Moderators; what is going on?

[brewstermax]

Originally Posted by rich_952000

Games, Brewstermax, this is a website dedicated to games not middle aged men talking with children about sex or racial issues. Dont want this turning into an edition of Dateline. Let their parents take care of deciding what they face, and when they face it.

I know that. Well iPhone applications, but regardless. What is the Lounge for? I think that talks of sex, race, and politics has a place. Not in the Games or App sections, but we have a lounge for just that purpose. Sure, it's the parent's responsibility, but at the same time, they are on the internet, and will encounter these things.

[rich_952000]

Originally Posted by brewstermax

I know that. Well iPhone applications, but regardless. What is the Lounge for? I think that talks of sex, race, and politics has a place. Not in the Games or App sections, but we have a lounge for just that purpose. Sure, it's the parent's responsibility, but at the same time, they are on the internet, and will encounter these things.

Ok, this I can agree with sir. and for others viewing....this is how gentlemen handle themselves

[CandyNJ66]

I see nothing wrong with the OP views since I am lesbian myself. I am annoyed by some people's narrow minded views and rush to get up in arms if this is mentioned. They are uncomfortable or homophobic and not wanting to even consider the issue so they make childish accusations.

The lounge is a place to discuss anything within reason or that is not against Arn's rules.

[brewstermax]

I wonder if TA would be better if we didn't know about people's sexuality, a Don't ask, Don't tell policy, or if we will be a better forums for people being open with this. Hmm.

[pennydreadful]

I, too, was rather dismayed to see the level of homophobia, immaturity, and incivility displayed within that thread. The actual sexual orientation of the OP is irrelevant because I believe that he was (like most internet trolls) an unemployed involuntarily celibate forty-five year old mischievously stirring up controversy from his parents' basement. However, the post could have led to a deeper discussion of the direction of gaming in general.

Kotaku recently featured an article entitled, "Growing Up Games: When Will Mature, Mature." http://kotaku.com/5175046/growing-up...-mature-mature

The author argued that that thus far, "mature" ratings have only designated games that simply feature nudity, profanity, or gratuitous violence. I believe that while games are still a rather young media, they have the capacity to powerfully tell a story in a way that other mediums can not (ie. film, print, etc.)
Computer games have the potential to be valid works of art that address all facets of the human experience but they can't evolve until the medium stops dealing with those subjects with juvenile prurience.

[starjimstar]

It looks as though I have some catching up to do:

@arn - It is unfortunate that the solution was to halt all discussion rather than moderate the threads. I would like to know more about this (possibly) upcoming game. Hopefully the developer will come back and share screenshots and a synopsis.

@rich - You are on a different page. I will talk to you when you join the conversation.

@Candy - Even if you are a minority of one, the truth is the truth. All the same, it is good to know you got my back.

@brewstermax - Don't ask/don't tell will only compact the problem. TA members may, on the surface, seem like they are all bratty teens, but they are more diverse than you might realize.

@pennydreadful - That is a great article. Thank you for the contribution. I have, in the past, thought that the 'mature' rating is rather inappropriate because those games do appeal to my immature side.

@everyone - I am gladdened to see that some of us are capable of civilized debate. I will continue to be an openly gay fan of iPhone games around the forums, so don't you worry about that. After this episode, I might even take up the torch of producing a platformer of the Stonewall riots. I will let you know, arn, when it is ready to be featured on the front page of TouchArcade.

Now, it is late,
good night.

[organerito]

I think there are basic rules about respect anywhere you are. There are many ignorant people who hate the other just because is a little different. I hope TA is not going to become "Ipod touch fans forum" where it is very easily to be called "dumb, retarded..etc". I think racism and discrimination shouldn't be allowed anywhere, especially in a gaming forum.

[b_o_h_i_c_a]

Originally Posted by brewstermax

I understand your dismay, but unfortunately a majority of people are not open to homosexual people, or ideas. I am not homosexual, but I do see this as an issue of racism (not on the part of the mods, but people as a whole). I saw part of it the argument, could someone fill me in?

It's not racism as homosexual is not a race. Perhaps the word you were going for was discrimination?

[The Game Reaper]

Originally Posted by brewstermax

I wonder if TA would be better if we didn't know about people's sexuality, a Don't ask, Don't tell policy, or if we will be a better forums for people being open with this. Hmm.

Why should we hide who we are?

What really annoys me is when n00bs start posting stuff like "Paying for in app purchases is gay". It's really disappointing when something like the word gay turns into a derogatory
phrase.

[s0mah]

Originally Posted by The Game Reaper

Why should we hide who we are?

Who asked in the first place?

Race/sexuality thread is the biggest, most tired troll in the book. Big deal, you're gay/black/hermaphroditic/inlovewithsheep/pothead/lost a limb in WW2.

Go be gay somewhere else.

Go be straight somewhere else.

This is a forum dedicated to video games, not your sexuality. People here have been known to express a similar amount of offense to hetero apps like iJiggle or iGirl. What's the difference?

ps.

no one cares.