User Banned for Inappropriate Name Raises Ethical Questions.

So a User with the IGN: SexPositions was banned from the "family friendly" server we know as ImDeity.
That raised a couple questions with me, because I have a somewhat odd name that some may find "offensive". I asked in the in-game chat whether or not a User by the name of "ImHomo" be banned, of course there answer was yes. As a followup question, I asked if a user by the name of "ILoveGod" be banned as well, because some would find that just as offensive. But only bias views are taken into consideration among the staff and mods of the server, therefore this User with the username of "ILoveGod" would not be banned. I asked Sephronia and Staff the reason why this user would not be banned, and they said "Its"s not terribly offensive. Or rude.", but to the username "ImHomo" they said, and I quote, "I find it homophobic." and backs his opinion up by saying, "Dont care, Iate. Your'e debating this with a gay person", as if his opinion couldn't get more bias.

One User: Hallideadly, even went as far as to assume I am just a pissed off thirteen year old with her comment, "if you had children of your own [you would understand]", and in fact, I do have a child. I don't want my child to just cruise through life mindlessly allowing people to tell her what is right and wrong, I would want her to question, discuss, and argue her side of the issue.

In short, this community is a great community due to the people that play within it, but the Staff and Admin's of this server are the spoiled tomato that ruins the experience. Never have I witnessed such a closed-minded staff.

-iatedeadpeople

I may post screenshots of the chat later.

 

People should not talk about any homophobic related things on a family friendly server.

About the username, i dont see why it would get you banned, since it is not going at anyone but you.

Just my opinion.

 

I agree, but saying they're close minded is a tad off. I do believe something like that ISN'T homophobic, dont know why people would think that, but unfortunatly thats the way it works. Hope you dont leave for something like this, but yes, I agree.

But thats not homophobic, it didn't say anything offensive like

*safety example bubble*
IHateGays
GaysSuck
*safety example bubble*
I think maybe they shouldn't talk about anything like that, but no, it is not homophobic good sir

 

Im just saying that if there were to be a conversation about that, it would be likely that someones feelings would be hurt.

 

I dont see why, nothing offensive, but if someone gets offended by something like that (lawl) then I agree, someones feelings would be hurt.

 

i understand if it may have been said in a conversation or something active like that, a build of inappropriate depictions, but not his name. Its really unfortunate and unfair that he wasnt given a chance, i mean shoot, im a well rounded person, not a satanist or anything, i have a horrible name, but i like it, and its creative. should i have been banned as well due to my name in this circumstance? Yes, i should have. Sex is something everyone will learn about, see, and experience. Cannibalism is not,

 

Allow me to ask, however... in what family friendly context is "SexPositions" appropriate?

 

its appropriate as an alias, as long as my name is. Theres nothing wrong with the name, theres somethimg wrong with the minds that think its such an evil phrase that these "children of god" cant be exposed to.

 

Oh yes, forgot about that one

yeah thats a bit

uh

yeah

 

It should be pointed out that in a virtual world, the rules are made and followed. This is not a democracy; the reason we have server staff is to decide these things and, ultimately, how the server is run. If a staff member deems a name inappropriate, they have the right to act on it. Their minds may change, depending on the reasoning given (if any,) but it is not necessary to overturn a ban simply because one feels it is the "right" choice.

It should also be mentioned that trying to define what is "right" and "wrong" in this context is a mistake, as ethics commonly takes the stance that right and wrong are subjective. In this context, that is the case.

This is true, but not strictly correct. While yes, it is something we all learn about, it is also something that is generally taught by the parents or with their permission. Since we are promoted as a family friendly server, why would we do things that could possibly upset parents? Moreover, there is a difference between a child learning about sexual reproduction, a natural process, and recreational sex. Viewpoints on this are varied, so it's best left to the parents.

To add to this, many children do not understand the concept of cannibalism. Some parents even find it appaling, especially in most modern societies. While others are more accepting of this alternate practice, I can't imagine many parents wanting to explain like cannibalism to their child before they feel it is necessary.

The name "ImHomo" would most certainly be banned, because of the nature of the word. While homosexual is a plain-fact word, homo is a derogatory term that was and is widely used to put homosexuals down. "ILoveGod" is not derogatory, this is a peaceful username that some choose to be offended at. The two are very different.