Cultural Differences and Forum Moderation
By
Alasdair,
Posted on: 2009-07-31 22:06 in The European Lounge
Quote:
If some NA member had forum name like BigWilly you might see some comments from overly sensitive British parents. (and I'm in the U.S.; I just watch a lot of British comedies).
|
Originally Posted by MrCaptainMan_NA
I wonder if there's a corresponding term tgats offensive in britain but accepted in the US?
You can change your forum name to GrinningShovel, maybe? Eco |
Quote:
When I saw GrinningSpade's name, I thought of cards or a gardening tool. As with Impish, this was the first time that I've ever heard that "spade" could be considered a derogatory word. In fact, I had to look it up on urbandictionary.com to see exactly what the big deal was about (BTW, it notes that the term was "more commonly used in the post-Civil War era than today"). To the best of my knowledge, that word is just not used on the west coast of the US in that sort of context.|
Originally Posted by Impish_Kat
Hmmm.... I am *cough* over 40 years of age, have lived in over a dozen different cities in 4 different states on the US West Coast, and attended a half dozen different schools. I'm familiar with several racial slurs aimed at various nationalities, but I have NEVER heard "spade" used as a racial epithet.
|
I honestly hope GrinningSpade gets to keep his name. To me, having him change his name because it can carry a negative connotation in *some* (not all) areas of the US is just as rediculous as if my friend Fanny were hypothetically told she has to change her name because her name means something else in the EU. We all should just remember that something that a player posts may not necessarily carry the same meaning across the pond and work together to try to understand one another...not divide ourselves by making one culture bend to another culture's standards.
Quote:
whereas in America a biscuit is something you have with fried chicken.
|
Originally Posted by FloatingFatMan
It's not even a bad word in the UK. A cracker is merely a dry biscuit you have with cheese...
 |
@craggy see me on Union for TFs, SFs (please!) or just some good ol fashioned teaming.
Quote:
Dagnabit, I didnt mean to run off one of yall EU types already... This is our forums, meaning CoH/V, not the US forums. The forum servers just happen to be in the US (at least I think they are).|
Originally Posted by Kallandra
I don't know.. it seems to me that this 'understanding cultural differences' is turning into a 'majority rules' kind of mentality, where of course the US are the majority and everyone else is a minority.
To be honest i'm thinking of never posting on these boards again, it's not like I'll be missed or anything what with all these Americans stating 'welcome to OUR boards' everywhere i look.. To be honest I don't feel welcome at all as they obviously just see this forum as THEIR place (Ok, generalising, but i've seen it a lot). I miss the EU boards. This place is alien and just feels unwelcoming and plain wrong. Run by Americans, for Americans  |
Back to "Differences"..........
Chips vs Fries. Chips come in a bag and are generally thinly sliced potatos that are fried, but I think yall call these crisps, which.....arrrrr my head hurts.
Ok, beer vs bitters. On this one yall win, you can keep your IPA but please keep the Guiness and Murphys flowing, I need something for when I'm out of Boston Lager. Yes, I know most american beer yall consider weak water, but on a day when its 103 outside, and humid as hell, trust me a ice cold American beer goes down really nice. I wont get into the room temp beer thing, yall can keep that too with your IPA, I'll take mine just above freezing thank you
Quote:
I hope that my welcome in another thread didn't get taken the wrong way. Please know that it was more so intended as a "Welcome to boards.cityofheroes.com, it's great to finally have everyone together where they belong" rather than a "Welcome to OUR boards." I also feel that the "majority rules" mentality is definitely the wrong way to go. To not seek understanding about others' cultures and to demand that a different culture bend to the dominant culture is closed-minded and I just cannot get behind that way of thinking.|
Originally Posted by Kallandra
I don't know.. it seems to me that this 'understanding cultural differences' is turning into a 'majority rules' kind of mentality, where of course the US are the majority and everyone else is a minority.
To be honest i'm thinking of never posting on these boards again, it's not like I'll be missed or anything what with all these Americans stating 'welcome to OUR boards' everywhere i look.. To be honest I don't feel welcome at all as they obviously just see this forum as THEIR place (Ok, generalising, but i've seen it a lot). I miss the EU boards. This place is alien and just feels unwelcoming and plain wrong. Run by Americans, for Americans |
Hope you continue posting Kallandra...every time we loose a positive poster, the forums become a lesser place.
Yeah, it's definitely feeling like we were moved rather than merged, first GrinningSpade now this - think of how talking about the same thing would have been treated on the EU forum - like just any other discussion not something to be "punished"
Quote:
hurm. while I may not disagree with your statements, I don't have the money or the guns to attempt to say anything about American Christianity. Besides, I think we're the last country that should be having a go at people for messing with native people in countries we try and take over.
|
Originally Posted by deathkitten_EU
Post Deleted by Moderator_08
|
@craggy see me on Union for TFs, SFs (please!) or just some good ol fashioned teaming.
Aside from the modsmacking issue, I think that your analogy in that thread was off. A jew today should have no reason to hold any grudge against a citizen of Germany.
An American Indian today likewise is perfectly entitled to feel no animosity towards the US government, to the Christian Church, or whoever. I don't see any Aztec descendants demanding an apology from Spain for Cortez (or was that the Incas?)
And while we're on the subject of hiolding grudges, you know that Sweden STILL hasn't apologised to Poland for this:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Deluge_(Polish_history)
Those imperialist swines the Swedes! 
Eco.
MArcs:
The Echo, Arc ID 1688 (5mish, easy, drama)
The Audition, Arc ID 221240 (6 mish, complex mech, comedy)
Storming Citadel, Arc ID 379488 (lowbie, 1mish, 10-min timed)
Quote:
|
Originally Posted by Samuel_Tow
[The Incarnate System is] Jack Emmert all over again, only this time it's not "1 hero = 3 white minions" it's "1 hero = 3 white rocks."
|
Quote:
Native Americans/Amerindians weren't wiped out, they're still living in reservations with small pox ridden blankets.|
Originally Posted by deathkitten_EU
Post Deleted by Moderator_08
|
Quote:
I don't know what to say, other than it was a misunderstanding. Mod8 thought you were attacking the religion and not the views presented. |
Originally Posted by deathkitten_EU
Post Deleted by Moderator_08
|
Personally, I'm an agnostic social-democrat. That's probably why I like the EuroLounge area. But most people here in the USA (about 78%+ give or take) are religious and a goodly number of them are fundamentalists that get their panties in a bind about any perceived slight. That's all I'm going to say or this will turn into a long rant, and nobody wants that
Just try to roll with it and keep like-minded Murikans in the conversation
There is no such thing as an "innocent bystander"
Does anyone else think that the Big grin Smiley looks like Mickey Rooney in Breakfast at Tiffanys?
Something should be done about that. 
Eco.
MArcs:
The Echo, Arc ID 1688 (5mish, easy, drama)
The Audition, Arc ID 221240 (6 mish, complex mech, comedy)
Storming Citadel, Arc ID 379488 (lowbie, 1mish, 10-min timed)
Quote:
|
Originally Posted by Samuel_Tow
[The Incarnate System is] Jack Emmert all over again, only this time it's not "1 hero = 3 white minions" it's "1 hero = 3 white rocks."
|
Quote:
Curious. But did the Russians ever apologise?
|
Originally Posted by MrCaptainMan_NA
Aside from the modsmacking issue, I think that your analogy in that thread was off. A jew today should have no reason to hold any grudge against a citizen of Germany.
An American Indian today likewise is perfectly entitled to feel no animosity towards the US government, to the Christian Church, or whoever. I don't see any Aztec descendants demanding an apology from Spain for Cortez (or was that the Incas?) And while we're on the subject of hiolding grudges, you know that Sweden STILL hasn't apologised to Poland for this: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Deluge_(Polish_history) Those imperialist swines the Swedes! Eco. |
There is no such thing as an "innocent bystander"
Quote:
Same.|
Originally Posted by Manoa
I honestly hope GrinningSpade gets to keep his name. To me, having him change his name because it can carry a negative connotation in *some* (not all) areas of the US is just as rediculous as if my friend Fanny were hypothetically told she has to change her name because her name means something else in the EU. We all should just remember that something that a player posts may not necessarily carry the same meaning across the pond and work together to try to understand one another...not divide ourselves by making one culture bend to another culture's standards. |
In French-Canadian a "Deux de pique" (a reference to the playing card two of spades) refers to someone that is a bit of an oddball, perhaps not too smart.
As a linguist, I'm aware you need to allow for adaptation, reformulation or even cultural reinvention with various terms. While the boards here are located on American servers, we are all players of this game. We punch out the same mobs, gain the same loot and experience the same triumphs. The ideal is that we learn from each other and appreciate what we can bring to each others' cultures and personas.
Heck, we still have a Governor General here that gives Royal Assent to our laws...and the Queen on our currency, so no badmouthing the UK from over here.
Welcome everyone!
Questions about the game, either side? /t @Neuronia or @Neuronium, with your queries!
168760: A Death in the Gish. 3 missions, 1-14. Easy to solo.
Infinity Villains
Champion, Pinnacle, Virtue Heroes
I've actually spoken with Avatea about this via PM's now, and whilst revealing PM content with mods is generally frowned up, I don't think I'm breaking any rules when I say that she's allayed my fears and assured me that it was the combination of name and avatar that was the problem. The name on its own appears to be fine.
So, good news!
I shall now climb off my high horse and get back on the penguin.
*splat*
@FloatingFatMan
Do not go gentle into that good night.
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
Quote:
We welcome anyone |
Originally Posted by Rooks_EU
I'm probably only getting on cause I secretly want to be an American.
Can i join yer club pl0x? :> I much prefer your way of saying 'awesome' (and I think that's reason enough, don't you?) |
@Golden Girl
City of Heroes comics and artwork
Quote:
Just from my experience 20 years ago in Louisiana and I only heard it from adults. |
Originally Posted by Lady_Athyna
I haven't heard it used, ever, in over 30 years of living in Florida and Georgia.
I think it was a common term in black & white movies before the technology of color film was invented. |
I don't want to see Kallandra stop posting. I really don't want to see anyone stop posting. This is our home, all of us, and we should have fun while we are here. I like this section, I get insight about things that I have not been exposed to. Then again, I am not offended easily either. Call me what you will and I will most likely agree with you. Just because we live in different countries doesnt mean we cant get along and have a good time. So everyone stay, post, I want to learn more about my fellow players.
Badging in a PvP zone?
If you are treasure hunting on a battlefield wearing an enemy uniform, there is a high probability that you will be attacked.
This is an enjoy-the-ride game. "50" is only a number, not the goal of the game. - Noxilicious
Quote:
lol is that an example of that lag you were talking about, causing you to catch up with the obvious pages later? |
Originally Posted by FloatingFatMan
I've actually spoken with Avatea about this via PM's now, and whilst revealing PM content with mods is generally frowned up, I don't think I'm breaking any rules when I say that she's allayed my fears and assured me that it was the combination of name and avatar that was the problem. The name on its own appears to be fine.
|
Eco.
MArcs:
The Echo, Arc ID 1688 (5mish, easy, drama)
The Audition, Arc ID 221240 (6 mish, complex mech, comedy)
Storming Citadel, Arc ID 379488 (lowbie, 1mish, 10-min timed)
Quote:
|
Originally Posted by Samuel_Tow
[The Incarnate System is] Jack Emmert all over again, only this time it's not "1 hero = 3 white minions" it's "1 hero = 3 white rocks."
|
Quote:
You shouldn't feel like that - especially not in the Euro Lounge section.
|
Originally Posted by Kallandra
I don't know.. it seems to me that this 'understanding cultural differences' is turning into a 'majority rules' kind of mentality, where of course the US are the majority and everyone else is a minority.
To be honest i'm thinking of never posting on these boards again, it's not like I'll be missed or anything what with all these Americans stating 'welcome to OUR boards' everywhere i look.. To be honest I don't feel welcome at all as they obviously just see this forum as THEIR place (Ok, generalising, but i've seen it a lot). I miss the EU boards. This place is alien and just feels unwelcoming and plain wrong. Run by Americans, for Americans |
@Golden Girl
City of Heroes comics and artwork
Quote:
Yes, I got a similar message from her as well. Lets hope the name does not cause any more problems by itself then.|
Originally Posted by FloatingFatMan
I've actually spoken with Avatea about this via PM's now, and whilst revealing PM content with mods is generally frowned up, I don't think I'm breaking any rules when I say that she's allayed my fears and assured me that it was the combination of name and avatar that was the problem. The name on its own appears to be fine.
So, good news! I shall now climb off my high horse and get back on the penguin. *splat* |
Leaves me on the search of a new Avatar. Shame, I really loved the City of Cute one Psygon made for me. For now I leave it Avatar devoid. I am not much of an artist.
Dunno if it's much help but you could get a couple of contacts and do a pic of yourself...
One of each?
Or one of these?
Quote:
Nice, but my eyes are not as nice looking as those. I wonder though if she can see a thing with those in? |
Originally Posted by Lady_Athyna
Dunno if it's much help but you could get a couple of contacts and do a pic of yourself...
One of each? Or one of these? |
Still, lets see if one of those work for an avatar. At least it got a Spade in it.
I hope this is just "growing pains"
I've been seeing some kind of uncomfortable posts here and I hope nobody feels forced to leave or gets modslapped too hard - I hope that the powers that be use moderation as their watchword while we get to grips with not just a new environment but new perspectives and also a pretty clunky (at least for some - and I include myself in that) interface.
Somebody above remarked they felt that the EU contingent were being assimilated by the larger NA whole. I have to say that's not been my experience - personally I've felt welcomed by players as part of a wider global community in which we all have a place. I believe that this merge can only be good for the game, so I hope they get to feeling a bit happier too.
One final note on "History": There's a famous quote about the victor writing the history books, but tha'ts a somewhat one-eyed view. Every nation on this planet has its shame - the former Great Imperialist Powers arguably have some of the greatest stains - but also some righteous pride in their achievements and behaviour. Black and white is something history will never be, and there will always be contention (it's one reason why you get so many styles of history, each with their own value.) To criticise somebody for their nation's history is never a wise thing: To blame a German for the Nazi Holocaust, or an Englishman for Concentration Camps (or cricket) or an American for the subsumation and near eradication of Amerindians is to miss two fundamental points: The people you level the accusation at are not responsible for the actions of their ancestors actions - and probably do not condone them. We cannot change history. We can however learn a bit from it - and histological patterns and current events suggest that if the "Western World" is on its last legs so whatever we post here will become irrelevant in a generation anyhow.
Thelonious Monk
Quote:
|
Originally Posted by kokuryu_EU
Some films are good for false portrayals, Notting Hill, where are the black people? I don't think that was an american film but I think it can be used to show it happens everywhere.
What about the U-boat film, U-571 where apparently it was the americans who seized the enigma machine, or the great escape with wait for it an american leading it. I think we are alright with many things but rewriting history like that is the ultimate kick in the nuts. I don't know why they even let U-571 enter our cinemas, no one I knew would watch it. I think watching films we can tell what Brits may or may not do and our noses aren't anymore dirty than anyone elses' in small groups but collectively we tend to be of a certain way. That British Parachutist in the latest Star Trek film was a bit over the top. We have jokes about our Paras when it comes to contemplating death but even they know when to pull the chute. |
Quote:
|
Originally Posted by MrCaptainMan_NA
I can see i'm going to have to mwntally add 'IMO' to all of FFMs posts for him and my own sanity
(pls note smiley)IMO Hero 1s an awesome name. My opinion of U-571 is that brits who rail against its US slant miss out on appreciating what it actually is: an awesome submarine movie, not a historically accurate film. Eco |
Oh beleive me I was thinking about those examples. I can even add Memphis Belle. And what about Saving Private Ryan? Not a single other allies solider in sight. Its even said in the movie "Mongomery's gone home" and that is how they write everyone else out. But I actually decied to stop there. One thing at a time eh?
Quote:
Ill second this. Basically Mr Captainman if you have a spare... oooh I dont know... week I can probably explain some experiances myself as I have a good memory. I came to Eu and played on the defiant server just after I4 release. And stayed until just a few weeks after I7. I returned to the game as of two weeks ago but went to the US servers to play with some of my friends there after a 3 year break from the game. Already I am aware of some startling differences. And Ill say again as far as instnces of inequality with the EU/US community issue I have seen enough to know it exists. And I have been away for three years. |
Originally Posted by FloatingFatMan
To understand it fully, you would have needed to be a member of the EU community for a while. Part of the feeling is the almost non-existent dev interaction; something that's always kinda annoyed many of us, especially the more vocal forum members, another is that our suggestions are pretty much universally ignored, another is the fact that US and EU GM's run on different rules completely, with you having the much better deal.
In fact, on that side, one of our members carried out an experiment. He accidentally deleted one of his characters EU side, and was told by a GM that it was policy not to restore deleted chars. Obviously that annoyed him greatly as he KNEW that wasn't the case in the US. So, he created a US account, made a character, then deleted it and petitioned the GM's. His character was restored with no quibbles whatsoever. Nice, eh? Another is that yes, our game IS significantly more laggy than the American one, and in fact, in the UK at least, we can get a FAR better connection to the US servers than we can to our own, which is ridiculous. Nothing has EVER been done to address this, despite MANY complaints. Hell, we even got Global Chat nearly a full YEAR after it was launched in the US... This thing with GrinningSpades name is just one more thing to add to it all. It blatantly sends out the message that US sensibilities are more important than EU ones. EDIT: I'd point out though, that this isn't by any means, a universal feeling among EU players, but it IS felt among quite a few. |
Im sure the likes of FFM here can easily fill you in on example after another. And I can tell you as someone I recall from my old EU days he is a posrter name I remember as being worthy of respect. (Told you twice now have a good memmory... though I dont think FFM< remembers me and a particular spat I had with a poster named Colluseum when pitching an audio comic idea).
Run by Americans, for Americans