Censorship Sucks, Don't Do It Riot: PART ONE

PART ONE: THE PROS AND CONS OF THE POLICY

tldr; if you need one of these fuck off, im not writing one

INTRODUCTION I didn't intend to make this a series of posts, but there is a lot of meat to grind before we make this burger. This series of posts is meant to advocate for the removal of a word-list-trigger for a zero tolerance policy. Riot has a zero tolerance policy regarding certain words. I do not know the full list of words, but I am arguing against the principle of the policy. Thus, my arguments would be the same regardless of the words. Riot's current policy is designed to effectively censor words out of the vocabulary on LOL, a revolting constraint on language (I'll explain the "effectively" soon). It is a human right to use any and all words as one sees fit in an effort to best express oneself.

First of all, I will not refer to any controversial words as "letter-word." Referring to a word like that absolves me of any responsibility for saying the word, and the readers say the word in their minds anyways. I refuse to fear a word or its consequences so much that I must eschew the instance of it. Better to face the consequences and pave the way for a level-headed discussion below. Therefore, I will be using the full form of every word I discuss. If the word is censored, so be it. Use context clues to discern the word.

Second, I am by no means a perfect authority on the subject. I invite dissenting discussion, and admit I don't know everything.

Third, I will refer to Riot as a single entity. Any rioter who wants to respond to this, really just don't. Your job is worth more. And I think we all know, any response to this that doesn't result in you losing your job is going to be pretty hollow. All I ask, is that you think about it. And make me an intern.

PART ONE, RIOT'S POLICY Using certain words will result in an instant two week ban. This is what the riot support website says:

"We have a zero-tolerance policy for extreme negative behavior as well as extremely offensive language and remarks made in game towards other players. Since it is a severe disregard for the Summoner’s Code this sort of behavior can result in skipping to a Two week or Permanent suspension. Suspensions of this degree based on negative behavior will not likely be reduced or removed."

"Extreme negative behavior, extremely offensive language and remarks" boils down to a few words like %%%got, kys, or %%%%%. Riot has effectively censored these words out of its game. Players can say these words, but will probably get slammed with a two week ban. Meaning Riot regards the mere instance of these words as extremely offensive language and deserving of the harshest penalty, regardless of context or intent.

PART TWO, POSITIVES OF THE POLICY It would be terribly unfair to slash this policy without first describing the good it does. If anyone manages to come up with more positives in the comments section I would be glad to add your ideas to this post and credit you. Aside from that, here are the positives I can see.

1. People who use the words %%%got, %%%%%, or kys to belittle their peers will only get to do it one time before being banned.
2. It sends the message that Riot is pro-blacks, and pro-gay.
3. It sends the message that Riot wants to protect its gamers from extremely offensive language.

Overall, the positives of the policy mean that certain language is punished with absolute consistency and that Riot sends some positive messages about itself. It bans everyone who uses these words, without fail.

PART THREE, NEGATIVES OF THE POLICY Let the slashing commence. Again if anybody has more ideas to add to this part I would gladly add your ideas here and credit you.

1. Since it is a zero tolerance policy, there can be no discretion or manual input. Everyone is handed the exact same punishment, regardless of the context or intent.
2. The policy singles out blacks and homosexuals as targets of hate speech. This adds to the victimization of blacks and gays.
3. Riot claims certain words are extraordinarily hateful, thus they add to the negative stigma of the words.
4. The zero-tolerance-policy only works with certain words, leaving out hateful speech directed at other ethnicities or cultures.

Here we can see that the absolute consistency of a zero tolerance policy is a double edged sword. It is a severe limitation on the words it concerns. Not only can the words not be used to instigate or disparage, the words cannot be used at all. The zero tolerance policy also enforces the stigmas associated with %%%%% and %%%got, teaching LOL players that the words are so heinous they are far more damaging any other racial or sexual slur.

[fiora-cool] Tonight, we have just outlined the policy and begun to explore its pros and cons. In the next part we will take a more nuanced look at the positives or negatives a policy like this brings to the table. I want to wait and give you all some time to add more positives or negatives so we can look at as complete a picture as possible.