Topic

Definition of an offensive name

Hi, I was recently contacted by admins because my name was deemed offensive by several players.  The way the admins contacted me was essentially in the form of a command (albeit polite) to change my name, else they would do it for me.  

I requested an explanation of how my name was offensive, and was told that it was the name of a criminal charged with sexual child abuse.  I had to google this because it was news to me, and based on what I read, the charges post-date my character creation, which proves that at least this character was named without the intention to offend.  Beyond that, it's a handle I've used for years in numerous other games, and I drew it from a book (as a call sign for an experimental fighter plane--inserted for emphasis), which in turn derived it from the name of a town. 

I've since changed the name because 1. I knew the admin was just doing their job and 2. I wanted to go to bed, but the principle of it all still doesn't sit well with me.  I feel maligned, like the bearded man on the street who is judged at a glance for being associated with terrorists, or the stranger with shades and a hoodie on who is given a wide berth because he surely means to mug you.

How would the rest of you feel if you were approached like this?

Posted 13 months ago by Inéo Subscriber! | Permalink

Replies

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  • Wellll, I suppose once I learned about what the name has come to be associated with, I don't think I would be quite as eager to use it as my handle anymore.  It's unfortunate how once innocent names/words can have their meanings changed by the actions or misinterpretations of one individual, but, you know, like That One Guy said, "What's in a name?  That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet."
    Posted 13 months ago by catfacemeowmers Subscriber! | Permalink
  • I find myself in agreement with all points. Though what's a dev to do? Can't keep everyone happy unfortunately.
    Posted 13 months ago by Liza Throttlebottom Subscriber! | Permalink
  • Um, yeah.  Wow.  What cat said. :: nods ::
    Posted 13 months ago by ♪♥~ Auren ~♥♪ Subscriber! | Permalink
  • I'd change my name if that happened to me, but I would probably feel the same as you do.

    It's like the story of the swastika. The swastika held, and still holds, religious significance to Hindus, but because of the Nazis it took on a whole new meaning.
    Posted 13 months ago by Mal'akh Subscriber! | Permalink
  • Hopefully no one is named:

    Luis, Pedro, Daniel, Gary, Yang, Andrei, Anatoly, Alexander, Ahmad, Moses, Ted, Serhiy, Gennady, John, Vera, Karl, Maoupa, Juan, Fritz, Bela, Ronald, Earle, William, Vasil, Yoo, Patrick, Sergei, Paul, Huang, Joel, Jeffrey, Donato, Vladimir, Randy, Mohammed, Sipho, Elias, Jimmy, Jack, Robert, The Monster, Charles, Jack, Jose, Robert, Angel, Dennis, or Elifasi.

    All of these people have been convicted of murdering over 15 people and these names could be deemed offensive as well...

    Wikipedia
    Posted 13 months ago by Hoodjack Saken Subscriber! | Permalink
  • I should change my name.
    So offensive to others!
    E:
    Posted 13 months ago by Volkov Subscriber! | Permalink
  • Let's be fair, your name was Pedo Murderface.
    Posted 13 months ago by Xev Subscriber! | Permalink
  • Um, busted? Lol.  (it wasn't)
    Posted 13 months ago by Inéo Subscriber! | Permalink
  • Ok, you got me. I was just trying to think of the most offensive username.
    Posted 13 months ago by Xev Subscriber! | Permalink
  • My curiosity is piqued, of course. 

    Ah, human nature.  :)
    Posted 13 months ago by Circe Subscriber! | Permalink
  • Seems there are far too many Gladys Kravitzes in this world and not enough people with common sense. Depending on the culture any name could potentially hold a hidden meaning that could offend anyone for many different reasons. People need to take a chill pill and realize the world doesn't function around their perceived opinions (which are usually wrong) and learn to judge only after the facts. Too many people walk around and think their interpretation of something is the commonly held associated belief, that logic is hardly the truth and the logic of that idea is too flawed to put into words. I'm sorry you were forced to change your name for a ridiculous reason, I commend you for posting this thread. If I were in your shoes, I'd fight this to City Hall.

    If the witch hunts are starting I think I saw various people named Anthony, Conrad, Simpson, and Andrea.
    Posted 13 months ago by Gordon Gekko Subscriber! | Permalink
  • My first reaction was real surprise and disappointment, but there's one name really saturating the US news right now that would make me react pretty similarly.  I'd probably have backed off after verifying you weren't a creep out to piss people off, but I can also see why they wouldn't want you walking around in the world with a name that would give that first impression--for both your sake and others.  I'm so unhappy and tired of hearing about that terrible case, and I'm not a very heavy media consumer.    I'm sure people who watch cable news a lot would feel the same about other names that I've never even heard of.  Tough call.
    Posted 13 months ago by Zauberberg Subscriber! | Permalink
  • Hmm. I'm disappointed that they made you change your name. I know what your name used to be and I can see why it might be offensive to some, but there are plenty of people running around with borderline offensive names that I brush off as a joke that I'm perhaps oversensitive to.

    I came across you ingame a few times, more recently thinking, "hmm, unfortunate to have that name now, I suppose." But knew you'd had it before and knew it was the name of a city and I'm sure many other people have to carry the name everyday. I think perhaps a note saying that someone mentioned it (I can only assume it's because someone mentioned it to them) and suggesting nicely that you change it would be a better route -- leaving you the option to have to keep your name and have to explain to people what you're on about if they ask.

    I had a glitch say they were sorry because they thought I was in Chemo therapy the other day, but Keymo Machine is just the avatar of an anthropomorphized stuffed monkey (Keymo) that I've had since I was a babe, nothing to do with chemo therapy and the idea had never crossed my mind before in the many years I've used the name.
    Posted 13 months ago by Keymo Machine Subscriber! | Permalink
  • Gordon Gekko, your so absolutely awesome and I completely agree with you, and Hoodjack Saken your awesome too. I agree that this was unfair of the devs to do because a name is a name, and everyone has the right the go by whatever name they please. What if someones actual name was Hussein (I happen to know someone with that name) are you going to tell him to go change his name because it was deemed inappropriate? I understand the dev was doing their job but regardless it was an unfair move by both the people who were upset(because they did not once think of your feelings) and the one who made the call to have your name changed Ineo.
    Posted 13 months ago by Rini Subscriber! | Permalink
  • I'll second Keymo...I find it really disappointing that they made you change your name. I have no idea what the original was, but short of racial slurs or similar, names should be fine.

    So, if I can get a dozen people to complain that someone's name is offensive, does that mean TS will force them to change it?
    Posted 13 months ago by TrentSkunk Subscriber! | Permalink
  • If the name was a normal person's name, and not something like Pedo Murderface, then I dont think the name change request was necessary at all, quite abusive even. 
    Posted 13 months ago by Merope Subscriber! | Permalink
  • I hear there's plenty of Johns, Daves, Erics, etc. that are charged with that crime. Seriously... I am offended by your name! I can't stand it!  Uh...no!
    Take a look at real names and they're worse.  There is some poor sap kid named George Bush. I knew a few named Demi Moore and Ashley Simpson (this was was way further back so total coincidence). Should they change their name because what it is associated with? Hello Lindsay Lohan?
    Americans are some of the worst when it comes to names. This was an issue last year when the gov't had a name put down in 'possible terrorist' list.
    There were so many people with the same names spelled the exact same way that there were so many holdups in the airport and 3 to 7 hours of screen checks because that is 'procedure'. They did the same thing to a 3 month old baby. The mother finally went up and complained and said to get a move on, because someone who couldn't even crawl should just pass regardless of procedure!

    You know what I would have done... Broke down into a (fake) sob story "it was my brother/sister's name! And s/he died in a car accident. I do this in memory of blah blah blah!"
    See how they respond to that.
    Personally I would find it funny if they found my name at all derogatory...
    This would be me, "You find the short pet form of an ancient mythological mermaid goddess of greek offensive? How preposterous!"
    Posted 13 months ago by Derket Subscriber! | Permalink
  • I have a friend with that same name.  I wonder if his coworkers will make him change it now that it's deemed universally offensive.  

    BAD FORM TINY SPECK.
    Posted 13 months ago by Red Sauce Subscriber! | Permalink
  • But there's an upside to this thread: I think Pedo Murderface will be my name in every multiplayer shooter I play from now until I die.  
    Posted 13 months ago by Red Sauce Subscriber! | Permalink
  • Even if someones name was Pedo Murderface it shouldnt have been taken off in my opinion.. words are just words and there shouldnt be "good" words and "bad" words, yet we deem them as such because we as a society feel they are improper,vulgar, naughty, ect. as a great man said there's 7 words you'll never hear on television or radio(6 now-no wait still 7 you can't said god damn it, the damn it part is fine but the god part isn't(but bitch is fine too)) UNLESS they are meant in technical or non-vulgar ways. Words are simply that, they move people both physically and emotionally, and inspire people, cause confrontations, cause revolutions. But none of these words should be deemed bad or good just because a select group of people say they are. People should have the right to speak their mind using whatever words they please.

    P.s.
    @ saucelah i literally broke out laughing when i read that.
    Posted 13 months ago by Rini Subscriber! | Permalink
  • I love TS so much, but this is just ridiculous. I can guess pretty easily what your old name was, too. I hope the staff reconsiders on this one.
    Posted 13 months ago by Rev. Desdemona Subscriber! | Permalink
  • I have no idea what the name was probably because I dont live in the USA.  

    TS should remember that Glitch has players from all around the world, so very many possible offensive names from so many countries events/languages/culture, they should be more careful and not open this can of worms so easily. 
    Posted 13 months ago by Merope Subscriber! | Permalink
  • Interesting. Even with all the media coverage of that allegedly horrible man, if I saw a player with that name, my first thought would be "Ohio". Just goes to show you that everyone perceives things differently.
    Posted 13 months ago by Becky Subscriber! | Permalink
  • Pedo Murderface is perfect!
    Posted 13 months ago by Electric Wizard Subscriber! | Permalink
  • I can guess what your name was, and I can admit that I understand the knee-jerk reaction that led people to report you. The incident is fresh in peoples' minds and highly controversial. I can also understand that TS felt an obligation to act if several people reported it.

    Sometimes having a name in common with a notorious individual can suck! My friend's mom shares a name with a woman who was infamous in the 90s for drowning her kids. Despite the fact that A) we lived nowhere near the state this incident took place in, and B) her actual children were alive and well, people would seriously come up to her in town and ask her, in complete earnestness, how she could kill her children. o_O
    Posted 13 months ago by HeyHeyHolly Subscriber! | Permalink
  • Now I wonder what your name was! :O

    But I think that is a little bit far :o if you had no intention of being offensive, fine. But I have seen some offensive names ingame and I've never reported since it's just a name and I barely see them again.
    Posted 13 months ago by Kurtie Subscriber! | Permalink
  • This is a really tough one.  I have only seen one name in the game that has offended me (and believe me outside the realm of hurting others, there is very little I find offensive).  I've not reported it though, because I like to think "Who am I to judge?".  Maybe I am taking it the wrong way - I dunno.

    Perhaps if names are going to be censored we need to understand what Tiny Spec's criteria are.
    Posted 13 months ago by dmnddgs Subscriber! | Permalink
  • "Perhaps if names are going to censored we need to understand what Tiny Spec's criteria are."

    This right here. If having a "bad name" is cause to force someone to change it, there should be clear guidelines on what constitutes a bad name. Otherwise we basically have a rule you won't know you've broken until you've already broken it. So, any TS staff care to enlighten us?
    Posted 13 months ago by TrentSkunk Subscriber! | Permalink
  • Thanks for all your comments---it's given me more to think about.  I will continue to use the name in other games because its true roots go much further back than what's in the news in one country right now.  I expect that when the hubbub dies down, so will the association of the name with this particular miscreant.  

    I suppose that I am seeking some kind of guide, as per dmnddgs' suggestion, as to what constitutes an offensive name.  I can also see how that would be pretty difficult to come up with, but then who has the final say, and on what grounds?  

    My original name was a proper name, not a description of anything offensive, and had absolutely no historical reference of that nature either.  I think it was rubbish that people (how many, btw?) complained in the first place.  They could've asked me about it in IM. 

    And LOL @ Saucelah!
    Posted 13 months ago by Inéo Subscriber! | Permalink
  • It's also a city in Ohio and you had it prior to the controversy. I understand why they asked you to consider a different name, but this strikes me as "offensensitivity".
    Posted 13 months ago by ✰ Lorelei ✰ Subscriber! | Permalink
  • And when everyone gets over their tender hurt feelings, you should be allowed to change your name back with no penalty and no questions asked.
    Posted 13 months ago by Berry Goode Subscriber! | Permalink
  • They could've asked me about it in IM

    I agree Inéo.  But it is funny that, in what some consider to be a more enlightened age, how many people will jump to conclusions on the most flimsy of pretexts.

    My partner is South African.  I can't tell you how many people IRL have out right challenged me on how I could possibly be associated with a person that is from a known racist society.  Did they ask me what my partner did when he lived in South Africa? No.  Did they ask who he associated with in South Africa?  No.  But seemingly it is o.k. for them to assume he is some kind of evil racist because he happens to be South African.  I haven't told you anything about him, except that he is South African.  Do you think he is racist?

    Inéo, clearly I am not asking you this question in particular, but just highlighting how easy it is to jump to conclusions without doing a bit of due diligence first.  I get asked all the time what my Glitch name means.  I have asked others the same question.  Maybe we have become used to a society where it is easier to reach out to authority than to each other.  Perhaps your name (compared to mine) scared someone so much that it was easier to cry foul to someone else, rather than to you directly.  I dread to think that David Bowie will approach Tiny Speck and tell them that he finds my name offensive - lol.  But it might happen, you just never know....

    dd
    Posted 13 months ago by dmnddgs Subscriber! | Permalink
  • Thanks for the perspective, dd.  It's a pity the "authority" in this case was after the simplest resolution rather than mediation.
    Posted 13 months ago by Inéo Subscriber! | Permalink
  • Pedo Murderface - please add me to your friends list. I remember you, from school.
    Posted 13 months ago by Slippy (Throb) Subscriber! | Permalink
  • Rini - your point about words is the same thing I say a lot when issues with names or other words are raised!
    Posted 13 months ago by The Rogueling Subscriber! | Permalink
  • This is just wrong!  it would have taken only a few moments for someone at TS to do a quick google search and compare to your character to realize that your name preceded the criminal events... IMO the proper response to people getting their knickers bunched up over this sort of thing... "get over it and stop assuming everyone is TRYING to offend you"
    Posted 13 months ago by Syruss Subscriber! | Permalink
  • I think it's crazy that you had to change your name.  Ridiculous.
    Posted 13 months ago by Poppy of Detwoit Subscriber! | Permalink
  • yeah, that's kinda absurd. there is at least one player named Michael Jackson, and beyond the accusations slung at the much-maligned dead pop star, there is a guy with this name in the UK who recently got caught with a kid chained up in his basement. so obviously this player should change his name right? :P
    Posted 13 months ago by katlazam Subscriber! | Permalink
  • If it was a first/Christian name, it is quite the leap to associate it with someone who is topical in the news. If I choose the name Dick, am I referring to Dick Cheney, Dick Van Dyke, Dick Clark, or Dick Armey?

    If it is a last name, what's the policy here? Avoiding controversy by avoiding names-in-the-news? Or is 'Nixon' forbidden because President Richard M. Nixon was impeached for his involvement in Watergate? (Which would be sad, because actress/singer Marni Nixon is known for singing the part of Snow White, as well as Maria in West Side Story.)

    I am familiar with games that have a no-celebrities/newsworthy names, as well as a must-change policy. There's always a chance that someone simply didn't know, but other times where people just go crazy on Google and start spamming celebrity names for laughs. Someone's always going to walk in the door and choose Adolf Hitler as a name.

    In the absence of proof that the name is intended to offend or provoke, a check of the date-of-creation would settle when the character was created should suffice.
    Posted 13 months ago by TK-855 Subscriber! | Permalink
  • We feel this case is unjust when we know the details, but let's face it, we all make assumptions every day; we couldn't get by without them else we'd be swamped in details and ambiguities. If I see said name run by me, I don't spend a lot of time thinking about it, I come to a quick conclusion. No, it's not fair and it's not respectful, but that's the way it is.

    Tiny Speck has to deal with practicalities. Apply the fool-in-a-hurry rule. If the fool thinks so, then there's going to be trouble.

    [edited for clarity]
    Posted 13 months ago by Stewbert Subscriber! | Permalink
  • I agree that this forced change was unwarranted.

    Glitch is a game about playing the way you want to play, and respecting others. I don't see how this name violated either of those guidelines.

    If this name was being combined with other poor actions (eg: making jokes relating to this criminal's actions) that'd be different. Yet, from what I've read, that wasn't even remotely the case.

    If TS wanted to alert the person that they might want to change their name, and the reasons why, but it was totally left up to the user to choose... I would have totally respected that.
    Posted 13 months ago by ✦ SHI∇IΔΠ ✦ Subscriber! | Permalink
  • Some American moderators can be pretty stupid when it comes to the English language.

    if an innocent word contains an offensive word, they ban you. then if you prove to them its a legit word and you have a legit reason for using it, they say your just using so you can have an offensive word in your name.

    I've been using the handle of sn1gger since the day I got the internet, and it does get boring having to explain that the word snigger is the same as snicker, just used in the UK more. My mum always used to say to me "stop sniggering" and the nickname stuck. the offensive word it contains IS purely coincidence and most UK mods are fine with it, but ofc Americans refuse to accept that their "American" language came AFTER the English language.

    I've had troubles for saying I am from the town of Scunthorpe too, because it contains the word Cunt. just sad really. I don't think you should be allowed to moderate on a world stage environment that speaks predominantly English, without a qualification in English. 
    Posted 13 months ago by psibertus Subscriber! | Permalink
  • I saw you in-game recently and did think the name was tasteless.  (I'd never seen you before the news, or perhaps I just didn't know his name before the news?)  I certainly didn't find it reportable-offensive but I wouldn't have interacted with you - I figured you were a frat guy who thought child rape was funny.  Now I feel bad for jumping to that conclusion.  And at least on first reflection I *don't* think, myself, that you should've had to change it.  On the other hand, I guess if TS alert you that a lot of people are reporting you for abuse, but don't require any action on your part, that doesn't leave them anywhere to go later.  So while I don't personally side with it, I can see how institutionally it may have seemed like the best solution.   In any case, I'm sorry for misjudging you.
    Posted 13 months ago by oscarette Subscriber! | Permalink
  • I'm sorry Stewbert, but "if the fool thinks so" then the fool needs to get over it.

    consider... What if I found Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert offensive? "Stewbert" is commonly used as Short term for the hour of television featuring The Daily Show and the Colbert Report.... would we just call me a fool for being offended? or would we call me a fool and then force you to change your name?
    Posted 13 months ago by Syruss Subscriber! | Permalink
  • Heh, the comments about words being mistaken due to ignorance reminds me of the time I used the word "masticate" in school and a female classmate burst into a giggling fit.  There's nothing patently amusing about chewing but I can imagine what she thought I'd said.  

    Oscarette, appreciate your apology. :)
    Posted 13 months ago by Inéo Subscriber! | Permalink
  • Syruss:
    I'm  not talking about what's right for the individual, but rather about policy. Tiny Speck will surely face similar circumstances in the future. They need a clear policy. I draw the the concept of a fool in a hurry from trademark case law.
    Posted 13 months ago by Stewbert Subscriber! | Permalink
  • Stewbert, I agree with you about the inevitability of these "snap judgements", but when it goes to the extent of reporting someone to authority with the expectation that action will be taken, and then that person having the action essentially demanded of them, that's something else, I feel.  Within this context, I mean.  Feel free to call the cops on the shady guy loitering behind your neighbour's house.

    As to knowing the "facts of the case", it seems to me that these facts would be available had I actually been asked before judgement was passed, and that it was the admin's job to seek clarification.  
    Posted 13 months ago by Inéo Subscriber! | Permalink
  • This topic is odd, so I guess I'll say something I suppose.

    In a case like this isn't the simplest course of action the most likely to be taken?
    That is to say that if several people, assuming it is several, in this case we know it is, state that they find a name offensive, assuming they actually did find if offensive, then the easiest thing would be to remove the name as opposed to defend it.
    Likewise in the reverse, it would be easier to defend a name that several people claim to be offensive when said name is not obviously offensive by simply pointing out the ridiculousness of the matter. However, if such an action, or similar actions, cannot be applied to such a case then defending a name becomes far more work than removing it.

    Food for thought I suppose.

    As for any actual opinion as to who is right and who is wrong I'll stick to my usual and say "why does it matter?"
    Posted 13 months ago by Jay Kitty Subscriber! | Permalink
  • Of course, that would mean that virtually every name here would be found offensive by somebody and disallowed. I guess we could all adopt the names of primary colors as our names. Who wants to be Red? I dibs Blue. Or I suppose we could all just be numbers.
    Posted 13 months ago by Parrow Gnolle Subscriber! | Permalink
  • I find the number 69 offensive. Feels safer to go with 71, even if it means a thumb is involved.

    and yes I am kidding :)
    Posted 13 months ago by psibertus Subscriber! | Permalink
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