Strengthen the Racism and Harassment Policies.

In the past, players used to be uncomfortable whenever the term, "nigga" was used on the servers. However, this changed over time as now it's obviously used without the negative nature that "nigger" elicits whenever it's used. Considering that the meaning changed over time, its use is allowed now as long as it's appropriate..

--> Now, here's the thing: if someone is being toxic and intentionally trying to bend the rules in order to give the same amount of pressure one would otherwise receive from the use of "nigger", then they'll be asked to stop. While there are different tolerance levels of harassment amongst all the staff members, this general idea holds true. I don't think that making a blanket rule prohibiting the use of "nigga" or any of its similar sounding terms after allowing it to be used for quite some time would be fair for the players just because a few trolls are trying to bend the rules.

--> As far as your second statement goes, this itself is absurd. The servers have rules that punish players who excessively break the rules and give leniency for those who do not intend to ruin everyone's experience. If the rule-breaking becomes habitual, then admin discretion can be applied at this point in order to give an appropriate form of punishment if the rule-breaking becomes a common thing with specific players.

--> Your last statement falls under harassment, which already has a specific protocol set for all staff members to use, which is found in both the MOTD as well as the Extended Rules. However, like I said earlier: there are different tolerance levels for staff members and what may be seen as insulting, may not be so much for the other players. If there are negative intentions/intentions to negatively affect the player's experience, then it will be dealt with appropriately.

--> The rules clarify what RDM is because there are so many cases of it. Some which can be seen in plain sight and others done in ways to bend the rules. It's an objective type of situation and not subjective according to what you say. This is particularly why it's fully detailed to cut off any potential loopholes. Harassment however, comes from mainly word of mouth or text on the servers. If there's a term that creates a negative play experience, then it will be dealt with. If the staff member doesn't notice it, then you can bring it up in admin chat and explain why it offends you. If it is reasonable, then the staff members can handle it from there.

 

The problem comes up when you cant tell the difference between a friendly "Nigga" and a racist "Nigga". It is commonly accepted that "N***er" is an all around racist word, so people seeking normal social interaction don't use it. But when I for example say to a friend "Yo you got that Nigga in the Lighthouse" I am probably meaning it in a friendly way , but if I said "Shut up you Watermelon munching Nigga" I am clearly saying it as an insult. Now comes the hard part: if I (picture im a staff member) ask a player reported for racism/harassment what his intentions were when saying "Nigga" in any context, if he says that he meant it in a good way, even if he clearly didn't, I wouldn't be able to punish him and not punish anyone who also says it in a friendly way, or else I would be abusing power and not applying rules to everybody. This problem is really delicate and complicated, as it plays with what is and isnt offensive to different people. I assure you that there are also some people that are offended by me saying something like "Hey good job my Nigga", as there are also people who are not offended by me saying something like "Drink bleach you greedy Nigga" . It would be a either a very unfair or inconsistent rule, in any case it would not be a good one. I think since we have thinking people as Staff members, not Bots, that clear insults or racist comments have and will be punished rightfully, no matter if they contain "Nigga" or "N***er". But punishing anybody who even mentions the word with a ban is not the way. And lastly and just want to say that you shouldn't get me wrong, there's nothing I hate more than Racist dumb asses who think that because they are interacting through the internet, that they can say anything they want, and that's why im the first person to report this kind of thing. But this is just not the way to go. Thank you, and have a great day.
-Kyle

 

https://www.seriousgmod.com/threads/kylenator_s-appeal.32857/