PSA: It is NEVER okay to joke about autism, special needs, etc. in game

Sir Chugs·Jul 25, 2015·218 votes·13,126 views

It doesn't matter if you make jokes about being r%%%%%ed within your own social circle. It doesn't matter if you call a team member a r%%%%%, or a short bus rider, or whatever in your voice chat. Those circumstances happen outside of the game; and have no effect on the people within your match. Using slurs like that within the chat, however, cross a significant boundary of what is acceptable and what isn't. As a father of three, and an autistic firstborn child; let me be the first to tell you that it is hurtful, ignorant, and despicable. Thankfully, in a recent match, my teammates were decent human beings and called out the offenders for their wrong-doing.

I guess I'm just asking folks to think for a second before typing out their "smack talk" in game, and realize that there are people behind the champions; and that we should all be doing what we can to defeat the stigma of toxicity and poor community that this wonderful game carries. None of us knows what the person playing along with us may be going through IRL; but we should always strive to encourage an atmosphere of acceptance, tolerance, and appreciation of diversity.

217 Comments

A Superb VillainJul 25, 201563 votes

My younger brother is autistic and it irks me to no end when people treat it as fodder for swearing or insults.

It isn't funny.

It isn't cool.

No one is impressed.

Stop.

Thank you, McChuggington. I appreciate you taking the time to bringing attention to this.

Sir ChugsJul 25, 20159 votes

Tiresome is the word I would use, but I completely agree with your point. It is up to all of us as a community to take a stand and put an end to this type of behavior. I get that the game isn't exactly a platform for human rights.... and it shouldn't be. But at the same time, when an opportunity for concourse of thought is present, we should take advantage of it; and make a statement that shitty behavior won't be tolerated.

Thanks for your contribution to the discussion, I hope that more folks take a moment to read what is said here.

GhostCadillacJul 25, 201522 votes

[{quoted}](name=A Superb Villain,realm=NA,application-id=cIfEodbz,discussion-id=dcJrRO5H,comment-id=0001,timestamp=2015-07-25T04:59:36.040+0000)

My younger brother is autistic and it irks me to no end when people treat it as fodder for swearing or insults.

It isn't funny.

It isn't cool.

No one is impressed.

Stop.

Thank you, McChuggington. I appreciate you taking the time to bringing attention to this.

Bullying ain't ever cool.

OperationDEEZ1Jul 25, 20157 votes

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=geLucCUG4i0 Sorry.

DorkunedAurasJul 25, 20154 votes

does this have to show up everywhere bulling is mentioned?

Rinky DinkyJul 25, 201526 votes

Well, the term Autism has recently gained a whole new meaning on the internet.

It pretty much equates to (Socially Awkward)

Kinda like how faggot became a term for someone (Annoying)

Doesn't make it ok, but keep in mind they arent trying to insult autistic people per say, its just become slang.

I am an admitted offender of this. You have my apologies.

TheEvilQueen135Jul 25, 20158 votes

some things should just me left to their original meanings.

Rinky DinkyJul 25, 201517 votes

Aye, but most words do change meaning over time.

Happens all the time, and is very prominent throughout history.

For example, gays textbook definition was indeed (happy or cheerful). it was then turned into a slang towards homosexuals. Right now, it is mostly used (when as an adjective) to refer to something tedious or annoying. Sometimes feminine things as well. It will probably forever be stapled as the slang term for homosexuals, but that is certainly not the words only current meaning.

Faggot originally was a bundle of sticks. It was then turned into slang for homos. Currently, it is slang for annoying people.

I could look up other examples, but I am lazy. :3

Edit: Down voting without discussion?

TomatosxJul 25, 20156 votes

Saying faggot is homophobic. No ifs and of buts. It was used to a whole gay community to offend and thus resulted in suicide and being in the closet. You are homohpobic and an ass if you actually really said that in which I am not surprised.

Rinky DinkyJul 25, 201512 votes

are you trying to imply that anyone who has ever used the word faggot is homophobic.

that's what we call being ignorant. as ignorant and bigoted as you claim to not be.

tl;dr, based on your words, you are what you hate. I'm not surprised.

Edit: I also feel the need to mention that words change meaning over time. This is very common. I am very much getting the feeling you don't know much about language, and just decided to pick a fight when you dont really know what you are talking about.

I could say that nigga is just as racist as and derogatory as (insert contraband word here), but we both know that is bullshit.

If someone calls you a faggot, I can promise 9/10 its not because you are gay. Its certainly not because the person calling you that hates gays. Its because you are annoying as fuck. That or its your typical dude bro who can't formulate a decent response without using the word faggot or retard.

Example:

Jimmy is trying to impress some dudebro's at his school. He attempts to merge his identity as a dank memer into his real life persona

Jimmy: Hey guys listen to my joke please it is really funny I promise I swear. its a really dank meme and I am the king of dank memes so you know its the dankest of the dank.

Brock: Jimmy, stop being such a fag

Likewise, if someone calls you a retard, it certainly isnt because you have a disability, its because you obviously lack forethought, or intelligence of your peers.

Example: Why would you leave lit candles next to the christmas tree. Are you retarded?

See how short handed your argument is?

Heres the biggest problem with your claim.

By what your trying to say, Sky Williams is indeed homophobic.

As is one of my best friends, Brennan. He uses the word faggot more than anyone I know truth be told.

As is my cousin, whom is also homosexual.

And just about any other homosexual who is actualy confident and accepts who they are. Ones who arent cry babies, purposly dress as flamboyant as possible, and TRY to be annoying as fuck. You know, people that both homosexuals and heterosexuals alike would call..... drum role please... faggots.

TomatosxJul 25, 20153 votes

Its homophobic, no ifs and or buts, and also don't twist my words if you are using faggot is a BAD way in which sky did not do, then you are ignorant and very uneducated. And there is nothing wrong with dressing flamboyant,

And because you decided to multiple space each sentence to where you can act like that took time, I will just say this. Nixxer and nigga are two different words. If a white person calls a none black person a nixxer is he not seen as racist?

You are homophobic by doing that. No ifs ands or buts. There are plenty of words ex. Bitch, Ass, etc. But atleast they aren't necessarily talking about a group of people.

Rinky DinkyJul 25, 20157 votes

You very clearly said:

Saying faggot is homophobic. No ifs and of buts.

Sky said faggot. Ergo, by your own words, he is a homophobic.

Now, you seem to have not comprehended a single thing I typed, so not much can be done. I can however refute your counterclaim.

And because you decided to multiple space each sentence to where you can act like that took time, I will just say this. Nixxer and nigga are two different words. If a white person calls a none black person a nixxer is he not seen as racist?

I add spaces to signify either

A: an Example or Dialogue

B: A change in topic/subtopic

It's called organization.

Nigga is not a different word. It was directly conceived from nixxer. Blacks found the best way to fight racism was to take the word used against them, and to make it into a joke. Thus, nigga was born. And shit, it worked. Waddaya know. That explains why Brennan says faggot so much. Because he is comfortable with who he is, and views that the best way to fight slang is to simply change its meaning.

Now, due to black and white children hanging out with each other, they inevitable heard blacks referring to each other as "niggas". They didn't change the sound of the word on purpose, some blacks just pronounced it like that. Now, whites knew what nixxer ment, and thus also started saying "nigga". It created a whole new word. So, if a white person says nigga, most people wont really care. Nixxer has maintained its meaning, as the word honestly just sounds awful. You can feel the contempt in that word, so it really makes sense that its pronunciation changed when its meaning changed.

You are homophobic by doing that. No ifs ands or buts. There are plenty of words ex. Bitch, Ass, etc. But atleast they aren't necessarily talking about a group of people.

Sidenote: Your doing the same space shit as me. Hypocrite confirmed?

That aside (couldn't resist), you are bullshitting right here. By your logic, using the word bitch infact means:

(you are sexist. NO IFS AND BUTS.)

See how stupid that sounds? You cannot just change your own rules and definitions mid argument just because I pointed out the huge ass flaw in them. That just proves my point. Your arguement ( Being that everyone whom has ever used the word faggot is a homosexual) is inherently flawed. Basic human thought kinda proves that. Was really easy to come up with an everyday scenario.

Also, back to bitches, they are a group of people. Rude, snobby women. So, yeah, your logic, where?

Ass, you are right about ass (???), but only because it was an awful example and cant even be compared. Bitch was a good example though, fits in with my arguement. So thanks for that.

So, what now? I do apologize if I am coming off as a douche. That's just how I type. The facts are still there though :)

Edit: Thanks for providing me with the substitute word (nixxer). I was not wanting to risk the actual word, and typing (contraband word) would have gotten annoying after a while.

TomatosxJul 25, 20151 votes

Nigga and Nixxer are two different words. Nigga is used as a term for like buddy or hey. Nixxer is used to insult black people. Its different and if you can't see that then your ignorant.

The term bitch is used to male, and female. Its not just for females.

I'm not changing my arguement at all. You are just refusing to comprehend what I'm saying and dismissing it because you are being ignorant.

And by my words. I said if you are using Faggot in a way to insult people. Thats ignorance and homophobic. No ifs ands or buts.

Not our fault your vocabulary is so small you have to use a word that was used to insult a whole group of people to insult others.

Either admit your homophobic or quit being ignorant.

23908145_DELJul 25, 20153 votes

{quoted}

Nigga and Nixxer are two different words. Nigga is used as a term for like buddy or hey. Nixxer is used to insult black people. Its different and if you can't see that then your ignorant.

The term bitch is used to male, and female. Its not just for females.

I'm not changing my arguement at all. You are just refusing to comprehend what I'm saying and dismissing it because you are being ignorant.

And by my words. I said if you are using Faggot in a way to insult people. Thats ignorance and homophobic. No ifs ands or buts.

Not our fault your vocabulary is so small you have to use a word that was used to insult a whole group of people to insult others.

Either admit your homophobic or quit being ignorant.

White people don't need to say either... Oh and reported.

TomatosxJul 25, 20152 votes

LOL report me? Ok Like I said anything wrong. When did I ever said White people should be able to say those words? If your talking about me then Im black. So boy bye

23908145_DELJul 25, 20158 votes

nigga please lol

BladeworkedJul 25, 201520 votes

I really don't get why people do this. People who say such rude and downright demeaning slurs such as 'retard', 'gay', 'autistic', etc., are uneducated and ignorant. I'm not saying they're not to blame --because they are-- but it's a matter of guidance and education. They do that with their friends offline and no one chides them, so therefore, it must be okay to do so online as well.

The lack of education, better understanding, and most of all, tolerance, is deplorable considering how "advanced" we are as animals. Shame how I'm a part of this generation.

manbearswineJul 25, 20152 votes

[{quoted}](name=Nox Eternum,realm=NA,application-id=cIfEodbz,discussion-id=dcJrRO5H,comment-id=0006,timestamp=2015-07-25T06:07:08.592+0000)

I really don't get why people do this. People who say such rude and downright demeaning slurs such as 'retard', 'gay', 'autistic', etc., are uneducated and ignorant. I'm not saying they're not to blame --because they are-- but it's a matter of guidance and education. They do that with their friends offline and no one chides them, so therefore, it must be okay to do so online as well.

The lack of education, better understanding, and most of all, tolerance, is deplorable considering how "advanced" we are as animals. Shame how I'm a part of this generation.

I'd argue that instead,everyone using the words uneducated and ignorant are uneducated and ignorant.

Everyone can be offended by anything,so should we now not be able to say anything at all?

Stop trying to get offended,if that doesn't work just mute everyone.

BladeworkedJul 25, 201513 votes

The logic you're using is beyond flawed. There's a difference between "You stupid piece of sht" and "fck you you autistic faggot". Both are insulting, but the former only insults the one you're insulting while the latter insults the one you're insulting AND two complete groups of people are by no means invested in your plight.

Stop trying to justify a wrongdoing by saying everyone does it.

GorgiolioJul 25, 20151 votes

How does calling someone autistic insult autistic people? Like, not calling you out or anything, I just don't see how that corresponds. Same goes with calling someone a faggot.

ZheszparJul 25, 20157 votes

{quoted}

How does calling someone autistic insult autistic people? Like, not calling you out or anything, I just don't see how that corresponds. Same goes with calling someone a faggot.

I want you to imagine growing up different than other people who associate that difference with an extremely negative term. Every time you hear it, it is like a punch in the gut, even if it isn't directed at you, because it has been steeped in a lifetime of stress and negativity. Then people casually, offhandedly say, "what's the big deal? It's just a word."

Not to you it isn't.

Even if you're long past that point in your life that it upsets you - you've come to terms with yourself, are ready to live life to the fullest, etc etc etc, you still have to hear that word, and hear people arguing fiercely for being able to use that word because to them, they don't think it means anything.

Ultimately, yes, have thick skin on the internet, etc etc etc, I really just think that with a bazillion words out there, people can be more creative than using slurs that are slightly past their prime as a slur. Call someone an asshat. Look at that word! "Asshat". Such an amazing word, who needs anything else?

TL;DR, easy for most to dismiss these terms as 'just a word' when they haven't lived it, it shows some basic politeness, respect and humanity to change your vocabulary and discover less offensive and more universally hilarious insults.

NinjaToad99Jul 25, 20154 votes

{quoted} Call someone an asshat. Look at that word! "Asshat". Such an amazing word, who needs anything else?

I agree, I use it all the time! Asshat has changed my life around, and it can change yours too!

Call 1-800-ASS-HATS, that's 1-800-ASS-HATS for your free trial today!

(Side effects may include; arguing, fights, black eyes, bloody noses, ruined friendships, detention, and more. Do not use asshat if you are pregnant or may become pregnant. Ask your doctor is asshat is right for you)

Asshat, because why call people a faggot when you can say they are an accessory that only the biggest asses use?

(Side note: this was meant to make people laugh and not to devalue the conversation, because seriously use words like asshat for insults, not faggot or whatever because, hey, asshat is a great insult, and doesn't also insult other people at the same time [Unless there is a race of sentient asshats that we don't know about in which case you'll have to use something else])

TansenJul 25, 201514 votes

Seriously if you people can't take a random insulting comment from some unknown person in a game how do you get through life on a daily basis? Maybe it is the time i spent in the military or maybe I'm just thick skinned enough to not let any silly bullshit like that affect me. Grow a pair and ignore them, better yet click the little ignore button you are given in the game and stop crying.

8 years in the Navy and 20+ working in bars and factories I've paid every due there is to pay to speak my mind when and how I feel appropriate. Last I checked this is still the good ole US of A,and freedom of speech is still a constitutional right.

BetaDude40Jul 25, 201516 votes

That's not what the freedom of speech is.

https://xkcd.com/1357/

MaratsuneJul 25, 201510 votes

So let me get this straight- you think that you having a job and being American gives you the right to shit talk (usually young, possibly non-American) people in a video game? Okay. Just checking.

TansenJul 25, 20152 votes

{quoted}

So let me get this straight- you think that you having a job and being American gives you the right to shit talk (usually young, possibly non-American) people in a video game? Okay. Just checking.

Pay attention sparky...

I talk irl just the same as I talk in game. Why should I have to change who and how I am because it offends you. Don't like it fucking mute me in the game, that is the whole reason they put the freaking thing in there.
I said I paid my dues and earned the right to speak the way I want by my actions not some sense of entitlement because I got the same ribbon that they hand out for free to you whiners these days because you showed up not because you EARNED it.

3.Last I checked this is the NORTH AMERICAN server, if you're not AMERICAN then go create an account on your own regions server and no AMERICANS will be there to shit talk you.

I have never and will never threaten anyone in game with violence or tell them i wish for them or their family members to have any kind of injury, illness or mishap as I find that to be the only thing that is verbally toxic. Any name you want to call me is water under the bridge to me as I am a strong enough willed person to know that what you have to say means dick in the grand scheme of my life.
Get some life experiences, get laid, learn to keep your yap shut when you have no clue what a person is speaking of and don't be a retard or idiot in game and the only thing you will ever hear from me is GREAT JOB, nice play, etc. I never call someone out for doing something stupid one or two times as everyone makes mistakes, but if you die to the same weak ass trap time after time and refuse to stop even when someone explains what you should be doing then ya I'm gonna drop the bomb on you regardless if it gets me banned or chat restricted. I'm willing to accept the consequences of being brutally honest.

23908145_DELJul 25, 20155 votes

{quoted}

Pay attention sparky...

I talk irl just the same as I talk in game. Why should I have to change who and how I am because it offends you. Don't like it fucking mute me in the game, that is the whole reason they put the freaking thing in there.

I said I paid my dues and earned the right to speak the way I want by my actions not some sense of entitlement because I got the same ribbon that they hand out for free to you whiners these days because you showed up not because you EARNED it.

3.Last I checked this is the NORTH AMERICAN server, if you're not AMERICAN then go create an account on your own regions server and no AMERICANS will be there to shit talk you.

I have never and will never threaten anyone in game with violence or tell them i wish for them or their family members to have any kind of injury, illness or mishap as I find that to be the only thing that is verbally toxic. Any name you want to call me is water under the bridge to me as I am a strong enough willed person to know that what you have to say means dick in the grand scheme of my life.

Get some life experiences, get laid, learn to keep your yap shut when you have no clue what a person is speaking of and don't be a retard or idiot in game and the only thing you will ever hear from me is GREAT JOB, nice play, etc. I never call someone out for doing something stupid one or two times as everyone makes mistakes, but if you die to the same weak ass trap time after time and refuse to stop even when someone explains what you should be doing then ya I'm gonna drop the bomb on you regardless if it gets me banned or chat restricted. I'm willing to accept the consequences of being brutally honest.

this guys probably has a confederate flag lol

BiffoloJul 25, 20152 votes

{quoted}

this guys probably has a confederate flag lol

You mean general lee's battle flag?

23908145_DELJul 25, 20152 votes

Does it matter. Still bad.

DeerGreenwoodJul 25, 20152 votes

That's pretty offensive. I live in the Confederate states, and I am against slavery and human trafficking. Not everyone in the South is pro-slavery, you know.

23908145_DELJul 25, 20157 votes

I live in the south too. Whole origin of that flag is racist. Don't be ignorant.

Mecha MaIphiteJul 25, 20156 votes

{quoted}

3.Last I checked this is the NORTH AMERICAN server, if you're not AMERICAN then go create an account on your own regions server and no AMERICANS will be there to shit talk you.

I'm canadian.

All Day Tay TayJul 25, 201514 votes

im autistic and i dont care too much unless they are trying to be hurtful

SoMNiaJul 25, 201510 votes

I'm autistic, and I do care. People only say things like that if they're trying to be hurtful.

Rinky DinkyJul 25, 20153 votes

Not true. Refer to some of my other comments.

Most people are not trying to be hurtful in the way you think.

Although, some people definitely are, and those are what we call asshats.

Spare Head 2Jul 26, 20155 votes

I've never seen anyone use "autistic" in game in a way that wasn't meant to be hurtful.

Chespin2013Jul 25, 20159 votes

I was born with autism and it just gets tiring of having to deal with people using autism as a insult all the time. Everyday I see it and I always ask just why would you say something so hurtful. Having to see it on reddit, yourtube, social media, and online games is just disgusting to watch it happen. Thank you for making this post for people to be aware that joking about people with special needs is never funny. I'm all for joking around but if someone makes a joke like that makes me feel so angry about this ignorant brutes. Good to know there is still some humanity left in us. Hopefully in the future this hate will be gone and we can stop this intolerance soon.

TaredomJul 25, 20158 votes

I couldn't agree with this more, my younger brother has both autism and down syndrome so it always irks me pretty bad when these slurs are so casually thrown around. I'm a father of three as well, although none of my children have these conditions, growing up around my brother, I completely understand the struggle, these children have it hard so why is it a social norm to use their conditions as insults?

Edit: A separate PSA, these insults are punished just as hard as homophobic remarks, sexism and racial slurs.

Glory to GodJul 25, 20157 votes

I think this softened me a bit...You reminded me that some people have some real problems. I usually don't insult players for their mistakes, but some of my friends are doing it. I guess I'll try to avoid them. God bless you and your family.

AzuradaJul 25, 20157 votes

I agree with this wholeheartedly. I was diagnosed with autism at an early age, on the high-functioning end of the spectrum. My sister has anxiety issues and my older brother had the actual ADD. I'm thankful to have understanding parents in my life.

Bugs the crap out of me that "autism" as a word is being used as a catch-all term for stupidity or some form of mental deficiency. Do people think it's cool if they're oddly specific with their insults? It just makes them look bad when they're off the mark, and even worse when someone actually is autistic in the group.

I'm gonna stop short. I have other issues with how people perceive autism and it wouldn't be appropriate to let it all out here.

Spare Head 2Jul 26, 20154 votes

It really bothers me, too. My son is autistic and he is not stupid at all. He's actually somewhat of a genius. Autism has nothing to do with intelligence, but the morons who use it as an insult don't even have the required intelligence to know that. Ironic, isn't it?

Doctor DymentJul 25, 20155 votes

I have family, close family, who have autism and it makes me almost furious when people use it as an insult. It only makes you look stupid and a dick to everyone else.

chaetopterusJul 25, 20155 votes

Thanks for making this threat. I'm autistic myself (high functional syndrome, so I can hide it if I put enough effort into it and just seem like a really strange guy, I was lucky) and seeing others use your condition as an insult really, really sucks. Especially since most people don't even know what they're talking about, but only heard someone using it as an insult before or got some smattering from movies or wherever. How is it possible that people will immediately jump at you if you insult a country or ethnic group, but this kind of phrase is seen as ok? (ending rambling here, sorry, but I just had to let it out once) On a serious note I understand how these phrases slipped into the internets usual tone. After all, being face to face with someone is entirely different then internet conversation (for people with empathy. I heard...) so people easily get the impression everyone thinking differently then them would be evil or stupid. But choosing the easy explanation by calling them autistic or whatever will only make things worse. (fun fact: since the difference between online conversation and rl conversation is smaller for autists, you could also say we were less likely to cause problems. At least, the usual problems.)

JariJul 25, 20154 votes

Thank goodness I thought I was alone on it. It's annoying when people use things like that to insult. Like... Seriously people. It ain't funny. If you said something like that on the bus, someone would slap you for it.

FlaminMoeJul 26, 20154 votes

Just had 2 teammates gang up on our "retarded" mid. I can't believe these are children and adults that just have no morals.

TokinoJul 25, 20153 votes

Instructions clear, am now calling people bronze 5 garbage cans instead.

But really though, thank you for making this post as it does bring attention to this fact, unfortunately, league being a free online game people often forget the existence of manners and lose the amount of respect they'd have for other people in real life. (unless they have no respect for people, which in that case their life probably sucks for a reason)

Anyways. Cheers from Toxic Nerf Irelia who is now calling people bronze 5 scrublords.

1000angrybeesJul 25, 20153 votes

personally, I blame the shitty ass idea that permeates internet and video game culture that "it's the internet" so people can act however they please towards others without consequence, when that clearly is absolutely asinine and dumb AF

Absolutely zero common sense. A lot of people have the emotional IQ of a god damn brick.

LionelLeonJul 25, 20153 votes

Preach! I'm tired of these trick2g wannabes playing udyr calling everyone autistic if they're bad, gets annoying.

MajorPain9Jul 25, 20151 votes

I generally use it to insult my own friends in chat. If we are playing aram they are more than likely talking to me on mic and I am talking to them in game. I'm not implying any of my context about your familiy or son.

I am implying that my friends are window lickers in chat. Sorry it offends you but I am going to have fun with my friends, and insulting each other is one of the best ways to do it.

CavemanSelfieJul 25, 20158 votes

Yeah but there's other ways to insult people than calling them retarded or autistic. And the fact they you use those words to as an insult means that you view autistic people as lesser than yourself. If you didn't then how could it be an insult? There are so many other words and things you could say instead of those. They arent telling you to stop talking shit, they just dont want you to use those words.