After two and a half days of relentless shooting, my part in the student film Lord of the Dice is over. It'll be about two months until it's finished, but sadly we are not allowed to post it on YouTube or anything like that. So no watching it online. Too bad for you.
Title:
Lord of the Dice
Cast:
Brave and dashing lead: Mark DeNicola
Despicable villain: Ryan Baily
Hot girl I got to kiss: Sam Nemeth
Absolutely hilarious and lovably geeky guy: ME!!!!!!
Equally hilarious but not so geeky guy: Adam Zhen Ting
Crew:
Director: Matt Philips
Writer/Cameo appearance: Chad Brown
Person who kept the whole thing glued together: Jenna Hamilton
Producer: Jocelyn Publicover
And tons of other brilliant people suffering for their art.
And also, I'm going to say it again: PLEASE FOLLOW MY BLOG!
Here's a treat for you however:
In other news, I've been planning to start a social group for teens with autism. I haven't done anything except talk about it, but now that I've posted this, I'll have to do something, won't I? Won't I?
February 16, 2009
February 07, 2009
Film Star!
I have been cast in a student film called Lord of the Dice. It's about a role-playing game club. I play Billy, aka Bilicus the Thief. Rehearsals are in a couple days. Hopefully I'll be well by then, I've been sick for a while now. Do you know why I'm sick? It's because NOBODY IS FOLLOWING MY BLOG!!! Come on! Just go down to the bottom of the page!
January 25, 2009
Nazis among us
The following is an excerpt from Asperger Square 8:
Minna Mettinen- Kekalainen, a 42 year old autistic woman with ALS has been denied services she needs to continue living. Apparently, the nursing agency that served her through the North East Community Care Access Centre in Sudbury, Ontario has reported harassment by Ms. Mettinen-Kekalainen since she threatened to report them for not following her doctor’s orders. The agency has said that they would not deny services to anyone, as long as their workers were “safe.” Meanwhile, the many forms of assistance she needs, listed by her as “basic hygiene, communication, mobility, and administration of medications, food and water” have been denied for forty days. It is hard to imagine that she could be much of a threat to anyone. No, she is being punished for speaking up for her rights. Judged as unworthy of care.
Read more about her story here and here and here and here.
Here it is. It is happening again, more slowly, no less inhumane.
Please help spread Minna's story. If you have a blog, post a line or two about Minna. Contact one or more of the people listed here. Unworthy? She is a human being, and that should be enough.
Sudbury MPP Rick BartolucciConstituency Office email: rbartolucci.mpp.co@liberal.ola.orgMinistry of Community Safety & Correctional Services email: rick.bartolucci@ontario.caMinister of Health & Long-Term Care David Caplan: ccu.moh@ontario.ca
North East Community Care Access Centre (the centre that is refusing care to Minna)Head Office/Sudbury Branch1760 Regent StreetSudbury ON P3E 3Z8(705) 522-3461 or 1 (800) 461-2919 (Sudbury)
Maison Vale Inco Hospice (the place Minna hopes to gain admittance to)(705) 674-92521028 South Bay Rd. Sudbury, ON P3E 6J7Website: http://www.maisonsudburyhospice.org/Resident Care Coordinator Elaine Klym: elaine@maisonsudburyhospice.orgExecutive Director is Léo Therrien
David Butler-Jones, Chief Public Health Officer; (613) 954-8524
If you think that's bad, read the other part:
Have you heard the story of Barry Baker? On November 29, Baker, a disabled man in Sussex, England, called for an ambulance. He recognized that he was having a heart attack. He wanted to live. The dispatcher stayed on the line with him, waiting for help to arrive. Before it did, he collapsed, but the dispatcher kept the line open. When the ambulance arrived, the two EMT workers opened the door to Mr. Baker’s house. They saw a messy house. A very messy house. They saw a very large man, a man with a disability, a very large man with a disability, collapsed on the floor of a very messy house. They talked about him. They talked about his house. Expressed disgust at the way he lived. They talked about whether or not he was worth saving, agreeing to report that he was dead when they got there. The dispatcher heard it all, and turned the tape over to authorities. The EMT workers were arrested, and are free on bail until late in February.
It happened on November 29, it’s an old story. It was quite a bit later when I heard it. Late in December, the company charged with cleaning the house chose to release photos of Baker’s home, allowing all the world to see and comment upon and judge the state of Baker’s living room. People like to see the evidence, decide for themselves. Worthy or unworthy? Barry Baker was left to die in this living room. It is too late for him.
Just over a week ago, Dave Hingsburger posted a blog in memory of Baker at Chewing the Fat. He promised to tell people the story, to keep it alive. Now, I am telling it here. Baker’s story, on its own, is important for many reasons. It demonstrates the occasional failure of agencies sworn to help, of people paid to help, to remember that they are not endowed with the authority to decide who lives and who dies. People who are disabled, people who are “difficult,” are equally worthy of life and dignity.
In his post about Barry Baker, Hingsburger wrote: I hope you will join me and bring Barry's story to others, begin a conversation of the dangers of disphobia and the need for us to be alert to the fact that those who are supposed to save us, may indeed kill us, that those who are supposed to care for us, may indeed hate us, that those who we are supposed to trust - can't be.
This is a truth that has once again been called into question.
Fact: Although euthanasia is technically illegal, those who kill disabled people often receive no jail time.
Fact: The law supports zero rights for the disabled.
Fact: In this society I am considered a second-class citizen.
Fact: Disabled people everywhere are danger of losing everything - even their life.
Fact: This isn't news.
Minna Mettinen- Kekalainen, a 42 year old autistic woman with ALS has been denied services she needs to continue living. Apparently, the nursing agency that served her through the North East Community Care Access Centre in Sudbury, Ontario has reported harassment by Ms. Mettinen-Kekalainen since she threatened to report them for not following her doctor’s orders. The agency has said that they would not deny services to anyone, as long as their workers were “safe.” Meanwhile, the many forms of assistance she needs, listed by her as “basic hygiene, communication, mobility, and administration of medications, food and water” have been denied for forty days. It is hard to imagine that she could be much of a threat to anyone. No, she is being punished for speaking up for her rights. Judged as unworthy of care.
Read more about her story here and here and here and here.
Here it is. It is happening again, more slowly, no less inhumane.
Please help spread Minna's story. If you have a blog, post a line or two about Minna. Contact one or more of the people listed here. Unworthy? She is a human being, and that should be enough.
Sudbury MPP Rick BartolucciConstituency Office email: rbartolucci.mpp.co@liberal.ola.orgMinistry of Community Safety & Correctional Services email: rick.bartolucci@ontario.caMinister of Health & Long-Term Care David Caplan: ccu.moh@ontario.ca
North East Community Care Access Centre (the centre that is refusing care to Minna)Head Office/Sudbury Branch1760 Regent StreetSudbury ON P3E 3Z8(705) 522-3461 or 1 (800) 461-2919 (Sudbury)
Maison Vale Inco Hospice (the place Minna hopes to gain admittance to)(705) 674-92521028 South Bay Rd. Sudbury, ON P3E 6J7Website: http://www.maisonsudburyhospice.org/Resident Care Coordinator Elaine Klym: elaine@maisonsudburyhospice.orgExecutive Director is Léo Therrien
David Butler-Jones, Chief Public Health Officer; (613) 954-8524
If you think that's bad, read the other part:
Have you heard the story of Barry Baker? On November 29, Baker, a disabled man in Sussex, England, called for an ambulance. He recognized that he was having a heart attack. He wanted to live. The dispatcher stayed on the line with him, waiting for help to arrive. Before it did, he collapsed, but the dispatcher kept the line open. When the ambulance arrived, the two EMT workers opened the door to Mr. Baker’s house. They saw a messy house. A very messy house. They saw a very large man, a man with a disability, a very large man with a disability, collapsed on the floor of a very messy house. They talked about him. They talked about his house. Expressed disgust at the way he lived. They talked about whether or not he was worth saving, agreeing to report that he was dead when they got there. The dispatcher heard it all, and turned the tape over to authorities. The EMT workers were arrested, and are free on bail until late in February.
It happened on November 29, it’s an old story. It was quite a bit later when I heard it. Late in December, the company charged with cleaning the house chose to release photos of Baker’s home, allowing all the world to see and comment upon and judge the state of Baker’s living room. People like to see the evidence, decide for themselves. Worthy or unworthy? Barry Baker was left to die in this living room. It is too late for him.
Just over a week ago, Dave Hingsburger posted a blog in memory of Baker at Chewing the Fat. He promised to tell people the story, to keep it alive. Now, I am telling it here. Baker’s story, on its own, is important for many reasons. It demonstrates the occasional failure of agencies sworn to help, of people paid to help, to remember that they are not endowed with the authority to decide who lives and who dies. People who are disabled, people who are “difficult,” are equally worthy of life and dignity.
In his post about Barry Baker, Hingsburger wrote: I hope you will join me and bring Barry's story to others, begin a conversation of the dangers of disphobia and the need for us to be alert to the fact that those who are supposed to save us, may indeed kill us, that those who are supposed to care for us, may indeed hate us, that those who we are supposed to trust - can't be.
This is a truth that has once again been called into question.
Fact: Although euthanasia is technically illegal, those who kill disabled people often receive no jail time.
Fact: The law supports zero rights for the disabled.
Fact: In this society I am considered a second-class citizen.
Fact: Disabled people everywhere are danger of losing everything - even their life.
Fact: This isn't news.
January 22, 2009
The Guide To Aspies
1. Do not touch an Aspie suddenly. They will become defencive.
2. Do not feed Aspie. Many are on diets.
3. Do not try to speak for Aspies. Let them say what they have to say.
4. Do not worry about eye contact. They are probably listening.
5. Do not force an Aspie to do something he/she doesn't want to do. That's just asking for trouble.
I hope that clears up a few things! Also, scroll down to the bottom of the page to follow this blog! Come on! Don't be shy!
2. Do not feed Aspie. Many are on diets.
3. Do not try to speak for Aspies. Let them say what they have to say.
4. Do not worry about eye contact. They are probably listening.
5. Do not force an Aspie to do something he/she doesn't want to do. That's just asking for trouble.
I hope that clears up a few things! Also, scroll down to the bottom of the page to follow this blog! Come on! Don't be shy!
January 13, 2009
January 09, 2009
Ennio Morricone continued...
I'm not going to tell you how terrific these songs are, simply because you would get jealous. However, I plan to upload the songs to YouTube, so everyone can enjoy Morricone's best!
And no, I am not stealing from my favourite artist. I am stealing from the publishing company. Somebody's got to take 'em down.
And no, I am not stealing from my favourite artist. I am stealing from the publishing company. Somebody's got to take 'em down.
January 05, 2009
ENNIO MORRICONE!!!!!!!!!
YES! 60 songs! A delayed birthday present! The best of the best!
YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
January 03, 2009
Pet Peeve of the Day: Sorry
Sorry.
This word alone is often mistaken for or used for an apology. In reality, it means nothing. An apology is a sincere take back, an admission of guilt, that you messed up. That you hurt somebody. One word cannot heal was has been hurt. One word is nothing, an incomplete idea. I am not talking about grammar, but the fact that we are adrift in insincerity.
If you are to apologize, then apologize! Make it long, make it honest, give reason why. 'Sorry' is an insult, an attempt to repair damage while saving face. The logic behind an apology is to lose face, to lower yourself so you are down with who you hurt. And an apology does not stop at words. Show you are regretful. Only then can wounds fully heal.
We all need to apologize at some time, and we all need to forgive. Everything should be forgiven, regardless of an apology, but everything should be apologized for, regardless of forgiveness. All must be healed.
This word alone is often mistaken for or used for an apology. In reality, it means nothing. An apology is a sincere take back, an admission of guilt, that you messed up. That you hurt somebody. One word cannot heal was has been hurt. One word is nothing, an incomplete idea. I am not talking about grammar, but the fact that we are adrift in insincerity.
If you are to apologize, then apologize! Make it long, make it honest, give reason why. 'Sorry' is an insult, an attempt to repair damage while saving face. The logic behind an apology is to lose face, to lower yourself so you are down with who you hurt. And an apology does not stop at words. Show you are regretful. Only then can wounds fully heal.
We all need to apologize at some time, and we all need to forgive. Everything should be forgiven, regardless of an apology, but everything should be apologized for, regardless of forgiveness. All must be healed.
Oi
I have changed the blog title to Oi. Sock Monkey was just a spur of the moment thing, and I think Oi is a much better title. Such a multi-purpose word!
And no, I do not promise not to change the title again.
And no, I do not promise not to change the title again.
January 02, 2009
Pet Peeve of the Day: I watched a bad movie!
You never know when they will turn up. Bad movies have a habit of blindsiding you. This one went under the name The Sum Of All Fears, one of the Jack Ryan movies. I liked the others, but this one was just goofy. It supposedly took place before the others, but it got to be so ridiculous, an atomic bomb exploding in the US, Russia and the US were at war for a while, but everything turned out all nice and happy for the end. Right.
Pathetic. Other bad movies I've seen include Timeline (horrible, just plain horrible), Jurassic Park (seemed okay, but truly an insult to the novel), The Forgotten (simply stupid, cool music though), The Core (but Stanley Tucci was good), and all the Harry Potter movies (well the books suck, so you kinda expect the movies would too...).
I know I can't stop bad movies from coming out, but I can still whine about it right? Please comment with your bad movie experience! Then take some umbrage at the badness:
Pathetic. Other bad movies I've seen include Timeline (horrible, just plain horrible), Jurassic Park (seemed okay, but truly an insult to the novel), The Forgotten (simply stupid, cool music though), The Core (but Stanley Tucci was good), and all the Harry Potter movies (well the books suck, so you kinda expect the movies would too...).
I know I can't stop bad movies from coming out, but I can still whine about it right? Please comment with your bad movie experience! Then take some umbrage at the badness:
January 01, 2009
Pet Peeve of the Day: New Year's Day Sucks
A year is arbitrary, right? But that doesn't stop people from celebrating another one, or to be more specific, the evening before one. New Year's Day isn't the affair people make it out to be. Sure, for the first few minutes there's fireworks, partying, but then everybody goes home. And New Year's is mostly hangovers.
The hype over this holiday is just sickening. People talk airily of resolutions, but few are kept, or even remembered for more than a few months. So don't wish me "Happy New Year's", the words are hollow and empty. It's just one more party.
Sorry for posting this late. If you have a problem with the post, voice all complaints here:
The hype over this holiday is just sickening. People talk airily of resolutions, but few are kept, or even remembered for more than a few months. So don't wish me "Happy New Year's", the words are hollow and empty. It's just one more party.
Sorry for posting this late. If you have a problem with the post, voice all complaints here:
December 31, 2008
Pet Peeve of the Day: Cathaholic e-mails
Yes, I've created a new word.
Cathaholic: 1. noun, someone addicted to religion and/or religious artifacts and symbols, catholic or otherwise. 2. adjective, used to describe someone addicted to religion and/or religious artifacts and symbols, catholic or otherwise.
In short, we all know cathaholics. People who are so obsessed in their religion that they cannot see anything besides their religion. They often try to convert you to their religion, not overtly, but cautiously. Just mentioning what a great time they've had at church on Sunday. I don't think any more description is needed. You know these people.
Now, back to the pet peeve:
I think we all know those touchy e-mails. Often sent to you by someone you only speak to once a year, these contain stories of kittens rescued from shipwrecks, or other equally soppy stuff. Some just contain cute baby pictures with captions like: 'The most important thing in live is to love!"
Anyway, we all know these e-mails, and although we dismiss them as chain letters, we all secretly like them. We like the cheesy touchy soppy emotion. So we read the story of the kitty heroically rescued from the sinking ship, and then we see something like this:
"Thank God and Jesus for saving and preserving the good things in life!"
What on earth is going on here? Is this a paid advertisement? "This story has been brought to you by Christianity!" If you really believe that kitties are rescued by Jesus, fine, that's your conviction. Don't spoil a sweet story with your attempt to convert me! And what is the message here exactly? Atheists would've let the kitten drown? Muslims don't love the same pleasures of life? You won't be able to live life fully from behind your computer screen unless you join OUR religion!
Something that should be universal is made so that only a certain group of people can enjoy it. This is theft. Religion takes credit for everything, it has a patent on happiness.
I realize that this post may upset people. While I offer no retraction or apology, I do offer a way for your complaints to be heard and acknowledged:
And yes, I hope to have a new pet peeve every day.
Cathaholic: 1. noun, someone addicted to religion and/or religious artifacts and symbols, catholic or otherwise. 2. adjective, used to describe someone addicted to religion and/or religious artifacts and symbols, catholic or otherwise.
In short, we all know cathaholics. People who are so obsessed in their religion that they cannot see anything besides their religion. They often try to convert you to their religion, not overtly, but cautiously. Just mentioning what a great time they've had at church on Sunday. I don't think any more description is needed. You know these people.
Now, back to the pet peeve:
I think we all know those touchy e-mails. Often sent to you by someone you only speak to once a year, these contain stories of kittens rescued from shipwrecks, or other equally soppy stuff. Some just contain cute baby pictures with captions like: 'The most important thing in live is to love!"
Anyway, we all know these e-mails, and although we dismiss them as chain letters, we all secretly like them. We like the cheesy touchy soppy emotion. So we read the story of the kitty heroically rescued from the sinking ship, and then we see something like this:
"Thank God and Jesus for saving and preserving the good things in life!"
What on earth is going on here? Is this a paid advertisement? "This story has been brought to you by Christianity!" If you really believe that kitties are rescued by Jesus, fine, that's your conviction. Don't spoil a sweet story with your attempt to convert me! And what is the message here exactly? Atheists would've let the kitten drown? Muslims don't love the same pleasures of life? You won't be able to live life fully from behind your computer screen unless you join OUR religion!
Something that should be universal is made so that only a certain group of people can enjoy it. This is theft. Religion takes credit for everything, it has a patent on happiness.
I realize that this post may upset people. While I offer no retraction or apology, I do offer a way for your complaints to be heard and acknowledged:
And yes, I hope to have a new pet peeve every day.
December 25, 2008
December 20, 2008
Curtain Call!
Hans Brinker or the Silver Skates is finally over! We got a full cast (the lead roles were recommended by me), and after much struggle, we gave four performances that were not that bad!
It was really tense for awhile. There were a few kids that would NOT STOP TALKING BACKSTAGE, but apparently the audience didn't hear them. Whew.
It amazed me how much some kids know about acting: nothing at all. It was insane!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Teenagers are SO STUPID!!! Arrgh. But, I met a couple nice kids, and, if all goes well, I will be a member of the company's new acting troupe: Hopeless Romantics! They play at weddings. The audition is in January, and guess what? It's Paid!
It was really tense for awhile. There were a few kids that would NOT STOP TALKING BACKSTAGE, but apparently the audience didn't hear them. Whew.
It amazed me how much some kids know about acting: nothing at all. It was insane!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Teenagers are SO STUPID!!! Arrgh. But, I met a couple nice kids, and, if all goes well, I will be a member of the company's new acting troupe: Hopeless Romantics! They play at weddings. The audition is in January, and guess what? It's Paid!
December 05, 2008
Play!
Well, if you're in the Fergus area, make sure to see ME in Hans Brinker or The Silver Skates!
It's pretty chaotic so far. We just recently cast one of the lead roles, and we're still looking for someone. And the play is in two weeks! ARRGH!!!!!
But hey, I'M IN A PLAY! Even if does mean my fingers falling off in the freezing cold barn where we rehearse.
November 13, 2008
Ennio Morricone
I can't believe I haven't mentioned Ennio Morricone yet. He is definitely my favourite composer. Not to take away from some of my other favourites: Ryuichi Sakamoto, Darren Hayes, The Proclaimers, but nobody can beat this guy. I dare anyone to try. He is most known for his scores for the movies The Mission, The Untouchables, and The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly. Here are examples:
The Mission: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XvBT9sqXnew I know it's long, but the number at the end is well worth the wait.
The Untouchables: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lsT-0vhkxsg&feature=related and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GWUFrkvWycI&feature=related
The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZKlxyoPNaFI&feature=related
The Mission: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XvBT9sqXnew I know it's long, but the number at the end is well worth the wait.
The Untouchables: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lsT-0vhkxsg&feature=related and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GWUFrkvWycI&feature=related
The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZKlxyoPNaFI&feature=related
November 08, 2008
Retard
The following are posts from the Neverwinter Nights 2 game forums.
ASpieboy:
I first discovered RPGs with World of Warcraft. I liked it at first, but the attitude of the other players was sickening. I'm glad to have found NWN2, it's a much friendlier atmosphere.
Then I came across the word 'retarded' in the forums. I don't want to point fingers, but this word is unacceptably offensive. I am disabled, and I speak for all disabled people when I say that the words 'retard' and 'retarded' should not be allowed anywhere. These words are unspeakably offensive.
I know that these words were used without intent to harm, but harm is still done. Let's be mature about this. Don't use the R word. Treat it like all other untolerated racial slurs because it is discriminating against a minority.
I didn't check in for the next few days, and when I got back in touch, it seemed that my post had created quite the controversy. Here are some of the responses:
GT74:
What's the problem here? "Retard" is a real word with a real meaning. It's not offensive per se. Why do you choose to take offense?
MaGicBush:
I don't ever use the word really, doesn't fit in anything I type or say. But I honestly don't know how this could be offensive, even if your disabled. In life you have to learn to ignore others for the most part, and take it with a grain of salt. My wife's uncle is *extremely* handicapped but I don't take offense to it, and neither does he.
Lofgren777:
If the person or persons aspie is referring to used "retarded" to mean "slowed down," as in, "The need to pause constantly to give my wizard new orders seriously retards combat," then they have nothing to apologize for. I myself have used the word this way, deliberately and as an insult, to describe a person who was causing a serious obstruction to getting done the work that needed to be done.
However, I have also used the word, in anger and without thinking clearly, to mean "stupid," or, even more vaguely, generally "bad" as one would use the word "sucks." This is something the word most definitely does not mean, except in slang, and the slang is meant to compare the person or thing described in relation to people who suffer from a particular disability.
It's insensitive at best – like trying to insult a white person by calling them black, a straight person by calling them gay, or a Catholic by calling him a Jew. It's meant to degrade the person by associating them with a particular class of people, not through any actual qualitative criticism.
If you, GT74, are seriously unaware of this usage of the word, then you can check it out in any number of resources. If you are not, then all I can say is that you are a gay black jew for trying to deflect a legitimate request by somebody who quite reasonably does not want their condition to be turned into a hurtful slur. If any of those descriptors actually applies to you, maybe you have some sense of how a retarded person might feel to know that comparing somebody to them is automatically an insult.
You GO Lofgren777!!!!
Pichothedestroyerofall:
Seriously when has "Sticks and Stones may break my bones, but names will never hurt me" become "Words make me cry!"
GT74:
I use the word and will continue using the word. If people want to take offense at it it's their prerogative but I'd advise them not to be so precious because there are more important things to worry about.
Yes, I am slandered and discriminated against wherever I go, but there are more important things to worry about.
Sings_off_key:
Gosh, I thought most people stopped using 'retard' as a slur by the time they got out of middle school. I hadn't noticed it commonly used here; guess I must be reading the wrong threads. Tsk tsk.
My personal favourite:
xAzhreIx:
ahahahahaha. Honestly do you think "I" care about how you feel? Sorry to burst your bubble but this is the internet where 99.99999999999% of the time people could careless if you're a cancer patient on your death bed. Suck it up and get used to it. If you're going to get offended by every little thing, and yes THE WORD RETARD POSTED ON A NWN2 FORUMS IS LITTLE, then perhaps the internet is not for you. I laugh because personally I am one of those people who could care less if one is a cancer patient on his/her deathbed, and I sure as hell will use any language that is deemed appropriate for these forums whether it hurts your feelings or not.
Unclear on the concept:
Mick Marner:
The distinction should be pointed out:
"Retard", when used as a noun, is an offensive slang term. "Retarded" even when used to describe mental deficiency OR something being slowed down, is the CORRECT terminology.
i.e.
You can say "Jimmy is retarded" and that is generally seen as acceptable.
Saying "Jimmy is a retard" on the other hand is not.
This guy rocks:
Lofgren777:
Spoken like a true straight WASP with no empathy whatsoever.
You have a closer look at the OP's post. Specifically note that he is not a moderator and has no power to ban words. He's completely within his rights to make a request, and you are completely within your right to continue to express your bigotry.
Of course, since your first did not say "I disagree that the word should be banned entirely," but instead suggested that it was the OP's fault he was offended because he misinterpreted a use of the word that was consistent with its dictionary definition, I'm going to assume your sudden defense of freedom of expression is just another attempt to deflect the criticism so you can continue broadly insulting people based on immutable characteristics.
If, however, you are not a bigot (and this goes for everybody who is trying to defend this behavior), if you do not believe that handicapped people are inferior, then it would behoove you to stop using the word retard so you stop presenting yourself as a bigot. Regardless of any individual person's feelings, any non-bigot should be able to see quite clearly that turning a class of people into a slur is bad for everybody. Maybe if we start now, then when you have a retarded child your kid can grow up in a world where their unavoidable medical condition is not a callous insult.
Psychology:
nicethugbert:
A Catholic being offended at being called a Jew reveals his feelings about Jews, or his understanding of the caller's intentions. Maybe he is afraid of the inquisition.
And to finish it off:
Lofgren777:
The Catholic's feelings are irrelevent. Using the word "Jew" as an insult is an insult to Jews. Surely you see that?
A person who is late to work is indeed retarded (although that would not be a very common use of the word at all). Again, if the people the OP is referring to were trying to describe something or someone as an impediment to speed, then they have nothing to apologize for. I sincerely doubt that is the case.
After that, the post was closed by the forum moderator, who said the discussion would take place in another forum. I couldn't find this forum, so I started a new topic with:
ASpieboy:
OK, apparently there was some confusion in the last post. Let me try to explain myself as clearly as possible:
1. Retard is offensive. End of story. Do not dare to tell me, as a member of a minority, what is offensive and what is not. You do not decide. I believe that every mentally and physically challenged individual will agree with me on this point. I am not just some overly sensitive freak. I am someone who has had their fill of prejudice.
2. I understand that often this word is used without intent to harm or hurt anyone. I understand that this word has a place in the dictionary. There are many words that were once acceptable that are now understood as harmful. I could take any number of racial slurs to use as an example. Retard is offensive no matter how you use it. Don't try to tell me otherwise, for as I have already mentioned, most disabled people agree with me, and you have no right to say what is offensive to another minority. We will be the judge of that, thank you.
3. If after reading this post, you still will use the word retard in any pretext, you are insulting the entire disabled community, and I have nothing more to say to you. Don't even bother posting here.
I understand that the discussion for this was moved, but as I mentioned in my earlier post, I am new to these forums, and cannot find where the new topic is. If someone could post a link, that would be great. I have copied and will continue to copy my posts and the responses on my blog, and will notify other disabled bloggers of its existence.
Quickly followed by:
Nickolaas:
Oh give it a rest! I'm getting so tired of you politically correct types who insist that everyone needs to walk on eggshelves in order to avoid offending anyone. If I want to insult someone by calling him/her a "retard", that's my right. It's called freedom of speech. Or are you now trying to tell us it's not right to insult anyone under any circumstances? This is really not the right forum for this type of discusssion. It's a game forum, not a political gathering. Go find some place where your views will actually be welcomed.
Cinnabar Din (Moderator):
Nickolaas, that's out of line. There's no need to flame the OP. As well, you DO NOT have the right to call anyone a retard or any other derogatory name on these boards. You can say whatever you want elsewhere, but there are rules here.
ASpieboy: I appreciate the fact that you're trying to open peoples' eyes to how others may feel about the use of this word in particular (and, by extension, other words as well), but there are already rules in place for these boards that address this kind of thing. The best course of action is, if you find someone has posted something offensive, to send a PM to any of the moderators or devs with a link to the thread in question and we can deal with it.
Unfortunately, the first thread, as well as the first response in this one, has demonstrated that this is likely to result in insults and flaming. It's also off topic. So I'm going to lock this here along with a reminder to everyone on these boards:
review the rules of conduct before you hit that Submit button if you're in any way thinking of posting something that may offend someone or that will insult another member of the community. And don't post a hasty reply if you've got your hackles up. Take a breath, step away from the keyboard, and consider what you're about to post.
That was nice of the moderator, but I think he rather missed the point. I wanted to make it clear to everyone what they were doing. There are people who just DON'T UNDERSTAND, and privately admonishing them isn't going to help. It will just continue. It's not just the word. It's the state of mind.
I'm getting a new signature on the forums. One with a little touch of education in it.
ASpieboy:
I first discovered RPGs with World of Warcraft. I liked it at first, but the attitude of the other players was sickening. I'm glad to have found NWN2, it's a much friendlier atmosphere.
Then I came across the word 'retarded' in the forums. I don't want to point fingers, but this word is unacceptably offensive. I am disabled, and I speak for all disabled people when I say that the words 'retard' and 'retarded' should not be allowed anywhere. These words are unspeakably offensive.
I know that these words were used without intent to harm, but harm is still done. Let's be mature about this. Don't use the R word. Treat it like all other untolerated racial slurs because it is discriminating against a minority.
I didn't check in for the next few days, and when I got back in touch, it seemed that my post had created quite the controversy. Here are some of the responses:
GT74:
What's the problem here? "Retard" is a real word with a real meaning. It's not offensive per se. Why do you choose to take offense?
MaGicBush:
I don't ever use the word really, doesn't fit in anything I type or say. But I honestly don't know how this could be offensive, even if your disabled. In life you have to learn to ignore others for the most part, and take it with a grain of salt. My wife's uncle is *extremely* handicapped but I don't take offense to it, and neither does he.
Lofgren777:
If the person or persons aspie is referring to used "retarded" to mean "slowed down," as in, "The need to pause constantly to give my wizard new orders seriously retards combat," then they have nothing to apologize for. I myself have used the word this way, deliberately and as an insult, to describe a person who was causing a serious obstruction to getting done the work that needed to be done.
However, I have also used the word, in anger and without thinking clearly, to mean "stupid," or, even more vaguely, generally "bad" as one would use the word "sucks." This is something the word most definitely does not mean, except in slang, and the slang is meant to compare the person or thing described in relation to people who suffer from a particular disability.
It's insensitive at best – like trying to insult a white person by calling them black, a straight person by calling them gay, or a Catholic by calling him a Jew. It's meant to degrade the person by associating them with a particular class of people, not through any actual qualitative criticism.
If you, GT74, are seriously unaware of this usage of the word, then you can check it out in any number of resources. If you are not, then all I can say is that you are a gay black jew for trying to deflect a legitimate request by somebody who quite reasonably does not want their condition to be turned into a hurtful slur. If any of those descriptors actually applies to you, maybe you have some sense of how a retarded person might feel to know that comparing somebody to them is automatically an insult.
You GO Lofgren777!!!!
Pichothedestroyerofall:
Seriously when has "Sticks and Stones may break my bones, but names will never hurt me" become "Words make me cry!"
GT74:
I use the word and will continue using the word. If people want to take offense at it it's their prerogative but I'd advise them not to be so precious because there are more important things to worry about.
Yes, I am slandered and discriminated against wherever I go, but there are more important things to worry about.
Sings_off_key:
Gosh, I thought most people stopped using 'retard' as a slur by the time they got out of middle school. I hadn't noticed it commonly used here; guess I must be reading the wrong threads. Tsk tsk.
My personal favourite:
xAzhreIx:
ahahahahaha. Honestly do you think "I" care about how you feel? Sorry to burst your bubble but this is the internet where 99.99999999999% of the time people could careless if you're a cancer patient on your death bed. Suck it up and get used to it. If you're going to get offended by every little thing, and yes THE WORD RETARD POSTED ON A NWN2 FORUMS IS LITTLE, then perhaps the internet is not for you. I laugh because personally I am one of those people who could care less if one is a cancer patient on his/her deathbed, and I sure as hell will use any language that is deemed appropriate for these forums whether it hurts your feelings or not.
Unclear on the concept:
Mick Marner:
The distinction should be pointed out:
"Retard", when used as a noun, is an offensive slang term. "Retarded" even when used to describe mental deficiency OR something being slowed down, is the CORRECT terminology.
i.e.
You can say "Jimmy is retarded" and that is generally seen as acceptable.
Saying "Jimmy is a retard" on the other hand is not.
This guy rocks:
Lofgren777:
Spoken like a true straight WASP with no empathy whatsoever.
You have a closer look at the OP's post. Specifically note that he is not a moderator and has no power to ban words. He's completely within his rights to make a request, and you are completely within your right to continue to express your bigotry.
Of course, since your first did not say "I disagree that the word should be banned entirely," but instead suggested that it was the OP's fault he was offended because he misinterpreted a use of the word that was consistent with its dictionary definition, I'm going to assume your sudden defense of freedom of expression is just another attempt to deflect the criticism so you can continue broadly insulting people based on immutable characteristics.
If, however, you are not a bigot (and this goes for everybody who is trying to defend this behavior), if you do not believe that handicapped people are inferior, then it would behoove you to stop using the word retard so you stop presenting yourself as a bigot. Regardless of any individual person's feelings, any non-bigot should be able to see quite clearly that turning a class of people into a slur is bad for everybody. Maybe if we start now, then when you have a retarded child your kid can grow up in a world where their unavoidable medical condition is not a callous insult.
Psychology:
nicethugbert:
A Catholic being offended at being called a Jew reveals his feelings about Jews, or his understanding of the caller's intentions. Maybe he is afraid of the inquisition.
And to finish it off:
Lofgren777:
The Catholic's feelings are irrelevent. Using the word "Jew" as an insult is an insult to Jews. Surely you see that?
A person who is late to work is indeed retarded (although that would not be a very common use of the word at all). Again, if the people the OP is referring to were trying to describe something or someone as an impediment to speed, then they have nothing to apologize for. I sincerely doubt that is the case.
After that, the post was closed by the forum moderator, who said the discussion would take place in another forum. I couldn't find this forum, so I started a new topic with:
ASpieboy:
OK, apparently there was some confusion in the last post. Let me try to explain myself as clearly as possible:
1. Retard is offensive. End of story. Do not dare to tell me, as a member of a minority, what is offensive and what is not. You do not decide. I believe that every mentally and physically challenged individual will agree with me on this point. I am not just some overly sensitive freak. I am someone who has had their fill of prejudice.
2. I understand that often this word is used without intent to harm or hurt anyone. I understand that this word has a place in the dictionary. There are many words that were once acceptable that are now understood as harmful. I could take any number of racial slurs to use as an example. Retard is offensive no matter how you use it. Don't try to tell me otherwise, for as I have already mentioned, most disabled people agree with me, and you have no right to say what is offensive to another minority. We will be the judge of that, thank you.
3. If after reading this post, you still will use the word retard in any pretext, you are insulting the entire disabled community, and I have nothing more to say to you. Don't even bother posting here.
I understand that the discussion for this was moved, but as I mentioned in my earlier post, I am new to these forums, and cannot find where the new topic is. If someone could post a link, that would be great. I have copied and will continue to copy my posts and the responses on my blog, and will notify other disabled bloggers of its existence.
Quickly followed by:
Nickolaas:
Oh give it a rest! I'm getting so tired of you politically correct types who insist that everyone needs to walk on eggshelves in order to avoid offending anyone. If I want to insult someone by calling him/her a "retard", that's my right. It's called freedom of speech. Or are you now trying to tell us it's not right to insult anyone under any circumstances? This is really not the right forum for this type of discusssion. It's a game forum, not a political gathering. Go find some place where your views will actually be welcomed.
Cinnabar Din (Moderator):
Nickolaas, that's out of line. There's no need to flame the OP. As well, you DO NOT have the right to call anyone a retard or any other derogatory name on these boards. You can say whatever you want elsewhere, but there are rules here.
ASpieboy: I appreciate the fact that you're trying to open peoples' eyes to how others may feel about the use of this word in particular (and, by extension, other words as well), but there are already rules in place for these boards that address this kind of thing. The best course of action is, if you find someone has posted something offensive, to send a PM to any of the moderators or devs with a link to the thread in question and we can deal with it.
Unfortunately, the first thread, as well as the first response in this one, has demonstrated that this is likely to result in insults and flaming. It's also off topic. So I'm going to lock this here along with a reminder to everyone on these boards:
review the rules of conduct before you hit that Submit button if you're in any way thinking of posting something that may offend someone or that will insult another member of the community. And don't post a hasty reply if you've got your hackles up. Take a breath, step away from the keyboard, and consider what you're about to post.
That was nice of the moderator, but I think he rather missed the point. I wanted to make it clear to everyone what they were doing. There are people who just DON'T UNDERSTAND, and privately admonishing them isn't going to help. It will just continue. It's not just the word. It's the state of mind.
I'm getting a new signature on the forums. One with a little touch of education in it.
November 06, 2008
Michael Crichton
I recently found out that one of my favourite authors, Michael Crichton, has died. His most famous novels include Jurassic Park, The Andromeda Strain, The Great Train Robbery, Disclosure, Congo, Next, and State of Fear. He created the television series E.R.
Just as Sir Arthur Conan Doyle was the master of detective novels, Michael Crichton was the master of science fiction. His books are both educational and exciting, although the film adaptations were some of the worst ever created. He was without a doubt one of the best writers and thinkers of the 20th century. He died of cancer at age 66.
http://www.crichton-official.com/
Just as Sir Arthur Conan Doyle was the master of detective novels, Michael Crichton was the master of science fiction. His books are both educational and exciting, although the film adaptations were some of the worst ever created. He was without a doubt one of the best writers and thinkers of the 20th century. He died of cancer at age 66.
http://www.crichton-official.com/
October 31, 2008
October 03, 2008
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