You don't have to tolerate racism in WoW
by David Bowers 
Nov 24th 2007 at 2:22PM
It turns out that if you encounter such language in WoW, you can report other players for racism. Vaneras stepped in to confirm that Blizzard does not tolerate racist language, and such comments will get those players banned. Although I have not encountered racist language in WoW myself, I heartily encourage anyone who does to report that player. Dealing with racism in real life can often lead to awkward confrontations with people who refuse to admit what they were saying was wrong in any way, but in WoW, Blizzard is all set to do that for you, while at the same time helping to make sure there are negative consequences on racist behavior.
Although Vaneras doesn't mention it in his post, it is my understanding that the same also follows for other forms of discriminatory language, such as sexism. While of course there can be a lot of annoying grey area in such issues, another reason to such offenses in WoW is that Blizzard may actually have proof of what the other person said stored in their systems, and a genuine problem is more likely to receive a real consequence than might otherwise be the case.
Filed under: Tips, WoW Social Conventions, Forums
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 4)
Pavid Jul 13th 2008 10:40PM
Let's be honest, this is aimed at white people. Nobody gives a crap when someone who isn't white uses a racial slur. Especially if it's aimed at white people. But if we say anything in response then we get labeled as racists and we either get gasped at or even face fines.
Well guess what, a lot of white people have had enough of this crap. We're sick of the double standards. This PC crap has gotten so far out of control that our teachers in grade school, our college professors and the media tells us we're supposed to be ashamed of being white.
I'm proud of my heritage and my race and I could care less if that offends someones precious feelings. We're the most diverse and intelligent race in the world. And we have by far the most accomplishments in history. And this is something I'm supposed to be ashamed of?
We're the only race in the world that has natural red and blonde hair. We're the only race in the world that has natural green or blue eyes. Every other race in the world has the same boring black hair and brown eyes. We invented ancient science, philosophy and democracy. We mastered early engineering, art and mathematics. And we had the Renaissance which created modern science, art, law, human rights, etc. Not to mention we've invented every economic system in the last 2,000 years.
I happen to believe that it's pretty amazing that we're so unique and have accomplished so much. If you think I should be ashamed of who I am then you can shove it.
anonymous Jun 14th 2009 2:25PM
Pavid, you're joking, right? Half of what you're claiming we've invented was actually created by other races. we were just the barbarians that smashed everything and stole their ideas.
Rocco Feb 25th 2010 1:32PM
Some would argue that being offended by racist remarks only validates racism and the racist that made the remark. Reacting to such comments or language will only give the racist more reason to continue what he/she is doing. Reporting the language is fine.
On the flipside, equality should start with equal treatment and not the coddling of one race just because their origins were from slavery. Take note that I am not singling out the African American population here as my race was also subject to similar atrocities in the past as well as the present. If you don't know what I'm talking about, feel free to look up Filipino domestic helpers and how they are treated in Hongkong and other countries because apparently racism still exists despite what the laws say.
Bobbo Nov 24th 2007 2:37PM
Completely 100% agree with reporting people for this. Now just waiting for the responses here stating that words have no power, it's free speech, don't be so uptight, etc. etc. etc. Good times.
Zuty Nov 24th 2007 3:04PM
I hate Drainos, I don't think any other class will be able to understand my feelings towards a race that stole your faction specific class unless you main played Shaman in Beta (Like I did).
I am fine with any other Ally race, but if I see a Draino I spam them with /Spit, /Rude, and /Slap. If they are flagged, I gank and corpse camp them. I even had one instances where the player deleted his characters and rerolled Horde just to yell at me.
I even got banned for using the word 'Draino'. I will never call them by there true name, they do not deserve even that much respect from me.
~Zuty
JPN Nov 24th 2007 3:09PM
I never see the n-word, but i've seen "fag" pretty much three times a week. But of course that one will never change
Marcus Jan 18th 2009 7:38PM
On my server, laughing skull, i frequently see race baiting comments made. I report all of them. I think teen aged boys are the majority of players in wow and teenaged boys like to test the rules. ive gottetn a few of them banned and i think they are learning that blizz is drawing a line in the sand. if you can be fired from a software company, for instance, for using such language, why should those employees tolerate it from hostile, obnoxious adolescent males. i enjoy reporting them, because i know how many SW engineers and systems ppl are "black" (indian, pakistani ect..)
anon Nov 24th 2007 3:21PM
I once asked a guildie not to use "Jew" and "jewish" as insults, and he replied with, "If you were really 18, you'd be fine with it. Only old people care about stuff like that."
Chris Anthony Nov 24th 2007 3:21PM
Zuty, seriously, go outside and get some fresh air.
Agreed with #1. Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words are a bannable offense.
kevin Nov 24th 2007 3:34PM
using the word "fag" isn't racist. i'm not condoning it, but it's not racist. Neither is using the word "jew". Judaism is a religion. Homosexuality is a lifestyle.
Ancalimon Nov 24th 2007 3:41PM
@2 seriously, its a game. i think its about time you get a new hobby until you realize WoW is NOT real life. Alliance got a new class...who cares. Horde got pally's, u dont see us crying about it. get a new hobby, experience life (REAL life), grow up a bit, then come back to wow to save us all from the headache of listening to your adolescent babeling.
Zuty Nov 24th 2007 3:51PM
See, No one understands. It may be a game, but instead of making a new class they make the faction only classes cross faction.
Its hard to make people understand the lore problem here and why it pisses me off that freakin' aliens get MY class which is only meant for my faction. We all know that Allys got Shamans because they QQ'd to Blizz long enough, don't even try and say other wise the forums were filled with posts begging Blizz for access to Shamans.
Take Pallys back for all I care, just make sure to wipe out all Drainos. A genocide I say!
~Zuty
Cailleach Nov 24th 2007 3:56PM
If you use a word to hurt or denigrate someone beyond all proportion, it's WRONG! Duh, I know all of your mamas have told you that if you can't say something nice, say nothing at all. You always disrespect your mama? No, I didn't think so.
Think of it this way. If a 6'5" 300 lb drunk specimen of whatever nasty racial, religious, sexuality, or gender slur you're thinking of using would DECK you if you said it to his/her face -- DON"T. How hard is that? Just because you're not in immanent danger of bodily harm doesn't make it OK to do.
my2cents Nov 24th 2007 3:58PM
Hmmm...Something tells me Zuty's posts may be a clever parody of the idiot racists in real life...if so, very clever. If not, please seek professional help =P
Zegim Nov 24th 2007 4:01PM
In before the obligatory "That's gay. Words mean nothing, fags." comments.
seanmichael.rau Nov 24th 2007 4:04PM
@6 homosexuality is not a lifestyle.
people do not choose to be oppressed, discriminated against, harassed and murdered.
homosexuality is a genetic trait much like hair and skin color.
i've never experienced more ignorance, intolerance and hate than in the WoW.
billkusnerik May 29th 2009 8:30AM
Are you freaking serious? Homosexuality is a GENETIC trait? Get up off your boyfriend and go do some reading you idiot!
Erika Nov 24th 2007 4:03PM
On my realm there was a guy spamming the n word and it took him 6 hours to get banned. This was a while back but still. I can tolerate fags and stuff about you can choose. Religion doesn't bother me either but race does. Race ius something you have no control of. But i do hate gnomes.
theremover Nov 24th 2007 4:16PM
As long as no double standards are in play, I agree about bans. But that's near impossible. And there's issues with humans measuring the threat of specific racism. Most people are conditioned to think talking about african americans, for instance, in a certain way is a lot worse than when an african american talks about a white person in an offensive way. Let's not forget too about weird grey area involving persons using race oriented comments about their own race.
I've reported persons for refusing to stop with what I'd say was at the top of the offensive language list and they received no ban as they were back at it in no time.
Too many things can be perceived as racist and argued both ways. It's not going to be something easily policed except in the most malicious of overt acts of racism.
theremover Nov 24th 2007 4:19PM
PS,
while it shouldn't be tolerated and all should be welcome, racism in some form, mild or otherwise, is hard to avoid when you have predominately english speaking north americans on the US servers and French and Spanish language persons come to play too. Sometimes people are just plain human and get frustrated when people can't communicate clearly in English. Sometimes misunderstandings because of language barriers lead to terrible things.