We can digitally murder others online, but is it okay to swear? Nathan Lawrence thinks so.
The PC gaming community has recently won a big victory over the very different ‘PC’ tendencies of Australian politics as it relates to video game censorship. Survey says that we’re finally on the threshold of receiving an R18+ rating category for games, which will hopefully see the end of illogical classification refusals, constant news posts of the ‘aren’t we done with this yet?’ variety and the frustrating brand of ignorance that surrounds the so-called other side of the issue from certain groups who refuse to face facts.
So now that Australian gamers can loose that particular bee in our collective bonnet, we can turn our attention to other matters. Today, I want to highlight an issue that has plagued the online community since the dawn of global chat: swearing. Truth be told, I believe that anyone who claims to be a fan of the English language, despite its many contradictory rules, must also, inherently, embrace the poignant and punctual beauty of so-called swear words. And yet, no matter how far society continues to advance in terms of its acceptance of various groups and walks of life, the potty mouth is still seen as somewhat of an outcast; even in the gaming world.
Doubtlessly, you’ve all seen it: gaming servers whose rules aren’t so much concerned with prioritising fair gameplay as much as they are condoning the use of more colourful language as forms of expression. Some list a flat out ban on swearing, while others indicate which words are acceptable by highlighting those that are not. You might be flat strapped to find server rules or a moderator who will bat an eyelid at the use of ‘crap’, ‘bloody’ or ‘shit’ but lob an f-bomb or, if your nasty word vocabulary reaches further down the naughty hole, launch a c-nuke and you’ll be sure to ruffle some feathers. The use of either of these two words can be met with complaints, warnings or even a banning if you continue to push your luck.
You know what I have to say about that?
*Expletive removed by moderator* that. My biggest rebuttal to any player or moderator who takes issue with my online language is to highlight the fact that their underlying logic dictates that it’s apparently okay for me to digitally murder someone in, say, an online first-person shooter, but it’s not okay for me to say a naughty word. Some will counter with the fact that there are children playing, to which I query why those younger than 15 are playing a game that’s not meant for them. Couple this with the fact that more and more games are exerting a certain level of believable grittiness by way of swearing—in both single-player and multiplayer (voice-overs, taunts, etc.)—and the frustration only increases.
Granted, there are times when swearing crosses the line and becomes abuse, and, to be fair, in most instances this should be monitored. Then again, there are, arguably, certain play styles that are worthy of attracting such flowery abuse. But the casual use of swearing to succinctly convey your thoughts and feelings on a matter is second to none. A simple array of swear words is the ultimate secondary weapon in the increasingly vocal land of the online shooter.
Where do you stand?
Issue: 137 | June, 2012