A Question of Context

[PanzerJaeger]

I voted for numbers two and three, but I only meant to vote for number two.

First of all, the drama surrounding the post in question is completely ridiculous. In my opinion, it was brought up purely to serve the interests of a particular member and his alter-account who has way too much time on his hands and a chip the size of Nebraska on his shoulder. The feigned outrage and innocence abused act is pretty obvious, especially considering the complete lack of it in the actual thread.

re:Fag. It is definitely a slur, and when used in serious conversation it almost always carries a negative connotation. By the way, the common phrase 'that's gay' used to mean something is bad or messed up is also pretty hurtful and I've read it here quite a bit, but that's beside the point.

What is the point, is that it was obvious that Louis' use of the term was not serious in any way, shape, or form. I think the vast majority of members (who are not pursuing alternate agendas) are perfectly capable of interpreting context, and it would be somewhat insulting to make blanket pronouncements about language use that sterilize conversation for the benefit of the greatest common divisor that make us out to be a bunch of morons.

In general, people need to understand that the mods are members first and foremost. They are here to enjoy interacting with their friends and the community. Becoming a mod certainly comes with significant behavioral expectations, but they are still allowed to have fun. At this point I can remember most of the mods before they wore the green - and, quite frankly, I miss a lot of their more aggressive posts in the Backroom. BQ, for example, was never rude but he was much more willing to engage in a bit of less-than-cordial repartee over sensitive subjects he cared about. From what I can tell, the job already comes with a lot of self-censorship and an assumed air of seriousness that must be at least a little constraining.

There seems to be an expectation among some, though, that dealing with a mod should in some way resemble customer service, where you can ceaselessly abuse the poor Indian girl working for slave wages on the other end of the phone for receiving the blue socks when you know you ordered the red socks (even though you clearly ordered the blue socks) and all she can do is apologize and ask you if there is anything else she can do for you today. Mods are not employees, they are not operating off the same script, and they do not owe you any particular experience. They are doing their best to make this an enjoyable place to spend time. Litigiousness as a tool to right past wrongs, score points, and generally create drama does nothing to further that purpose.

[a completely inoffensive name]

Again, Drunk Clown isn't really my alternate account PJ.

[Catiline]

I think he's refering to our Phantom.

[a completely inoffensive name]

I think he's refering to our Phantom.

Oooooh, kk. I thought my joke a while back was biting me in the ass.

[Louis VI the Fat]

First of all, the drama surrounding the post in question is completely ridiculous. In my opinion, it was brought up purely to serve the interests of a particular member and his alter-account who has way too much time on his hands and a chip the size of Nebraska on his shoulder. The feigned outrage and innocence abused act is pretty obvious, especially considering the complete lack of it in the actual thread.

I couldn't agree more.


Nevertheless, the subject may be raised. I value serious opinion on the matter. There have been previous threads in the Watchtower were we ask the opinion of members on what language they deem appropriate in what context, and what should be moderated. Sensitivities change over time, differ from place to place. Words take on different meanings, PC seems to ebb and flow.

[Cute Wolf]

fag can refer to english sausage or cigarretes as well

[Kekvit Irae]

fag can refer to english sausage or cigarretes as well

When I eventually visit the UK, I'm definitely going to taste some local faggots.

[Andres]

Posts containing any generally objectionable material: knowingly false and/or defamatory, inaccurate, abusive, vulgar, hateful, harassing, obscene, profane, sexually oriented, threatening, invasive of a person's privacy, or otherwise in violation of any law. Posting of copyrighted material, unless the copyright is owned by you or by The Org, is discouraged. The Org expects its patrons to remain civil even in the face of disagreements. Any kind of "flaming", slurs, or insults -- addressed to either an individual or a group -- is extremely inappropriate. Please respect etiquette at all times.

It doesn't say anything about "context"

And please, don't compare "you spaghetti eating Sicilian" to "Fragony is our resident Muslim fag". That's so utterly ridiculous.

I don't understand why the appropriateness of the phrase "Fragony is our resident Muslim fag" even needs a discussion. Seems like a complete no-brainer to me. This whole thread is absurd.

We need more Political Correctness. Never allow fag.

Never allowing "fag" on this site doesn't mean "more" PC, since it wasn't allowed before this question was asked. Your poll is , because it's suggestive.

[Papewaio]

Has anyone actually asked Fragony or are we bleeding on his behalf?

=][=

Context is very important. It's the difference between ironic and slur, the difference between public fornication and home titulation, it's the difference between consent and rape, it's the difference between black humor and vicious sarcasm.

Louis post had all the hallmarks of a Mel Brooks slapstick... Actually reminded me of the Roman court scene.

Not the most witty exchange but clearly satirical. Satire is protected in most advanced nations as a means of the press to lampoon political and economically powerful figures.

I do think if Fragony's feelings are hurt then the policeman er moderator will not abuse his position of power. He will do the right thing.

[Drunk Clown]

Are you serious?

So we have had a thread about the use of WTF and MILF in which most of you think it should not be used.
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showt...post2053215508

Now we discuss the use of the word fag, and it's all about context? WTF is more an expression of amazement, so it's all about context right?

Let's sum it up as follows: what on earth do you need such crude expressions of your feelings of bewildered amazement for when all you need to say is how sexually attractive you find a certain woman?

Better off without them.

Kind of what caravel said. On the org it doesn't make much of a difference because they just pop up once in a while, but on less restricted forums it is very noticeably unpleasant.

There's a time and place for such language. In front of someone elses youngster or a young lady is neither the time nor the place. Yes, those people can go just about anywhere on teh interweb or elsewhere and find that and much worse, so they don't need to read it here.

Two cents:


I'd prefer no use of 'wtf' and capitalised 'MILF'. They could conceivably be allowed, but with some reluctance.

Small case 'milf' is mostly acceptable - to me it's not an acronym, but a new word. Where 'milf' serves a literary purpose, it could be allowed.



Naturally, I myself would never use such dreadfully common language as 'milf'. I scoff at people who do, and heap scorn on posters whose lack of imagination forces them to resort to the shock value of vulgarities such as 'milfy' to get their point across.

You joke again, but I assume you were against WTF?

If the F word is not allowed, concealed versions should not be allowed either.

Well not exactly. First there's no particular use that you cannot easily express otherwise (it's not even moderately hard to do). Second it's not polite nor particularly appropriate. And third liberal use of mingled oaths, swearwords, curses, and other expletives quickly gets wearisome. Not unlike some of the animated GIFs or pictures of half naked women people seem fond of using in their forum avatars elsewhere; or for more direct analogy: whatever it is that comes out of the speakers when my brother plays his GTA 4 and failing any semblance of “dialogue”. And then Hooahguy is quite right: if you allow the f there, why not elsewhere and why not other less profane expressions?

Yes when done right a good curse, oath or other expletive can actually improve a bit of informal writing like a forum post. But mostly it tends to do the opposite.

Only 7 year olds use 'WTF' and 'MILF', and they are too young to have access to a 'Teen' rated website. Therefore for their protection, possibly look in temporary banning them for 6 years, till they meet the 'Teen' rating requirement.

Though, in the memorable words of Star Wolf "What the heck?".

I would agree with keeping swear words and these acronyms off limits. Its nice to know that I can come to the .org and not have to read garbage all the time. Think of the .org as a fine dining establishment and other forums as the world's pubs and sports bars.

I agree actually, the refreshing thing about the Org is the lack of swearing, along with the whole uniform style with the avatars. Removing those characteristics just makes the Org 'another forum'. The use of language greatly affects peoples opinions of the poster, and if all the posters experience a 'drop in standard', other users will also drop in their standard. You may get a few more members, especially those from a more immature crowd, you but you begin to lose what it is great with the Org.

Some one types: "wtf louis u milfy french frog eater", you instantly begin to characterise that poster as some one who has failed the educational system.

On the otherhand, when some one types: "I dare say, Louis VI the Fat, it appears you overexerted yourself on the mastication of fresh water amphibians." you would naturally have a higher opinion of the poster.

Rather extreme example, but the assumed quality of posting on the forum elicits similar responses. Imagine going to a upper class restaurant for a fine dining experience, you dress in a fine suit, you remember your manners, and you have an enjoyable cultured experience, this is the Org. Then there are other forums where you come across, which are akin to a ran-down pub with leaky smelling toilet, Bert at the bar is drunk, looks like he hasn't showered for 5 weeks and he scratches his nuts, it is definitely not the same experience.

Coarse language degenerates conversation in my opinion. The subject matter seems to suffer if curse words are used for adjectives and the like. I like the rigid swearing policy, avatar use, etc. that is employed here. It would be kind of funny if people were turned away from the .org because they couldn't swear in thier posts and get rep for semi naked avatar pictures and the like. But back on the topic of bad language, I vote no. Let us continue the trend of behaving like little gentlemen and little gentlewomen when interacting with one another. I for one won't complain.

I cannot agree more, Beskar. Warman recently posted a thread about elitism. There's no elitism here, but the Org. is most elite of all TW forums or any other forums that deal with the stuff we discuss here.
That's because of discussions that actually make sense, but also because people here use clean and civilised speech instead of WTF or MILF.

We do not want to lose our high standards, do we?

So, NO to all of them. Keep it clean, keep it nice.

On the matter of children and the org, there's two points:

How many here have younger children? How many of those people want their child to come visit when they're on the computer? Lots, I bet. Children show up frequently and often where you don't want them to; it's a defining feature. Most children begin to read at 5 years old.

Our youngest member was lisabeanie. She was 10 years old when she signed up an account to ask for help beating her Dad at TW. Naturally Dad was a member here too. She was quite active here for a time. There have been others a little older; it's rare but does happen.

Why would women be offended by the term MILF?
Better to ask, why wouldn't we?

It reduces a person into an object intended for another's gratification. The f-word has nothing but negative tones in a sexual context, especially when applied to women as it ties into that whole 'easy/slut/whore' thing and the whole 'I don't need to bother about them so long as I get my rocks off' thing.

Not comparable at all with calling someone a dick; that term is so mild it's practically a joke. There is no direct male comparison; culturally and historically men just do not have the same overtones applied to them in a sexual context. The double standard is alive and well.

I won't cry. I will think that whoever used it is a contemptible, crude idiot. Just as I think anyone who wants a f*** should go find themselves a blow up doll (or vibrator, if female) because that's the best they deserve for aiming so low. Huh, at least aim high enough to want sex. At least that has some ambition and mutuality to it, even if it's still a long away from making love. All the different labels exist for a reason; they all have different connotations.

Originally Posted by frogbeastegg
I will think that whoever used [milf] is a contemptible, crude idiot.
Well said. I couldn't agree more.

I say posters who describe women as 'milfy' are immature sex-starved attention seekers. In fact, I think it is perfectly obvious they aren't getting any and plEASE GOD ANYONE IF YOU'RE READING THIS I NEED A GIRLFRIEND I NEED ONE RIGHT NOW ANY WILL DO I CANT TAKE IT ANYMORE

You're quite the joker, still, you agree.

Even if this is a forum for older folks, not using such language makes the .Org a nicer place to be, as others have said.
I fail to see why this is even an issue.

... I think you get it.

Of course I post my own post too.

This is exactly what I wanted to say. I've never heard/read MILF on this forum, and I think it's is totally out of place to use.

WTF on the other hand, I don't mind. What's wrong with it? It's a so much used expression that it has become normal. F--- is just a word; in WTF it isn't even related to sexual intercourse. I really don't get what's the hassle about the word f--- in that particular context. If you say c--- (this is an exeption thread, amirite?) for instance I get it, cos it's always pointed toward a person. But WTF is just as Brennus said, an expression of amazement or disbelief.

I don't think the will work. Everybody knows what you want to say, so why not just say so? Is it more harmful to have it written than interpret it like that?

The problem of the women and young children who would get exposed to this use of language is out of question. First of all children till the age of 12 (I think) wouldn't come here (then you won't be playing total war as it is probably too difficult). Unless you guys who are older, and have children let them read with you at this forum (highly unlikely). And children older than 9-10 already know the word f---.

Why would women be offended by the term MILF? It's not like they are going to cry when they read it. If a woman would call someone a d---; I won't feel disrespected cos I have a d---. It's not like they're weak and take everything personal.

My opinion is that this forum could loosen up a bit.

the alleged language one by frogbeastegg (for which you have yet to produce any source).

Well, Louis there it is. Just compare the words with frogbeastegg's post above.

It amazes me we are even talking about the use of the word "fag", if WTF isn't even allowed.

[Andres]

Has anyone actually asked Fragony or are we bleeding on his behalf?

Is that relevant?

=][=

Context is very important. It's the difference between ironic and slur, the difference between public fornication and home titulation, it's the difference between consent and rape, it's the difference between black humor and vicious sarcasm.

Yes, context is important. But slurs are never appropriate. Louis said what he said in jest. An edit and a 0-pointer would have been enough for a regular member. Nobody was asking for Louis' skin; in the end, it wasn't a big offense. But it was a violation of the rules.

I've said this in the other thread too: nobody ever died from admitting a mistake and correcting it. All of this nonsense is completely unnecessary. A simple "Oops, that might have been a bit too much; sorry about that." And a sponteanous edit. Instead, time and bandwith is being wasted on the absurd question whether "Fragony is a Muslim fag" is appropriate or not here at the .Org.

Louis post had all the hallmarks of a Mel Brooks slapstick... Actually reminded me of the Roman court scene.

Not the most witty exchange but clearly satirical. Satire is protected in most advanced nations as a means of the press to lampoon political and economically powerful figures.

Yes, yes, a lot of funny stuff contains f-bombs and the bad word for poop. But this is the .Org, not "totalcomedy, only 18 year and older allowed". Around here, even a link to a video that contains bad language, needs to be spoilered and a warning for bad language has to be posted and even then, if it's really ugly, it's sometimes not ok.

Why would posting a slur all of the sudden be ok then? Or do we have to expect a drastic change of policy and change of the rules now all of the sudden?

[Husar]

Err, if you write this to Fragony in a PM, I think he would understand, you could both laugh about it and go on with life.
If you write it in the Watchtower, new members and others, not knowing about your intimate Backroom-relationship, could easily think this is how we roll here.
Apart from that I think words like "fag", "cripple" and some others are derogatory, have a bad connotation and imply that one thinks lower of a certain group in society, their use may be okay if everybody involved knows it isn't so, but in the Watchtower you represent the moderators of this site to a lot of strangers.
Strangers who may take your post as an example and make loads of similar jokes and then wonder why they get infracted for them, partly because we don't know these strangers and don't get the context, partly because they got confused and went a bit too far beoyond the line, partly because obviously, some moderators have a different view on the use of the word and the meaning ranges very widely.

Since we're talking about context, in the context it was used, I doubt anyone could honestly think you meant he's a muslim cigarette.

[Sasaki Kojiro]

It doesn't say anything about "context"

Yes it does. It says it has to be addressed at the individual or group. And it wasn't

I don't see how you can misread that as meaning anything other than "don't call someone a fag, etc".

[Andres]

And I don't see how anyone can defend the position that it's ok to say "Fragony, our resident Muslim fag" here at the .Org given the .Org policy on language from the last... well, for as far as I can remember, so it has be .Org policy since at least 5 years.

I wasn't aware that policy has changed recently.

Let's say a member is known for his controversial viewpoints on black people. Would it have been ok for Louis to say in that same post "X, our resident [n-word]"?

How I understand it, "fag" and "[n-word]" are in the same category. Surely, "fag" has to be worse than the acronym "WTF".

I don't mind staff being strict about language. I know why it is like that, I tend to agree with the ratio behind it and I have defended that policy more then once in the past.

The general consensus among staff here in the WT when somebody complained about not being allowed to use a certain "bad" word was always that that is the policy followed by an explanation why that policy is in order. The answer to the complaints about not being allowed to use bad language has always been "no" and the policy remained. Which is a good thing, I think.

And now, a staff member posted a bad word, a patron called him out on it, and look around you.

The policy at the time Louis posted "Fragony, our resident Muslim fag" was the same policy that has always been there.

I don't understand this and none of the explanations given so far have been satisfying. A lot of blahblahblah, smoke and mirrors, all of it unnecessary, because it is obvious that posting "Fragony, our resident Muslim fag" is simply not allowed here at the .Org; it hasn't been for at least 5 years.

Why is it being allowed now?

[InsaneApache]

fag can refer to english sausage or cigarretes as well

Or a junior schoolboy.

Frinstance I'll bet BG has had a fag or two thrusted onto him from his old school.

[InsaneApache]

@ Husar what is unacceptable about the word cripple? I know we live in pc times but this is just ridiculous.

[classical_hero]

Don't forget that faggot can mean a bundle of sticks. Context is key and as someone from a Commonwealth country, fag is a totally acceptable word when it it means a cigarette. It can also mean a homosexual, then it is a slur. It s pretty simple, since we do have mods from commonwealth countries so then they will be able to tell the context.

[Andres]

"Fag" may very well mean "cigarette" in the UK, but isn't it clear that, in the context Louis used it, he meant the slur and not "cigarette"?

Who here honestly believes Louis meant to say "Fragony is our resident Muslim cigarette", "Fragony is our resident Muslim sausage" or "Fragony is our resident Muslim bundle of sticks"?

[Husar]

@ Husar what is unacceptable about the word cripple? I know we live in pc times but this is just ridiculous.

Err, I grew up hearing it only in derogatory ways, as in when you called someone a cripple, you implied she/he was worth less than others. Nothing about being PC, else the N-word would be perfectly fine as well.
Although it's possible that in english it doesn't have such a bad connotation, it seemed like a given to me that it does.

[InsaneApache]

Aye that could well be the nub of the problem. Cripple and fag are not considered derogatory in the UK. They may be in other parts of the world but as this is an international board it would end up being rather boring and meaningless if we tried to second guess offence caused to other nationalities by our regional variations of the English language.

Maybe we should all just pack up and go home.

[ELITEofWARMANGINGERYBREADMEN88]

Allow people to write it anytime they please. If you do the whole "depending" case, then you going to still have overzealous/political correct Mods we have here running around and slamming people for saying Fag. There, I said it.

I mean, I got Warned for saying "Screw" and I wasn't evening referring to sex or insulting something;

Warning

'Screw' is inappropriate language.

Same.
what the world thinks. It's time to move on.

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showt...f-nazi-germany


So just let people say it. If you don't like it.... Then don't go to the backroom then or put that person on ignore like everyone tells me.

[phonicsmonkey]

Personally I find the word as offensive as a racial slur.

It's a hateful word which is used hatefully by homophobes against people who are homosexual and against other people whom they accuse of homosexuality in order to emasculate them. In this second context it is indirectly rather than directly hateful and homophobic.

In the context that Louis used it the word wasn't directly hateful but the use of it in a joke perpetuates its force as a term of hate. You wouldn't use the "n" word in a joke in the same context (or in any context) would you?

Also, I resent that the phrasing of the poll is loaded so as to discourage people from picking option three for fear of 'political correctness' which is itself a term of abuse routinely used by those who wish to discourage criticism of their offensive or discriminatory language or actions.

In fact option three should really read "Never allow fag as a term of abuse." And option two should likewise read "Allow fag as a term of abuse depending on context." Because we're not really talking about its alternate meanings are we, we're talking about its meaning as used by Louis?