Female players - Blue Tracker

#0 - Sept. 3, 2007, 12:31 a.m.

I have a basic question that has several follow ups. I've read the harassment policy and basically my understanding of it is that you can get banned for saying "i hate **%%!@s" or "spics are lazy" (please consider that I have never said in game or on the forums or in RL for that matter - I'm using it as an example). Its seems that the purpose of such a policy is to create an environment that is free of homophobia, racism, sexism, xenophobia, etc etc. To actually make players feel safe - on some level. That they can play and will not be harassed. Is that not the point of the policy?

Now consider this I've posted on the suggestion forum about female clothing. And have received innumerable suggestions along the lines of "the game is only for males" "take out your tampon" "get back in the kitchen" etc etc. And not a day goes buy that I don't see at least one person say something along the lines of "WTB port to FNE's pants" or "that's so gay, you @@%*%." Now I try and report things when I see them, but a. I cannot be everywhere and b. I shouldn't have to be. Does the game actually respect its female players or not? Because I can't help but think that if it actually respected them it would take harassment more seriously. Not to mention its GLBT players. I mean could there be a questionnaire you could fill out to make sure people actually understand what sexism and racism etc are?

At the same time, female characters wear chainmail bikinis or underwear and stockings to appease what I have to assume is a demographic of players that have never escaped adolescence mentally. So there is a constant level of verbal harassment from players that is accompanied by a disturbing double standard from the designers. The boys aren't forced to wear short shorts and nipple clamps, but the female toons are (well not the nipple clamps). Regardless its all ridiculous and Blizzard refuses to do anything - even something as simple as implement a pants slot (similar to the current shirt slot) so players can expose as much as they want.

Why not post about how it respects its female players (who are actually a large number)? And that it will take harassment seriously? Why not clearly post that Blizzard does not tolerate racism, sexism, homophobia and all the rest and then actually follow up on it?

This is not to say that every man is a sexist or every female is a saint etc. But the constant level of harassment and ineptitude on Blizzard's part is seriously taking a toll on me as a player. It made a game that was one fun because I could run around as a gnome throwing fire a miserable experience because every 3rd outfit I get is clearly meant to titillate someone else. If I mention it, I get flamed in-game and out. And if I say nothing, I am still harassed by guys who want to try and cyber or /slap my ass.

Everyone probably just got critted by a wall of text, but seriously is anything ever going to change? Or should I just delete my account and warn every female possible about the situation.

Pavonum

#49 - Sept. 3, 2007, 5:59 a.m.

Before all else, Poppykin, I would like to offer my assurances that the gravity of this matter is lost neither on me nor the company I represent; I shall do what I can to assuage your concerns, and explain some of the reasoning behind the nature of our policies, in hopes that we can come to a common understanding. Should you have any further inquiries or reservations, however, I am more than happy to address them in turn. :)

Our primary interest in creating, and enforcing, the Harassment Policy currently in place is, as you suggest, to ensure that — whenever at all possible — the atmosphere within World of Warcraft is both respectful and comfortable for all players, regardless of their gender, sex, creed, or any number of other considerations. However, I feel there is something of a disconnect between your idea of "safety" and what is logistically feasible, or even philosophically desirable — more specifically, if I haven't misconstrued your statement, you seem to be of the opinion that there are means by which harassment can be stamped out in its entirety, or somehow precluded preemptively, which is sadly an impossibility.

To suggest that your encountering harassment at all is as a result of some shortcoming in our policy enforcement is to disregard the simple truth that players' behaviour in-game is merely a reflection of society's preconceived notions and biases; until these beliefs are addressed in the world without, the world within is not likely to change, as evidenced by the unfortunate discrimination you observe on the part of your fellow players. In short, we cannot control what players say — though the Mature Language Filter does offer some measure of protection against the more commonly used profanities and other unsavouries — only the repercussions they face for doing so. This is where our policies come into play, and they are reactive by design; in the interest of ensuring that our services are rendered with all due expediency, and that players are offered an element of control over what is brought to our attention, we act on player-submitted reports, rather than seeking out potential policy violations.

Additionally, Poppykin, you've made your thoughts regarding the appearance of armour on female characters before; while I am by no means attempting to discount your opinions, I do feel it should be noted that — whether you seek insights from other players, or wish to convey your dissatisfaction to our Development Team for further consideration — the Customer Service Forum, regrettably, is not the proper avenue for such concerns. You are welcome to visit our General Discussion to achieve the former, or the Suggestions Forum for the latter; however, continuing to moralise here serves no constructive purpose but to foment debate that can easily regress into petty arguments, which frankly belong elsewhere.

We have no tolerance for hatred, Poppykin, and I am truly sorry if your perception has been to the contrary; I have worked within and alongside the Game Master Department for over two years, and I can say with all confidence that the very bigotries you feel pervade World of Warcraft are punished every day in accordance with our policies. This is not to say that you shall never witness distasteful language or themes in others' discourse, but please know that those who flout the policies to which they have agreed to adhere shall suffer the consequences; while each person is ultimately responsible for examining his or her conduct to ensure that it is appropriate, we do determine the extent to which it is possible for such conduct to be exhibited within the game, limiting opportunities via temporary suspensions and eventually account closure.

You seek change — an admirable goal, to be sure. But I feel that, by choosing merely to rail against the system in place, rather than working from within the existing framework, you serve only to limit the extent of your influence; you denounce our reactive policies, without considering the negative ramifications of a more proactive stance on harassment, and adopt a fatalistic attitude that shall most likely end in unnecessary ultimatums and no discernible improvement in the situation you find so deplorable. My recommendation? Continue reporting objectionable behaviour, so that further investigation — and, if necessary, redress — may occur; while it is true that you cannot be everywhere, please consider that you are not alone in your beliefs, and others shall further your cause by voicing their concerns about such discrimination. We're listening. :)

Syndri

#58 - Sept. 3, 2007, 4 p.m.

I hate myself? :(

Syndri

#62 - Sept. 3, 2007, 4:08 p.m.

Q u o t e:
Yes, assuming you are a woman, you hate yourself, as I have proven in a most airtight fashion with my previous post. If you didn't hate women, you'd have seen to it that self aware computers were instantly policing any and all sexist chat off of all servers before it could be broadcast.

1. Hate women.

-OR-

2. Enforce thoughtcrime!

Oh, decisions.