Do Gays Not Exist in Bioware's Star Wars?

[Harbinger_]

Im not homophobic but I do not believe any type of homosexual content belongs in video games

Its an MMO and if i recall they said in the star wars universe, so its not like they have decided this, its just the way it is

Yes, you are homophobic. You just stated that you (weren't homophobic) did not believe in homosexuality in games. That means you are homophobic. Get. The Fuck. Out. And then try growing up, kay?

If you don't like dogs then you're not automatically a canophobe.

If you don't like gays it doesn't mean you're homophobic.

Stop butchering the definitions for words and grow up yourself and learn that not everyone believes the same thing and let people have their own opinions without attacking them for it.

A phobia of any kind means that you're afraid.

Not liking something does not equal being afraid of it. I don't like certain types of ice cream but that doesn't mean that I cringe in fear behind my shopping cart when I go grocery shopping thinking that the tub of neapolitan is going to jump me when I walk by.

For instance: I don't like you but that doesn't mean I'm afraid of you.

I already posted this for one person, but I'll do it for you, too.

The dictionary definition of homophobia.

http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/homophobia

Noun: irrational fear of, aversion to, or discrimination against homosexuality or homosexuals

So, who's butchering words again?

Ok, I retract my previous statement. It's discrimination then. Doesn't change a single thing but I do sarcastically admire the fact that you're arguing semantics rather than the issue itself.

 

[Ushario]

Not liking something does not mean you have an irrational fear of it.

To be homophobic is to have an irrational fear of homosexuals.

Get this through your heads. If its discrimination you are complaining about then call it discrimination, thats what it is.

**CK ITS NOT HARD PEOPLE.

Except.. the word that society has deemed worthy is the word "homophobic".

I present to you.... the dictionary.

http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/homophobia

Noun: irrational fear of, aversion to, or discrimination against homosexuality or homosexuals

Are you cleared up on that now? Or are you going to senselessly argue semantics all day? You may, if you want to, but it doesn't change what it is that we're talking about. Which is that painful2006 clearly hates gay people.

Instead of arguing with someone that is clearly going to come back with 'but gays are bad' why not respond to my earlier post instead?

Yes it is a matter of semantics, however I see no need to change my position on this, reffering to homophobia as both an irrational fear and discrimination will only lead to discrimination against those with a genuine phobia - one which is irrational and beyond their control.

 

[Harbinger_]

Im not homophobic but I do not believe any type of homosexual content belongs in video games

Its an MMO and if i recall they said in the star wars universe, so its not like they have decided this, its just the way it is

Yes, you are homophobic. You just stated that you (weren't homophobic) did not believe in homosexuality in games. That means you are homophobic. Get. The Fuck. Out. And then try growing up, kay?

If you don't like dogs then you're not automatically a canophobe.

If you don't like gays it doesn't mean you're homophobic.

Stop butchering the definitions for words and grow up yourself and learn that not everyone believes the same thing and let people have their own opinions without attacking them for it.

A phobia of any kind means that you're afraid.

Not liking something does not equal being afraid of it. I don't like certain types of ice cream but that doesn't mean that I cringe in fear behind my shopping cart when I go grocery shopping thinking that the tub of neapolitan is going to jump me when I walk by.

For instance: I don't like you but that doesn't mean I'm afraid of you.

Difference between not liking something and thinking its wrong to have it in public. You are scared, and afraid to admit it. /sigh.

I'm sorry, what am I scared of again? Yes I do think its wrong to have it in public but that doesn't mean I'm scared of it. I'm disgusted by it just like some people are disgusted by vomit. I also tend to ignore vomit in the same way, pretend it doesn't exist.

 

[CoziestPigeon]

Im not homophobic but I do not believe any type of homosexual content belongs in video games

Its an MMO and if i recall they said in the star wars universe, so its not like they have decided this, its just the way it is

Yes, you are homophobic. You just stated that you (weren't homophobic) did not believe in homosexuality in games. That means you are homophobic. Get. The Fuck. Out. And then try growing up, kay?

I dont mind massive guitar solos but wouldn't want them shoved in my face in the middle of a game

Im guessing its people like you that would make people homophobic in the first place, you seem awfully defensive

Its not being shoved in your face, its just there. Big difference.

 

[runtheplacered]

Im not homophobic but I do not believe any type of homosexual content belongs in video games

Its an MMO and if i recall they said in the star wars universe, so its not like they have decided this, its just the way it is

Yes, you are homophobic. You just stated that you (weren't homophobic) did not believe in homosexuality in games. That means you are homophobic. Get. The Fuck. Out. And then try growing up, kay?

If you don't like dogs then you're not automatically a canophobe.

If you don't like gays it doesn't mean you're homophobic.

Stop butchering the definitions for words and grow up yourself and learn that not everyone believes the same thing and let people have their own opinions without attacking them for it.

A phobia of any kind means that you're afraid.

Not liking something does not equal being afraid of it. I don't like certain types of ice cream but that doesn't mean that I cringe in fear behind my shopping cart when I go grocery shopping thinking that the tub of neapolitan is going to jump me when I walk by.

For instance: I don't like you but that doesn't mean I'm afraid of you.

I already posted this for one person, but I'll do it for you, too.

The dictionary definition of homophobia.

http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/homophobia

Noun: irrational fear of, aversion to, or discrimination against homosexuality or homosexuals

So, who's butchering words again?

Ok, I retract my previous statement. It's discrimination then. Doesn't change a single thing but I do sarcastically admire the fact that you're arguing semantics rather than the issue itself.

uhhhh.. no, I wasn't arguing semantics. I was just fine until you came along and did just that. The information I wanted communicated got communicated, then you came along and tried to jumble that communication up. So, I fixed it. But, have fun admiring me, I suppose.

 

[Harbinger_]

Im not homophobic but I do not believe any type of homosexual content belongs in video games

Its an MMO and if i recall they said in the star wars universe, so its not like they have decided this, its just the way it is

Yes, you are homophobic. You just stated that you (weren't homophobic) did not believe in homosexuality in games. That means you are homophobic. Get. The Fuck. Out. And then try growing up, kay?

If you don't like dogs then you're not automatically a canophobe.

If you don't like gays it doesn't mean you're homophobic.

Stop butchering the definitions for words and grow up yourself and learn that not everyone believes the same thing and let people have their own opinions without attacking them for it.

A phobia of any kind means that you're afraid.

Not liking something does not equal being afraid of it. I don't like certain types of ice cream but that doesn't mean that I cringe in fear behind my shopping cart when I go grocery shopping thinking that the tub of neapolitan is going to jump me when I walk by.

For instance: I don't like you but that doesn't mean I'm afraid of you.

I already posted this for one person, but I'll do it for you, too.

The dictionary definition of homophobia.

http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/homophobia

Noun: irrational fear of, aversion to, or discrimination against homosexuality or homosexuals

So, who's butchering words again?

Ok, I retract my previous statement. It's discrimination then. Doesn't change a single thing but I do sarcastically admire the fact that you're arguing semantics rather than the issue itself.

uhhhh.. no, I wasn't arguing semantics. I was just fine until you came along and did just that. The information I wanted communicated got communicated, then you came along and tried to jumble that communication up. So, I fixed it. But, have fun admiring me, I suppose.

"So, who's butchering words again?"

 

[runtheplacered]

Im not homophobic but I do not believe any type of homosexual content belongs in video games

Its an MMO and if i recall they said in the star wars universe, so its not like they have decided this, its just the way it is

Yes, you are homophobic. You just stated that you (weren't homophobic) did not believe in homosexuality in games. That means you are homophobic. Get. The Fuck. Out. And then try growing up, kay?

If you don't like dogs then you're not automatically a canophobe.

If you don't like gays it doesn't mean you're homophobic.

Stop butchering the definitions for words and grow up yourself and learn that not everyone believes the same thing and let people have their own opinions without attacking them for it.

A phobia of any kind means that you're afraid.

Not liking something does not equal being afraid of it. I don't like certain types of ice cream but that doesn't mean that I cringe in fear behind my shopping cart when I go grocery shopping thinking that the tub of neapolitan is going to jump me when I walk by.

For instance: I don't like you but that doesn't mean I'm afraid of you.

I already posted this for one person, but I'll do it for you, too.

The dictionary definition of homophobia.

http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/homophobia

Noun: irrational fear of, aversion to, or discrimination against homosexuality or homosexuals

So, who's butchering words again?

Ok, I retract my previous statement. It's discrimination then. Doesn't change a single thing but I do sarcastically admire the fact that you're arguing semantics rather than the issue itself.

uhhhh.. no, I wasn't arguing semantics. I was just fine until you came along and did just that. The information I wanted communicated got communicated, then you came along and tried to jumble that communication up. So, I fixed it. But, have fun admiring me, I suppose.

"So, who's butchering words again?"

Ok? I'm not seeing your point. You told some other guy (not me) that he's butchering words, even though he was using the right word. So, after correcting you, I asked you a question. Who's the one butchering words, if you're wrong and he was right?

Boy, suddenly this conversation came to a screeching halt.

In fact, what you're doing has a name for it. Argumentum ad hominem

 

[Jupsto]

heh bioware have always been very pro gay, or just too lazy to make alternative sex versions of every NPC companion, I kid. watch the swtor videos the bold guy is probably the biggest puff I've ever seen, its not personal but he does make me laugh.

 

[Harbinger_]

Im not homophobic but I do not believe any type of homosexual content belongs in video games

Its an MMO and if i recall they said in the star wars universe, so its not like they have decided this, its just the way it is

Yes, you are homophobic. You just stated that you (weren't homophobic) did not believe in homosexuality in games. That means you are homophobic. Get. The Fuck. Out. And then try growing up, kay?

If you don't like dogs then you're not automatically a canophobe.

If you don't like gays it doesn't mean you're homophobic.

Stop butchering the definitions for words and grow up yourself and learn that not everyone believes the same thing and let people have their own opinions without attacking them for it.

A phobia of any kind means that you're afraid.

Not liking something does not equal being afraid of it. I don't like certain types of ice cream but that doesn't mean that I cringe in fear behind my shopping cart when I go grocery shopping thinking that the tub of neapolitan is going to jump me when I walk by.

For instance: I don't like you but that doesn't mean I'm afraid of you.

I already posted this for one person, but I'll do it for you, too.

The dictionary definition of homophobia.

http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/homophobia

Noun: irrational fear of, aversion to, or discrimination against homosexuality or homosexuals

So, who's butchering words again?

Ok, I retract my previous statement. It's discrimination then. Doesn't change a single thing but I do sarcastically admire the fact that you're arguing semantics rather than the issue itself.

uhhhh.. no, I wasn't arguing semantics. I was just fine until you came along and did just that. The information I wanted communicated got communicated, then you came along and tried to jumble that communication up. So, I fixed it. But, have fun admiring me, I suppose.

"So, who's butchering words again?"

Ok? I'm not seeing your point. You told some other guy (not me) that he's butchering words, even though he was using the right word. So, after correcting you, I asked you a question. Who's the one butchering words, if you're wrong and he was right?

Boy, suddenly this conversation came to a screeching halt.

The statement you provided was correct and I said that but instead of discussing the issue you instead decided to inform me I was incorrect on the wording itself but rather than the issue, thats all. I didn't jumble the communication up as there was a lengthy explanation with it mentioning why the word itself does not match the context.

 

[Harbinger_]

Perhaps you could translate your "Argumentum ad hominem" for someone who doesn't speak dead languages. If it's directed as being some sort of insult then I'm sorry that the debate as decayed as far as that.

 

[runtheplacered]

The statement you provided was correct and I said that but instead of discussing the issue you instead decided to inform me I was incorrect on the wording itself but rather than the issue, thats all. I didn't jumble the communication up as there was a lengthy explanation with it mentioning why the word itself does not match the context.

I snipped all the rest, because it was getting pretty long.

But I reread that original post of yours and your main point seemed to be that just because somebody doesn't like something doesn't mean they're afraid of it. If I'm wrong on that, let me know. I'm willing to admit that after reading 1000 posts today so far, I'm starting to enter "skimming" mode.

If I'm correct, then we've already discussed how the word homophobia doesn't equate to the word "fear of gay people." But rather, "The fear or the discrimination of gay people. After displaying the definition in here, I figured we were all cleared up on that and it didn't seem like anything else was going to need to be said about it, since we've decided that homophobia is not just a "fear".

 

[Harbinger_]

The statement you provided was correct and I said that but instead of discussing the issue you instead decided to inform me I was incorrect on the wording itself but rather than the issue, thats all. I didn't jumble the communication up as there was a lengthy explanation with it mentioning why the word itself does not match the context.

I snipped all the rest, because it was getting pretty long.

But I reread that original post of yours and your main point seemed to be that just because somebody doesn't like something doesn't mean they're afraid of it. If I'm wrong on that, let me know. I'm willing to admit that after reading 1000 posts today so far, I'm starting to enter "skimming" mode.

If I'm correct, then we've already discussed how the word homophobia doesn't equate to the word "fear of gay people." But rather, "The fear or the discrimination of gay people. After displaying the definition in here, I figured we were all cleared up on that and it didn't seem like anything else was going to need to be said about it, since we've decided that homophobia is not just a "fear".

As I said it does not match the context as its more of a generalization than a specific.

Argumentum ad hominem" Perhaps you could translate your statement for those who don't speak latin.

 

[Pscyon]

Not liking something does not mean you have an irrational fear of it.

To be homophobic is to have an irrational fear of homosexuals.

Get this through your heads. If its discrimination you are complaining about then call it discrimination, thats what it is.

**CK ITS NOT HARD PEOPLE.

Except.. the word that society has deemed worthy is the word "homophobic".

I present to you.... the dictionary.

http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/homophobia

Noun: irrational fear of, aversion to, or discrimination against homosexuality or homosexuals

Are you cleared up on that now? Or are you going to senselessly argue semantics all day? You may, if you want to, but it doesn't change what it is that we're talking about. Which is that painful2006 clearly hates gay people.

Instead of arguing with someone that is clearly going to come back with 'but gays are bad' why not respond to my earlier post instead?

Yes it is a matter of semantics, however I see no need to change my position on this, reffering to homophobia as both an irrational fear and discrimination will only lead to discrimination against those with a genuine phobia - one which is irrational and beyond their control.

I myself suffer from aquaphobia. Whenever the water level rises above my waist I become incapable of rational thinking, I easily panic, frantically trying to get out of the water as quickly as possible by any means. This is a mental disorder I would rather not have, and I doubt anyone else with a real phobia wants theirs either. So-called homophobia is nowhere like this. While I have to accept that the word homophobia has the meaning it has, I would rather see you English-speakers use some of that creativity you usually seem to have to come up with something more appropriate.

I personally find homosexuality naturally repelling, but I'm not sure why that makes me a bad guy. I usually keep it to myself though, because being called homophobic, narrow minded, old fashioned and all manner of unpleasant things just because of how I feel is not fun. The ironic thing is that people go on about how you have to respect everyone's way of life and way of thinking, but doesn't that mean I should be allowed to be "homophobic" too? Because it's not politically correct, being "homophobic" is evil?

I don't hate homosexuality or anything though, and I don't mind seeing it in games or movies any more than any type of romance. The stuff is usually bad in most games regardless of which genders are involved. Sadly most other "homophobes" seem the aggressive stupid kind, and thus I'm lumped in with them. *sigh*

As for the main topic though, like I said earlier, I think this particular incident was more due to an idiot moderator on the TOR forums than Bioware's view. Bioware will do what they have always done, make another great game that will be loved by many and hated by a few.

 

[runtheplacered]

I myself suffer from aquaphobia. Whenever the water level rises above my waist I become incapable of rational thinking, I easily panic, frantically trying to get out of the water as quickly as possible by any means. This is a mental disorder I would rather not have, and I doubt anyone else with a real phobia wants theirs either. So-called homophobia is nowhere like this. While I have to accept that the word homophobia has the meaning it has, I would rather see you English-speakers use some of that creativity you usually seem to have to come up with something more appropriate.

I suffer from Acrophobia, a fear of heights. And it can be pretty overwhelming. So, while I understand what it is that you're saying, you're once again just fighting semantics. "Phobia" is just a suffix, like "sis". What you're saying is a bit like somebody with paralysis saying that somebody with very bad breath shouldn't be said to have halitosis. Halitosis is defined as having the condition of noticeably bad breath. That's just the word we use for it. Homophobia is just the word we use for the above definition. You can call it something else, if you want to. But we're still talking about the exact same thing.

I personally find homosexuality naturally repelling, but I'm not sure why that makes me a bad guy. I usually keep it to myself though, because being called homophobic, narrow minded, old fashioned and all manner of unpleasant things just because of how I feel is not fun.

You can think and feel whatever you want to. I don't think anybody has ever told you otherwise in this thread. What people are saying however, is not that they find homosexuality repulsive, but that they feel that they can take their viewpoint and tell us we're not allowed to have a video game on the subject. That is what I have a problem with. Telling me what I can and can't play, just because some people have a problem with it.

 

[Pscyon]

Understand fully what you're saying about the semantics thing, you are entirely correct. I still find homophobia being called just that jarring though. Over here we don't even have the word, but it's not really a common conversation topic either come to think of it.

Censorship is a bad thing almost regardless, and I can see why you'd have a problem with it. I'm quite sure Bioware isn't the first people to fear what people think of their choices though, ME had quite a bit of negative fallout on the whole "alien sex" thing, and they didn't change it. Like I said before, game romances are usually crap and I could care less, but Bioware has done a better job at them than anyone else so far, and while I didn't play those scenarios for apparent reasons, I know there were gay relationships in both Jade Empire and Mass Effect.

 

[runtheplacered]

http://www.wired.com/gamelife/2009/04/bioware-apologizes-for-banning-homosexual-discussion/

This just was posted on Wired|Blog

 

[Schneizel]

@ Therumancer - correlation doesn't imply causation. Also, you are one of the worst people alive today.

 

[Rath709]

Statement: It is a long story. But I will keep it short.

Recitation: Once upon a time, organic meatbags bred out of control and filled the galaxy. There are different meatbags across different planets, all bumping into each other. They talk a great deal and threaten each other for various reasons, mostly involving mating, survival, and resources. It is really quite tiresome.

I like your style.

As has been pointed out, this is an issue of the moderator staff rather than of Bioware itself. The moderator in question probably wished to avoid flamewars and general poo-flinging such as happens with unfortunate regularity where-ever you get the issue of those with different tastes being represented in media. Alas, that such things occur even here. It was a dick move on the mod's behalf but was more a mistake than anything.

I was fully preparing to Photoshop a rainbow lightsaber to support my stance on the issue, but it turns out Kotaku beat me to it.

http://kotaku.com/5231521/bioware-lifts-filter-on-gay-lesbian-star-wars-discussion-issues-apology

 

[RebelRising]

Well, technically, lesbian/gay are just words in English language.
You could say that the people in Star Wars universe evolved beyond the point of classifying people by their sexual preferences.

Or something.

Yeah, I think that's what the OP meant here:

Of course, one might also argue that Dahlberg's comment was more forward-thinking in nature, and that he wasn't saying that people with same-sex relationships didn't exist in the world of Star Wars... but that a more advanced society wouldn't see any difference between a homosexual relationship and a heterosexual one. Hence, the terms "gay" and "lesbian" wouldn't exist in Star Wars.*

Interesting. Sounds like the Ancient Greek system to me; nobody was into labels much.

 

[The_Prophet]

Im not homophobic but I do not believe any type of homosexual content belongs in video games

Its an MMO and if i recall they said in the star wars universe, so its not like they have decided this, its just the way it is

Yeah, I have to agree with you.
For you lovers of spectacle: I'm not homophobic and I treat homosexuals just like everyone else.