Regarding the phrase "gelfs"

[TheHypnotoad]

"gelfs" or "gay elves" . For those who might not understand why this phrase may offend some people, let me put it into perspective. When going into war, and saying things like, "Lets kill the gelfs!" is like charging into war saying "Lets kill the belfs (black elves) or lets kill the jelfs (jewish elves). I don't understand why such discriminatory language is so widely accepted in the realms of Alsius and Ignis. Gay people (as hilarious as you might find it) do exist, and fight for realms too, and I do not think its too much to ask to be able to play the game without being used as an insult, or a joke at best.

[Arafails]

Most of the homosexuals I know would probably use it more than anyone else.

[Gideon_Slack]

[thread dup]

[Vythica]

Most of the homosexuals I know would probably use it more than anyone else.


So? Doe that make it right? I agree with OP and have for a long time. Every time I hear it used I say something. NGD, you should seriously consider making it a bannable offense, because it does look like you're just ok with homophobic behaviour. I know myself have reported people personally for it, but it goes unpunished. Shame on people for being so hateful in 2010.

[Raideniza]

"gelfs" or "gay elves" . For those who might not understand why this phrase may offend some people, let me put it into perspective. When going into war, and saying things like, "Lets kill the gelfs!" is like charging into war saying "Lets kill the belfs (black elves) or lets kill the jelfs (jewish elves). I don't understand why such discriminatory language is so widely accepted in the realms of Alsius and Ignis. Gay people (as hilarious as you might find it) do exist, and fight for realms too, and I do not think its too much to ask to be able to play the game without being used as an insult, or a joke at best.

So... you're an undercover homo patrol, aren't you? Otherwise you wouldn't be making a discrimination issue where there is none.

Here, for your viewing pleasure: http://www.youtube.com/watch#!v=WweWwVqPqks

[Dannboy]

Welcome to the internet, I guess.

[Pizdzius]

Hey, I'm gay and I don't give a fuck about this "gelf" thing :P

[Inkster]

Hey, I'm gay and I don't give a fuck about this "gelf" thing :P



I love you dude

[veluchami]

"gelfs" or "gay elves" . For those who might not understand why this phrase may offend some people, let me put it into perspective. When going into war, and saying things like, "Lets kill the gelfs!" is like charging into war saying "Lets kill the belfs (black elves) or lets kill the jelfs (jewish elves). I don't understand why such discriminatory language is so widely accepted in the realms of Alsius and Ignis. Gay people (as hilarious as you might find it) do exist, and fight for realms too, and I do not think its too much to ask to be able to play the game without being used as an insult, or a joke at best.

Hmm, I am guilty(?) of using the term too. Lets see... I have always wondered why people call the syrtis gelfs and not Ignis. After all we are elves too. I thought 'that' gay has nothing to do with the the term gelfs. Just like fuck has a lot of meanings (fucked up means messed up and not having a lot of sex), gay has a lot of meanings too. For example if you do something really lame people say 'Dude, thats so gay' Although this is immature, it is the way it is. Gay=lame (Yes it originates from homophobia. But, like it or not its how it is). Thats the context we use the word here when we say gelfs. (Atleast me) Besides 'Gay' is an accepted term in the Gay community afaik. If a section of people exist in society then they will definitely have a name. It beats me how calling them by that name becomes an offence. A word like 'fag' would be taken as an offence but not 'gay'.

I did a bit of googling and found that this notion of elves being gay comes from Wow. Tbh, the wood elves do look a bit feminine and since feminity is a trait of many gay men, I think elves got to be associated with it. Also there is a lot of literature from capitalistic groups associating PETA, green activists as being Gay. They just try to play on society's homophobia to protect their interests (meat farms, timber logging etc) But today it is 'cool' to be a green activist or to be in PETA. Again, having notions of protecting trees and helping animals need a soft heart, feminity if I may call it, hence them being called Gay. Since syrtis is green and beautiful, and is as such appealing to feminity , people who chose Syrtis (despite the big gold/exp bonus in the other two realms) are generally associated to being Gay (in a sense, one who has a soft heart). In fact, in this context, I guess it is a compliment to be called a gelf :p. So be proud to be called gelfs by us !

[UmarilsStillHere]

...

Thats so awesome :p

[veluchami]

Thats so awesome :p

Seeeee? Call them gay in a nice way.. they will love you :angel2:

[Mattdoesrock]

Also gay means happy... In a 1920's sort of sense.

So it could be construed as a complement. ;)

[UmarilsStillHere]

Seeeee? Call them gay in a nice way.. they will love you :angel2:

Well we are gay, in a happy way (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lVrrtoY--Bk) ;)

[Godot]

Gee, I thought my trolls were /fail. This ones got me beat hands down.
:clapclap:

[veluchami]

Gee, I thought my trolls were /fail. This ones got me beat hands down.
:clapclap:

dammit ! :p This thread had such potential.. :rale:

- Your troll next door - :orc:

[_dracus_]

Calling elfs gay is a tradition among role players. Is it good or not, maybe not so much, however I'm not sure it is to mock gay people but more to mock elfs with cliché of gay people.

I know why I use the term, it's because it's easier than describing the cliché itself.

[blood-raven]

i realy don't care what people call us, as long they don't mean it, we cal ignis pigs to, but there is no offence in it, so aslong as there is no intension of peronally harm someone, i think we should let it be.

regards

[Pizdzius]

Now let's all have a tree orgy and be nice

[Shiriki]

It's simple: people thinks that the elves look gay because of their style, people hates gays, so people say 'gay' to their enemies.

What Veluchami says is completely right. Without all the testosterone of a straight guy, gays can think better, and have softer hearts, and as such, they can be even better persons.
Maybe that's because we dark elves aren't called 'gelfs', because we are 'dark', 'not good', 'not gay'. Anyways... I didn't pick a dark elf because of it's darkness, but because of it's style ^^

Also some people may see homosexuality as a sin. WRONG! being gay doesn't have to be sinful. Nothing says we can't love a man as we love a woman.

The lesson: Being gay is good :p


Ps: metrosexual doesn't mean gay...

[Shiriki]

Now let's all have a tree orgy and be nice

Now... that sounded as the stereotype that gays only think of sex....

[Arafails]

Now... that heard as the stereotype that people only think of sex....

Corrected.

BTW, Leviticus 18:22, 20:13, if you're interested in where it is written that homosexuality is a sin. Curiously enough, between those verses it is also written than tattoos are a sin, and that is it a sin to wear wool/linen blends. Also, sustainable agriculture is a sin. And eating fruit off a tree before its fourth year.
In fact, if you read through Leviticus, you might get the impression that you're only just sinning if you sit still, facing a wall, with your eye closed, thinking "praise the Lord" repeatedly, and even then, only on a Saturday. All other times and activities will condemn you.

[Anyriand]

Imagine how ridiculous it would be if someone from alsius made a thread complaining about the fact that we're called goats...
Goats are irrational animals, we could find being compared to them to be offensive in so many ways...

On a second approach:
http://www.sustainabilityninja.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/google-goats.jpg
...goats are just way too cute for anyone to think like that!! :angel1:

[Arafails]

Actually it's my considered opinion that goats are highly rational, and largely apathetic. If you piss one off, it's your own fault.

[TehCurt]

i saw a baby goat once......
and once its and my eyes met.....





they have no soul >.>

[WhateverUSMC]

Corrected.

BTW, Leviticus 18:22, 20:13, if you're interested in where it is written that homosexuality is a sin. Curiously enough, between those verses it is also written than tattoos are a sin, and that is it a sin to wear wool/linen blends. Also, sustainable agriculture is a sin. And eating fruit off a tree before its fourth year.
In fact, if you read through Leviticus, you might get the impression that you're only just sinning if you sit still, facing a wall, with your eye closed, thinking "praise the Lord" repeatedly, and even then, only on a Saturday. All other times and activities will condemn you.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eD52OlkKfNs

Something that I thought might contribute to what you've laid out here...

[Kyrottimus]

"So long as the Free Will of one is not trampled upon, repressed or made victim by the Free Will of another, then as Free Will it should remain untainted. Live and let live. Consenting, non-victimizing Free Will should direct the course of our lives, not dogma, decrees or edicts." -- Rough Paraphrase from my deceased Grandfather...for which I happen to agree whole-heartedly.

That being said, people have a right to be proud of who they are, and how they live so long as they do not force it upon the unwilling or harm anyone with it. Still, some people don't like having things rubbed in their faces.

But perhaps one extreme causes another. In that regard, I humbly mind my own business and will continue to use the phrase "gelf" because I don't care if people take it as "gay elf" or "green elf" because it doesn't seem to matter what my initial perception was/is (which was green elf). I'm not going to take my time to explain my words to every single person who may take them out of context. It's not worth my time.

If people look hard enough they'll find any sentence or phrase to be insulting to some sub-group or culture.

I haven't the tongue for sensitivity, but I do have the skin for insult; I would hope more people would quit being so easily offended, stand tall and proud of who you are in spite of words and in defiance of ignorance.


Remember how Trolls are born...people who find entertainment in the knee-jerk reaction of others to their contentious, aggressive words. Don't feed the Trolls who insult you. Ignore them, don't even acknowledge their existence, and they move on.

[Gideon_Slack]

[I]

[...]

That being said, people have a right to be proud of who they are, and how they live so long as they do not force it upon the unwilling or harm anyone with it. Still, some people don't like having things rubbed in their faces.

But perhaps one extreme causes another. In that regard, I humbly mind my own business and will continue to use the phrase "gelf" because I don't care if people take it as "gay elf" or "green elf"

[...]



You're not following your own self-professed code of conduct. You say people should do what they like, except:

1) "so long as they do not force it upon the unwilling or harm anyone with it."

2) "Still, some people don't like having things rubbed in their faces."

But you are doing exactly that.

1) You are forcing a phrase "gelf" that it has been largely agreed upon has homophobic roots (however it might be perceived now, which is disputed) on all those playing the game with you in your realm.

And you are harming some gay people playing the game, who have to endure other insults in their daily lives. Why should they also be insulted when they log into Regnum?

2) "People don't like having things rubbed in their faces." Yet, you state flat out that you will continue to rub the phrase "gelf" in the faces of those who take it as an insult, and don't want to hear it.

Don't you think you are being a hypocrite?

[Kyrottimus]

You're not following your own self-professed code of conduct. You say people should do what they like, except:

1) "so long as they do not force it upon the unwilling or harm anyone with it."

2) "Still, some people don't like having things rubbed in their faces."

But you are doing exactly that.

1) You are forcing a phrase "gelf" that it has been largely agreed upon has homophobic roots (however it might be perceived now, which is disputed) on all those playing the game with you in your realm.

And you are harming some gay people playing the game, who have to endure other insults in their daily lives. Why should they also be insulted when they log into Regnum?

2) "People don't like having things rubbed in their faces." Yet, you state flat out that you will continue to rub the phrase "gelf" in the faces of those who take it as an insult, and don't want to hear it.

Don't you think you are being a hypocrite?

No, your logic is fallacious.


1) You are forcing a phrase "gelf" that it has been largely agreed upon has homophobic roots (however it might be perceived now, which is disputed) on all those playing the game with you in your realm.

Agreed upon by whom? I didn't get the memo or petition regarding the solidarity of the RO community regarding this phrase's intent in entirety.

For the record, I don't have a problem with gay people, as they exercise their Free Will to live their lives as they see fit. So long as anyone (gay or straight) does not attempt to corral, contain, censor or repress another for thinking/speaking differently, I have no problem with them.


And you are harming some gay people playing the game, who have to endure other insults in their daily lives. Why should they also be insulted when they log into Regnum?

Are you living in reality? Everyone endures insults in their daily lives. Some more than others. Temperance of one's character reflects this and those of integrity rise above it.

2) "People don't like having things rubbed in their faces." Yet, you state flat out that you will continue to rub the phrase "gelf" in the faces of those who take it as an insult, and don't want to hear it.

Don't you think you are being a hypocrite?

By your logic, if I tuned into a nature program talking about "frogs," the entire French population would thus be insulted.

I'm not forcing anyone how to take my words, I'm simply saying I won't custom-tailor my free will to make everyone happy. To do so would compromise my integrity, as flawed as it (and everyone else's) is. If someone takes it one way, that's their own perception.

I'm not saying something and then saying "This is what I mean, and this is how you have to take it or you ARE WRONG!" or "Your opinion is WRONG for differing from my own!" (which is rubbing some belief in someone's face).

And nothing we say is purely harmless. That line of thought is the epitome of naivete and ignorance. Human nature has proven time and time again that this sort of level of "political correctness" is a pipe-dream. How one perceives words, meaning and intent is entirely up to the one receiving the words.

Unless the one speaking outlines the caveat, forcing his subjective onto others, then it becomes harmful. But respecting the DIFFERENCES in opinion and the ability to exercise those is truly inspiring.

I'm not forcing anything on anyone. I say how I feel, with no intent to harm anyone. Perceptions are purely subjective, and yours obviously rings of personal feelings regarding this matter. I try to remove the emotional element from things before I can fully understand the objectivity of it. It's not easy because so many people are so emotionally connected to so many issues in which they believe strongly.

I'm not rubbing anything in anyone's face. I'm using a phrase which may or may not offend people. I would not try to make anyone else feel guilty for saying something which may offend me even though they were unaware of it (or even if they were). Water off the back of a duck.

So many words have so many alternate, negative connotations, I don't have time or will to apply tact to every word.

I use the term "gelf" or "gelfs"because in game it's far easier to type than "Syrtians" or "Green Elves" or "Wood Elves" or whatever. I also use the term Greens, but that could also aliken them to those of the Green Party, and that connotation may be offensive to them :rolleyes:

People speak and people listen. We all have our own views and opinions, and in the words of Voltaire, "I may not agree with what you say, but I shall defend to my death your right to say it."

To try to censor, repress or otherwise contain/control the freedom of speech and expression, in any format, is the tool of a fascist.

[Mrreality13]

lolz whats next some one saying calling goats midgets is wrong? :cuac:gelfs-midgets- this is a game who really cares:cuac:

[Kyrottimus]

One more thing, I think more people should grow a backbone and/or a sense of humor.

I had to laugh at this video (http://www.collegehumor.com/video:1907543) because it highlights the absurdity of it all. One cannot go to youtube or many other sites without running into so many intentionally hostile comments; but for me it's really just a source of humored pity on their account, not rage or sense of being offended on my own.

[Gideon_Slack]

One more thing, I think more people should grow a backbone and/or a sense of humor.


I heard someone make a joke about Jews in realm chat about two weeks ago.

Someone objected to this joke, which used anti-Semitic stereotypes.

Should Jew jokes (along with "gelf" and gay as an insult) remain uncensored in Regnum?

Or was the person who objected in the wrong because he lacked a backbone or sense of humour?

[Shiriki]

Now... that heard as the stereotype that people only think of sex....
I know that better than anyone. I referred to the hypocrite steoreotype many have in hteir minds. I never said that I think gays are like that... that's why Piz comment surprised me...

BTW, Leviticus 18:22, 20:13, if you're interested in where it is written that homosexuality is a sin. Curiously enough, between those verses it is also written than tattoos are a sin, and that is it a sin to wear wool/linen blends. Also, sustainable agriculture is a sin. And eating fruit off a tree before its fourth year.....
Exactly. That's the old testament, that isn't applied now. That's why I like to think that Now, being gay is OK ^^

Goats are irrational animals, we could find being compared to them to be offensive in so many ways...
Well, I find 'goat' a complishment, goats are more intelligent than many humans I've met...

[Kyrottimus]

I heard someone make a joke about Jews in realm chat about two weeks ago.

Someone objected to this joke, which used anti-Semitic stereotypes.

Should Jew jokes (along with "gelf" and gay as an insult) remain uncensored in Regnum?

Or was the person who objected in the wrong because he lacked a backbone or sense of humour?

I fail to see the connection between using a single word, which could have several perceived connotations, and is purely subjective, vs. someone saying directly hateful, intentionally harmful sentences, phrases or jokes intended to either troll other players or just be downright mean, which in every literal and technical sense would not be taken any other way.

Sure, there are varying degrees of directness, and some people choose to be hostile in a more subtle manner, while others more blunt about it. I still fail to see how someone using a vague word without intended direct hostility can be lumped in with someone intending on causing a negative response.

In either case, I chose to /ignore at will, but before I do, I have a good laugh at the expense of whomever the pitiful, ignorant fool is spewing such vile vitriol.

Well, I find 'goat' a complishment, goats are more intelligent than many humans I've met...

Huge +1 xD

Plus, goats have like 4 stomachs. Last time I checked, 4 > 1.....take that human race!!!

[Gideon_Slack]

[...]

I fail to see the connection between using a single word, which could have several perceived connotations, and is purely subjective, vs. someone saying directly hateful, intentionally harmful sentences, phrases or jokes intended to either troll other players or just be downright mean, which in every literal and technical sense would not be taken any other way.

[...]



In Regnum realm chat we have heard:

A) Jokes about Jews that invoke anti-Semitic stereotypes.

B) Words that invoke homophobic stereotypes about gay men (effeminate "gay elf" = gelf).

Why is A) bad and B) okay?

As far as I can tell, your criteria is intent of the person speaking.

But why is the intent of someone telling a Jew joke self-evident, while the intent of someone using a gay stereotype is not?

In fact, neither is, unless you're a mind-reader. All we have is the word of the person using the gay stereotype that they are not being hateful.

And why should we believe them anymore than the Jew joke teller who says he is not a racist?

[Kyrottimus]

In Regnum realm chat we have heard:

A) Jokes about Jews that invoke anti-Semitic stereotypes.

B) Words that invoke homophobic stereotypes about gay men (effeminate "gay elf" = gelf).

Why is A) bad and B) okay?

As far as I can tell, your criteria is intent of the person speaking.

But why is the intent of someone telling a Jew joke self-evident, while the intent of someone using a gay stereotype is not?

In fact, neither is, unless you're a mind-reader. All we have is the word of the person using the gay stereotype that they are not being hateful.

And why should we believe them anymore than the Jew joke teller who says he is not a racist?

Initially, though perhaps through misconstrued understanding, I perceived "gelf" to mean "green elf" (as opposed to red elf or "relf" from ignis). I'm sure "relf" will eventually be made into something derisive like "retarded elf" and then that's a whole other bag of worms that'll piss someone off, even if I was only saying "red elf" in a contraction.

I'll continue to use the word because that's how I intend it. If someone perceives it differently, then they perhaps are looking for something to be sensitive about. Telling a racist joke with a direct punchline does not leave much room for interpretation or subjective vagueness. One is a statement to be hostile, the other is just a word.

Whether I was wrong or not, this word is open to interpretation, because like it or not, "gelf" has more than one meaning in the grand RO lexicon.

And even if "gelf" means "gay elf", "gay" as a word has been around for centuries in Anglo-dialects to mean happy, joyous, jovial, etc. One might infer that Syrtis' architecture reflects a happy and esthetically uplifting theme, which may have more reason to apply for old-meaning "gay" than to elves who kill with bows / arrows and deadly magic (which does not sound very effeminate to me). Should one be so inclined, we can derive a myriad of meanings from such an old word.

[Arafails]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eD52OlkKfNs

Something that I thought might contribute to what you've laid out here...

Can't say I've ever watched "The West Wing" terribly much, but that is pure awesome hilarity.

@Shinken: Actually, Leviticus is not just a book of the Old Testament, it is one of the Torah, and so its contents can be considered as applicable to all Judaic religions (there are some differences in the Qu'ran, but these are largely considered as interpretive differences in transliteration, and the parts cited hold across both anyway), which accounts for a majority proportion of the "Western" world, and a not insignificant slice of the rest. Of course, to the validity of it all, it is hard for us to understand how the many seemingly contradictory parts of these holy books can be applied in the age of reason.

[UmarilsStillHere]

Find me a group of gay players using an elf who acctualy take offence to the phrase 'gelf' and this thread will gain some sort of impact.

Anyone who is gay and secure in their sexuality wont care if they get called a gelf, after all they are gay, they are playing a realm full of elfs, so what?

Anyone who isnt gay and gets offended by being called 'gelf' needs to take a quick reality check, they are not using the phrase to insinuate that you are gay any more than that you are in fact an elf. Its just a nick name/steryotype for the realm, you see the same steryotypes IRL Americans are fat, Irish are drunkards, French have an unhelathy obbsession with bread etc...

Im tall, I dont get angry at people calling me lofty, shorty, what ever you need to be able to laugh at yourself.

Bottem line for me is if you cant take being called a jokey name in a MMO then you must have real issues IRL, grow a pair and get over it.

[Arafails]

Umaril, you have really strong opinions on people having stupid opinions, don't you?

I have to agree though. In my opinion, the only people who could possibly be offended by the term "gay elf" are not only homophobic but also insecure of their own sexuality.

[UmarilsStillHere]

Umaril, you have really strong opinions on people having stupid opinions, don't you?


Pretty much,

Its just a silly name, there no intended harm attatched to it so anyone taking offence is getting worked up over 'insults' that they are creating themselfs.

We call Alsians Goats, dosnt mean we literaly mean they are all 4 legged farm animals.

I do get annoyed when people take every day things and try to wrap them up in 'political correctness' incase it offends some insecure guy somewhere, 'censoring' something a trivial as this would be like banning chants at Football matches.

[Pizdzius]

I never said that I think gays are like that... that's why Piz comment surprised me...


Try to recognise a joke :P

The thing is, I'm really surprised someone actually got upset about the gelf phrase :P IF gay people don't mind, then why bother to talk about it? Nobody is harmed! It's just a game language, not a parade against gay, jews or black people. Chill out.

[Kyrottimus]

Pretty much,

Its just a silly name, there no intended harm attatched to it so anyone taking offence is getting worked up over 'insults' that they are creating themselfs.

We call Alsians Goats, dosnt mean we literaly mean they are all 4 legged farm animals.

I do get annoyed when people take every day things and try to wrap them up in 'political correctness' incase it offends some insecure guy somewhere, 'censoring' something a trivial as this would be like banning chants at Football matches.

+1 :clapclap: :D :thumb_up: (+1 to Arafails as well)

oh and...

The thing is, I'm really surprised someone actually got upset about the gelf phrase :P IF gay people don't mind, then why bother to talk about it? Nobody is harmed! It's just a game language, not a parade against gay, jews or black people. Chill out.

Another big +1

[Gideon_Slack]

Try to recognise a joke :P

The thing is, I'm really surprised someone actually got upset about the gelf phrase :P IF gay people don't mind, then why bother to talk about it? Nobody is harmed! It's just a game language, not a parade against gay, jews or black people. Chill out.

The original poster who said he found the term gelf insulting did not state his sexual orientation, but implied that he was gay:


I don't understand why such discriminatory language is so widely accepted in the realms of Alsius and Ignis. Gay people (as hilarious as you might find it) do exist, and fight for realms too, and I do not think its too much to ask to be able to play the game without being used as an insult, or a joke at best.


There is also the larger issue of language derogatory to gays beyond the term gelf.

About once a week on Horus you can hear someone use the term f*gg*t in realm or general chat. Then there is the much more common use of gay to mean "loser" or "crappy".

How is a new player supposed to differentiate gelf from the contiuum of other homophobic speech he might hear?

[Pizdzius]

So shall we make a poll among gay people what language can we use?
How ridiculous can it get?
I am gay too. As far as I am concerned, I don't CARE. ITS MY OWN PERSONAL BUSINESS. I know what language there is around world and I don't give a holy crap about it. I don't give a fuck if people tell jokes about polish people, either! I LAUGH cause they're FUNNY.
What the hell, man? There are gay people who unfortunately worked their asses hard on the status people pin to us now. Feminine looks, faggots, fashion sense, rainbows and teapot pose. THERE WILL ALWAYS BE LIKE THAT so why bother? Syrtis DOES look gay, but in all possible meanings. Looks happy, looks feminine, looks queer, looks lame. I admit, I HATE the gay chicken that's our mount :P

What we do in our bedrooms is our personal matter and saying GAY ELVES in a MMO game doesn't touch our sex life, does it?

What, are gay people the only ones that can use "gay" word? Mass hysteria and political correction is what I hate the most. And that's why I am ashamed of being gay, cause if I tell that to people, they always see me like a typical queer. I can't help it tho, I can only shrug and say I DONT CARE.


So, to sum it up, a drama queen who's crying to stop using phrase gelf, try to imagine it's green elf. Now, better?


DISTANCE.

[Pizdzius]

oh. And when I hunt, as rarely as it happens, I say tomatoes and cabras :P before it was smurfs and ketchup! that was fun.

[mr_scsi]

So, to sum it up, a drama queen who's crying to stop using phrase gelf, try to imagine it's green elf. Now, better?


HAHAHA Piz this made me suddenly think about 'Leave Britney alone (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kHmvkRoEowc)':lol:

[Arafails]

Iiiiiit's a PIZSPLOSION! :D

[Shiriki]

Try to recognise a joke :P
I thought so... anyway I didn't care, I would have still gave you a giant hug! (if you weren't like 5000km away ^^)

What, are gay people the only ones that can use "gay" word? Mass hysteria and political correction is what I hate the most. And that's why I am ashamed of being gay, cause if I tell that to people, they always see me like a typical queer. I can't help it tho, I can only shrug and say I DONT CARE.
And that's one of the better things I heard. Perfectly said.
But dude... you really exploded xD

[Pizdzius]

cause I get furious when somebody's doing drama rama out of some shitty reason. xD

[Kittypretty]

I'm offended by this thread :cuac:

[Kyrottimus]

cause I get furious when somebody's doing drama rama out of some shitty reason. xD

+1

People can be mean, it's true, but most pragmatists shrug it off, move on with things rather than pulling a:

http://www.esquire.com/cm/esquire/images/big-temper-0309-lg-58824159.jpg

...over every little potentially contentious thing.

[Gideon_Slack]

+1

People can be mean, it's true, but most pragmatists shrug it off, move on with things rather than pulling a:

http://www.esquire.com/cm/esquire/images/big-temper-0309-lg-58824159.jpg

...over every little potentially contentious thing.

Watch this video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6alOnuN-wCY) and honestly tell me: is it okay for someone to be subjected to that kind of abuse in a video game?

[Yttrium]

I haven't the tongue for sensitivity, but I do have the skin for insult; I would hope more people would quit being so easily offended, stand tall and proud of who you are in spite of words and in defiance of ignorance.

I think you're missing the point. Are you saying that since you have thick skin and you are impervious to insulting language, everyone should just adopt your strategy and be like you?

The point is that when people use the word gay to mean bad and it goes unchallenged, it implies that the group accepts that gay equals bad. For any gay people listening in, this is not very welcoming.

You haven't the tongue for sensitivity? To me, that sounds like you can't be bothered to consider changing one word of your vocabulary to spare the feelings of a large number of people. Does that mean you are lazy, uncaring or both?

http://www.wikihow.com/Stop-Using-the-Word-"Gay"-Inappropriately

[Arafails]

Sweet, let's stop using the word "gay" inappropriately. It means joyous. "Gay elves" are simply very happy. Yay.

[Kyrottimus]

I think you're missing the point. Are you saying that since you have thick skin and you are impervious to insulting language, everyone should just adopt your strategy and be like you?

No. I'm simply suggesting that they adapt. That's what all organisms do to survive and function to their environment, right? Fight or flight? Adaptive radiation....Darwinian and Wallaceonian schools of traits and their applicability to their environments and so forth. Strong people tend to persevere in spite of hardships. This is part of the human condition.

And I think bullies should be stood against and if possible dissuaded and/or punished if they go too far. But the last thing we need is the thought police running around, trying to force a perception which does not apply to everyone's thinking patterns when people are not specifically trying to intimidate or be mean to anyone.

Food for thought: The word "Government" is rooted from the Latin governus mente, or "to control the mind."

You haven't the tongue for sensitivity? To me, that sounds like you can't be bothered to consider changing one word of your vocabulary to spare the feelings of a large number of people. Does that mean you are lazy, uncaring or both?

A little of both maybe, but I'd lean closer to uncompromising than anything. With a name like "cugel" (it's spelled "cudgel," btw), I figured you'd be a little more accommodating to someone as blunt as myself.

My point is that I am not looking to insult anyone, but if by my passive speech I somehow do it, my bad, but seriously this world will never be some sort of utopia where everyone holds hands and sings Kumbaya around campfires. People can try to change, and if they do, good on them. I'm aware that some things are considered taboo, newly or otherwise. But seriously, "gelf"? Much ado about nothing.

I don't go looking to harm anyone but I'm not about to be made guilty for having a colloquial preference in my speech or opinions. Take it or leave it, but there are a lot more like me in this word. I am not looking to harm anyone but I'm not very politically correct either (good thing since I am not a politician nor ever plan on being one--a blessing, really).

For the record, I put myself between a lot of bullies and their targets while growing up, so I've had my share of being targeted by them (which is a foregone conclusion when standing up to them). There is a difference between people looking to harm others, and those in passing conversation with no such intention.

Words can hurt, this I agree, but if someone is looking to hurt others it's not too hard to press the right buttons. But some people honestly aren't thinking hostilely while speaking and should not be made guilty for a non-intentional word or phrase which a few might take out of context or intent which has other context or intent.

It's the same with the motherboard / mainboard argument; like the word "motherboard" is somehow sexist or derogatory. Personally I hold the position of mothers to be a coveted and sacred one.

It all boils down to thinking how everyone wishes; after all, that is what Free Will is. But I'll be damned before I let anyone dictate to me how I should custom-tailor my words; no one else should custom tailor their own. That is the crux of what it means to be uncompromising. If someone doesn't like the words I have to say, /ignore me and go about your business.

I'm not in this life or this game to play popularity contest.

/me shrugs

Watch this video and honestly tell me: is it okay for someone to be subjected to that kind of abuse in a video game?

Mute the player. In the grand scheme I think ALL games should have an /ignore feature. It works for more than just the gay-bashers out there. All of the racists, sexists, et.al can be rendered mute or ignore the player if the game has that option (which all online games should, IMO).

Unfortunately people are mostly cruel, and in real life, in person, there is no /ignore feature. Those kinds of bullies are generally best handled differently, but I leave it up to each individual to STAND UP FOR THEMSELVES as any person, of any walk of life, should do. That's dignity. That's integrity.

I applaud any and everyone for sharing their opinions, but be warned; you're wasting your breath if any attempt is made to lay a guilt trip upon me or for my stance. You'd best save your breath to cool your porridge.

If anyone thinks they'll lump me in with these bullies or those who condone them, you are sorely mistaken. I've endured worse than mere hostile-intended words, and I'm still here, and still me. If those Neanderthals from my youth couldn't change me, certainly some impromptu intervention / sensitivity seminar won't.

Good day to you sir.

Sweet, let's stop using the word "gay" inappropriately. It means joyous. "Gay elves" are simply very happy. Yay.

"And there was much rejoicing......yay....."
http://www.cardinalfang.net/misc/images/lego/much_rejoicing.jpg

[Arafails]

...
Food for thought: The word "Government" is rooted from the Latin governus mente, or "to control the mind."
...

That's a very strange Latin vocabulary you have there. It contains words that don't exist. I think you'll find that its Latin root is actually "gubernatio" meaning "helm" or "pilot"....

The Latin for "to control the mind" would be "tempero mentis"

[PMP]

Call me naive, but I thought Gelfs is referring to Green Elves as a differentiation to Dark Elves.

[Shiriki]

This is taking a lot of time...
Let's do this:
grelfs: green elves
gaelfs: gay elves

If some straight jerk (that has serious complex with homosexuality) uses the word "gay" as an insult, let's just ignore him.
We all know that everywhere we go, there will always be people like that. Not everybody likes the gays. But that's not a problem! This is a videogame! You can kill him anyways^^

[mr_scsi]

I think this whole thread should be closed, its just gotten sillier. Remember you DON"T have the right to not be offended.


Call me naive, but I thought Gelfs is referring to Green Elves as a differentiation to Dark Elves.


Now, if someone (not me) were sensitive to this sort of thing, this could be way more offensive. People get touchy about a distinction in skin tone. Again, not me. I'm just trying to make my point about how way beyond sane this has gotten.

Can't we all just ignore the small minded idiots and have fun? Live and let live, well unless they are syrtis or alsius then, kill 'em all and let the devs sort them out.

[Hamster_of_sorrow]

Live and let live, well unless they are syrtis or alsius then, kill 'em all and let the devs sort them out.

AMEN to that!!!

[Mbwana]

Live and let live, well unless they are syrtis or ignis then, kill 'em all and let the devs sort them out.

fixed :cuac:

[TheHypnotoad]

Initially, though perhaps through misconstrued understanding, I perceived "gelf" to mean "green elf" (as opposed to red elf or "relf" from ignis). I'm sure "relf" will eventually be made into something derisive like "retarded elf" and then that's a whole other bag of worms that'll piss someone off, even if I was only saying "red elf" in a contraction.

I'll continue to use the word because that's how I intend it. If someone perceives it differently, then they perhaps are looking for something to be sensitive about. Telling a racist joke with a direct punchline does not leave much room for interpretation or subjective vagueness. One is a statement to be hostile, the other is just a word.

Whether I was wrong or not, this word is open to interpretation, because like it or not, "gelf" has more than one meaning in the grand RO lexicon.

And even if "gelf" means "gay elf", "gay" as a word has been around for centuries in Anglo-dialects to mean happy, joyous, jovial, etc. One might infer that Syrtis' architecture reflects a happy and esthetically uplifting theme, which may have more reason to apply for old-meaning "gay" than to elves who kill with bows / arrows and deadly magic (which does not sound very effeminate to me). Should one be so inclined, we can derive a myriad of meanings from such an old word.

Lol, you can't pull the "gay has multiple meanings, I swear they meant happy elves" as we all know exactly what they mean when they say it. To imply that when Ignis and Alsius say "gay elves" they are complimenting our architecture is hilarious.

[_dracus_]

Someone objected to this joke, which used anti-Semitic stereotypes.



Technically speaking jews aren't the only semitic people. It's totally anti-semitic to think jew are the only one :)

[Mashu]

Hey, I'm gay and I don't give a fuck about this "gelf" thing :P

Gelf is the abbreviation from green elf, to distinguish from dark elfs that come from Ignis.
If someone is offended because someone wrote g in front of elf word, that's your problem.
Stop crying about such a absurdity.

[Pizdzius]

Gelf is the abbreviation from green elf, to distinguish from dark elfs that come from Ignis.
If someone is offended because someone wrote g in front of elf word, that's your problem.
Stop crying about such a absurdity.

I am crying? I was just explaining the person that got moved by the "gay" understanding that it's not offending :P

[Shiriki]

I am crying? I was just explaining the person that got moved by the "gay" understanding that it's not offending :P
Unless that person is ashamed of himself in which case it offends him that somebody 'reminds' him he's gay. (I think)

[Godot]

I dont see how we're supposed to distinguish if they are gay or not.
I mean they all look alike. I sort of thought they were all the same sex anyhow.
They all are skinny, flat chested, and dressed in green spandex.
If I wanted to be insulting I'd call them hair dressers or baristas or maybe
even interior decorators.

[ieti]

* ieti is proud to be gelf :P