the word "rape" (because I think it is too strong) I often say to friends (in German):
"Ich habe ihn owned" for "I owned him". Owned is no longer a word I have to translate - the meaning is clear to me & my friends. I could also say "I habe ihn geraped" for "I raped him" and we all knew what I meant. And we wouldnt think about something bad / negative while using the word.

And a german girl would never be offended if I use the word "rape" in the german language - if I'd use it's translation on the other hand - I'm not so sure
So I do understand your point - but I honestly doubt we can change this. There are too many gamers who use the word "rape" but dont associate it with the meaning a rape-victim would do.
RinoZerg
Profile Joined May 2008
Australia130 Posts
August 14 2010 01:56 GMT
#586
Big banner at the top of the TL homepage: "Play Starcraft: Rape people".

I can't see anyone having problems with this ... :/

DonKey_
Profile Joined May 2010
Liechtenstein1356 Posts
August 14 2010 01:56 GMT
#587
I agree with your concept that using "rape" may be inappropriate for casting and such.
However I have a problem with someone omitting a word simply because others find it offensive.
From what you are saying we have to change to accommodate their needs, however I believe they need to overcome their own experiences and not force others speak a certain way to alleviate that pain.
`Oh, you can't help that,' said the Cat: `we're all mad here. I'm mad. You're mad.'
THE_DOMINATOR
Profile Blog Joined April 2010
United States309 Posts
August 14 2010 02:00 GMT
#588
I find the words death, dead, die, kill, and murder all offensive. My grandfather has passed away. No one should ever use these words because they offend me.
DOMINATION
synapse
Profile Blog Joined January 2009
China13814 Posts
Last Edited: 2010-08-14 02:03:35
August 14 2010 02:03 GMT
#589
I'm actually kind of curious as to the origins of the word "own" (as in, "I owned you"). Does the meaning actually entail a reference to slavery?
:)
VabuDeltaKaiser
Profile Joined April 2009
Germany1107 Posts
August 14 2010 02:04 GMT
#590
if you think about rape concerning gaming, no one even close thinks about real life something....

we know that. we are not that stupid.

we can differentiate between gaming language and wording and unbelievable things that happens outside of the internet.

that are 2 worlds, focus on the worst and focus on the best.

if you even try to compare, you are wrong.

the world is just not 1 way simple, sorry. you need to use your mind.
my smiley drinks green tea. works. just, the commercial investments are lower.
EAGER-beaver
Profile Joined March 2004
Canada2799 Posts
August 14 2010 02:09 GMT
#591
It's kind of funny, back in grade school when wc was coming out my friend called it rapecraft, and that's all I knew about this funny game that wasn't for nintendo. Rapecraft is an important part of my childhood, don't take it away from me!
Simon and Garfunkel rock my face off
hefty
Profile Joined January 2005
Denmark555 Posts
August 14 2010 02:11 GMT
#592
It's all about context. In most everyday situations I would avoid using the word (never use it really, just making a point here) simply because it sounds indecent and, of course, potentially could offend/hurt people. And I don't want to do that unless I have my reasons.

Being mindful about contexts go both ways though. People who catch the word "rape" in a starcraft commentary for instance really shouldn't get offended because the intention of to the usage is completely different. Hassling gamers for their usage of the word is neither righteous nor very understanding at all. But of course we can cut people some slack if they are emotionally hurt, so I wouldn't confront them on that err, and would certainly avoid using the word around them again.

But really, it is not like you are helping anyone by avoiding that word. A rape victim will recall the gruesome experience again and again whether or not confronted by casual usage of "rape", so the beef they/other might have with the word is all about showing respect (or the lack of it), and here context is everything. As long "rape" is used in a totally different context without the intention of hurting, it's not morally wrong. That doesn't mean professional casters and other public figures shouldn't avoid it - part of being a public face is working on a clean and gracious conduct.
howerpower
Profile Blog Joined June 2010
United States619 Posts
August 14 2010 02:13 GMT
#593
I'm so tired of people getting offended over everything, its childish and immature.
RinoZerg
Profile Joined May 2008
Australia130 Posts
August 14 2010 02:19 GMT
#594
On August 14 2010 11:13 howerpower wrote:
I'm so tired of people getting offended over everything, its childish and immature.


Yeah man, rape victims should just get over it. Sheesh. O_o
Radfield
Profile Joined September 2009
Canada2720 Posts
August 14 2010 02:19 GMT
#595
Absolutely agree with the OP. Thanks for posting that.

I remember seeing a front page article that used the word 'rape' in it. It was honestly a bit shocking. I kind of expect to see 'rape' thrown around on the forums, but I was caught off guard that what I think of as so inappropriate a term to use, would be used by the writing staff here. I don't hold it against the writers, but it really just goes to show how prevalent the term is in this culture.
Ascian
Profile Joined May 2010
New Zealand7 Posts
August 14 2010 02:19 GMT
#596
I think targeting the specific word 'rape' is a mistake. As has been said above rape has more then one meaning depending on the context (Definition). I disagree with not using the word because of one of it's meanings and will continue to use rape in my vocabulary within the right context.

But I agree with casters and players not using any vulgar language in a public forum (broader sense of the word then just a web forum) as they are the face of e-sport in the west and foul language is another barrier to becoming a main stream entertainment. I personally swear like a sailor but there is no reason alienating what little support we can gather in the west with language some may find offensive.
CharlieMurphy
Profile Blog Joined March 2006
United States22895 Posts
August 14 2010 02:21 GMT
#597
you could say the same thing about the word owned. Anyone who was a slave is offended and reminded of when they were owned. Black people all over the US are turning in their graves.
..and then I would, ya know, check em'. (Aka SpoR)
FlashIsHigh
Profile Blog Joined December 2009
United States474 Posts
August 14 2010 02:22 GMT
#598
You think your Dane Cook or something?
KT Flash// WhiteRa/Scarlett/Naniwa/MC/Huk/Nony
LunarC
Profile Blog Joined October 2009
United States1186 Posts
Last Edited: 2010-08-14 02:28:40
August 14 2010 02:22 GMT
#599
The problem with using words like "own" or "beat" as an example for how the word "rape" is regarded in gaming culture is that "own" and "beat" are words with very general meanings while "rape" specifically means sexual intercourse without consent.

Yes, words can change intrinsic meanings in different contexts. Two young African Americans calling each other "nigger" is more or less socially acceptable. If I called either one of them a "nigger" I'd probably get beaten to a pulp.

However, "nigger" cannot be compared to "rape" because "nigger" possesses an enormous cultural scaffold to back it, while "rape" does not. Truly, the gamers are the minority in this sense.

On August 14 2010 11:21 CharlieMurphy wrote:
you could say the same thing about the word owned. Anyone who was a slave is offended and reminded of when they were owned. Black people all over the US are turning in their graves.

"Own" is a word that can be applied to many things. I can "own" a desk lamp. The term CharlieMurphy is looking for is probably "enslaved". But gamers will never say that they "enslaved" some noob. Too many syllables.
REEBUH!!!
FireBlast!
Profile Blog Joined January 2005
United Kingdom5251 Posts
August 14 2010 02:29 GMT
#600
On August 14 2010 11:21 CharlieMurphy wrote:
you could say the same thing about the word owned. Anyone who was a slave is offended and reminded of when they were owned. Black people all over the US are turning in their graves.


I dont understand why people keep using the word owned as an example when its implications are broader and more abstract. Owned in gaming terms in no way intentionally or unintentionally makes connections to slavery. Its semantic impetus comes from "to seize something completely, to hit the spot" whereas "rape" specifically evokes sexual violation. This has been covered many times throughout the thread
Victoria Concordia Crescit
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