Board Thread:General Discussion/@comment-17970636-20160123014228

A recent event within chat has brought up much discussion amongst staff about the use of proper and cordial language within the area known as the Wiki Chat. This formerly wasn't an issue, but seeing as it swelled to fantastic proportions earlier, to avoid any kinds of issues involving language anymore, this thread is being made. Please keep in mind that this is a civil discussion and none of this is set in stone, this is merely to gauge everyone's thoughts, opinions, ideas on what is currently being proposed. Even if you do not frequent chat, I highly encourage you to take a look over this and supply us with the opinions you may have on the matter so if you ever decide to come into the environment you find it welcoming.

The use of strong language hasn't been an issue previously nor should it be in the future, we're all adults, and chat is meant for people who are of thirteen years of age or older so if you're younger than that then you shouldn't be in chat in the first place. Curse words, swears, and of the like cause little problem within the area, however, there are a set of words that people can and do find offensive and this is the main point of discussion.

Derogatory language, racial slurs, and personal attacks are not welcome within that area, however, there are some phrases which offend people more than others and as a result, these are those.

Some people do not enjoy the word "retarded" being toyed about, as the word is an offensive adjective used to describe one less developed in any physical, mental, or social development than what they're allegedly supposed to be. The simple way of using it to describe one who is "slow". Now, it has been brought to my attention that there are people who suffer from various forms of mental or psychological illnesses within the haven which we call chat and as a result do not appreciate the word being used in a public environment as it hurts them.

Racial slurs such as the "N" word, Paki, whatnot, are offensive to those of said cultures which people are of, and while there are many who merely brush it off as they're used to it, there are also things to consider that many people of certain cultures use words that we may deem offensive to describe one of kin. I had an African American friend in high school and he always greeted me as "My Nigga", however, the cultural difference made me sway from using such language to refer to him. As a result, I'm curious as to what your stances on racial slurs and such being used within chat as one must understand that with different cultures, different language is used.

Please note that currently none of this is set in stone. I highly encourage you all to take part in the discussion below, please be respectful to one another and we'll all be getting along much better. If there are any words, phrases, anything which offends you personally then please feel free to state it so that we all avoid accidentally hurting feelings.

Much appreciated. 