Should I change my Profile Name?
As it maybe obvious from my profile name, my name is Jim and I am British.
The name originated about eight years ago when I was a camp counsellor at a summer camp in America and I was the only international staff member there. As a result I quickly became nicknamed ‘Brit'. This nickname was accepted with the brotherly love and humour that it was meant to and was certainly not meant to be a racial or derogatory slur.
Summer camp brings back fond and happy memories and it was for that reason that many years ago I adopted the ‘Jimtbrit' handle when playing games, in chat rooms, and forum handles.
More and more recently as I have got older, I have become more and more aware of equality and diversity and political correctness. As a result of this I have become concerned that my profile name could be taken negatively and could cause offence.
I do not consider myself to be racist but can see how my chosen name could be taken out of context.
Although I have not posted that much in this forum for many years I have been a silent member; reading posts, downloading games and feeling part of the AGS community.
I know that by far I am not a regularly active member of this forum and my game count is still at the less than one status, but long term, something is coming…
I admit that something is still in the very early stages, I have a great story concept that really excites me. I just know that I currently lack the knowledge/skills in the programming and graphics areas to give the story the great justice it deserves.
But this post is not about that it is to ask you guys for some advice as to whether my profile name causes offence and if so, should I change it?
Moderators: After reading the rules I considered putting this into the ‘Newbies introduce yourselves here!' Thread but due to the sensitivity of this topic, I thought it could easily get overlooked. I thought that through creating a new thread, it is given the opportunity to be seen by a larger audience to determine the best course of action.
Many thanks in advance
Jim
You're Jim. You're a Brit. If anyone takes offence at you being British then they're surely racist, not you.
Welcome here!
I'm not quite sure how your name could be taken as being racist or negative? You'll do horrible things and people will badmouth Britishers? You'll have an egotistical tone to your posts because being British is better than being from anywhere else?
There is only one point of importance: Make your game! And since it's your first, don't make it too huge!
Quote from: ManicMatt on Thu 26/10/2006 13:20:06
You're Jim. You're a Brit. If anyone takes offence at you being British then they're surely racist, not you.
But British is one of those nationality you're allowed to be racist about, like the French, Americans and Khazakstan
Maybe you could change it to something less controversial like
SUGARLIPS or something. :)
Just kidding, your profile name doesn't bother me in the least bit. Keep it.
SSH: I think every european nationality is fair game nowadays. Perhaps not Israel though, they're still kind of touchy on the subject.
It' s better than Eddie Hitler...
Quote from: 2ma2 on Thu 26/10/2006 14:07:27
SSH: I think every european nationality is fair game nowadays. Perhaps not Israel though, they're still kind of touchy on the subject.
Good thing Israel isn't a part of Europe then!
They play the eurocup...
I always wondered about their belongings.. heck, I've wondered about the whole of middle east. Eurasia?
If you consider Asia and Europe as different continents in the traditional way then the lines are drawn so the middle east including Israel is part of Asia, so Africa and Asia join at the Egyptian border. Geographers tend to think about it as one Eurasian continent, though.
Personally I look forward to Japan's admission to Eurovision.
Quote from: Jimtbrit on Thu 26/10/2006 13:14:03
I do not consider myself to be racist but can see how my chosen name could be taken out of context.
how?
Isn't it obvious - being British is offending lots and lots of people. Change it to Jimtreat or Jimpeace... just kidding. :P
Its really cool people can find you at Google by just 8 letters.
Quote from: scotch on Thu 26/10/2006 15:23:09
Personally I look forward to Japan's admission to Eurovision.
As soon as Turkey and Rusia become part of the Union, they might as well admit China, India and Japan.
Quote from: Krysis on Thu 26/10/2006 20:23:38Isn't it obvious - being British is offending lots and lots of people.
Heh, try being an American! :)
Quote from: aussie on Thu 26/10/2006 20:29:41As soon as Turkey and Rusia become part of the Union, they might as well admit China, India and Japan.
Hey, if it makes the world a better place, why not? Plus, wouldn't it be sweet to travel from Tokyo to London and never have to go through customs?
You're british!
Of course I hate you. >:(
LimpingFish eats another hearty spoonful of shamrocks and semtex.
I think he means he's afraid of people thinking he's stressing being a "brit" as opposed to a "paki" or the like, as racists in several countries often stress nationality to distinguish themselves from people of the nationality, but a different background.
So the question might be "Are there any British of a non anglo-celtic background here who feel that I am stressing my status as a brit at the expense of yours?"
I think it's like if i called myself JohnNig. It just depends on how it's interpreted.
Don't you see a difference between a derogatory term used against people who have black skin, and a non-derogatory matter-of-fact term explaining that a person comes from the UK?
Quote from: Helm on Thu 26/10/2006 23:23:12
Don't you see a difference between a derogatory term used against people who have black skin, and a non-derogatory matter-of-fact term explaining that a person comes from the UK?
Do a bit of research before you post something stupid.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brit
Quote from: Wikipedia
A Brit (a shorter form of Briton in its modern political sense) is a British person, that is, a resident of the United Kingdom, or of the island of Great Britain. In the United States it usually refers to people from England. In Ireland it usually is a derogatory term used by Irish nationalists to denote members of the British army.
To be honest, had you not have written this thread I wouldn't have made any particular note of your name.
I know a guy called Jon Briton, for example, so if his username was JBrit it would be his name that's all. That's kinda what I assumed about your username.
It's only a big deal if you make it a big deal. As opposed to the derogatory terms used as example in this thread and the this-thread-parody thread that's probably been deleted by now.
Binky
my god! Your such a Jewish male circumcision!
Yeah sure Skyfire, you just happened to know the Irish usage for it.
It's still not the same though, as the 'n' word isn't EVER used to describe a nationality by anyone.
Do not use the 'p' word Las Naranjas. The very sight of the word upsets me, thankyou.
Does anyone find the term lemmy to be any way discriminatory towards lemmings? Or perhaps guitarists?
FUCK LEMMINGS! KILL ALL LEMMINGS!
Erm. Sorry. Forget I said that.
Quote from: Wikipedia
In Ireland it usually is a derogatory term used by Irish nationalists to denote members of the British army.
I don't think I've ever referred to a person from Britain as a "Brit" :-\
"Neighbour" usually suffices.
EDIT: :P
"I don't think I've ever referred to a person from Britain as a "Brit" Undecided
"Bastard" usually suffices."
*sniff* :(
It could be worse, you could live in Britain and not have the convenient get out clause of not being British... ;)
PS: You're still my hero.
Quote from: LimpingFish on Thu 26/10/2006 23:52:39
I don't think I've ever referred to a person from Britain as a "Brit" :-\
"Bastard" usually suffices.
LimpingFish, much as I find you rather amusing in your posts, and your avatar is so very cute I find this statement awfully offensive and I...
no. This is all very silly. This is possibly the most ridiculously tame "offensive" thread I have ever seen.
BRITS OUT!
ESPECIALLY JIMTY BRITS!
UP YE WEE LADS!
It's not the term but the context that is offensive. So you're fine.
Yes, we seem to be entering the realm of teh funny now.
We need to unite all peoples as one uber-people!
So, without further ado...
"I'd like to teach the world to sing, in perfect harmony/I'd like to buy...the...um...world a..."
Damn, how does the real version of that song go? I only know the Coca Cola version. :-\
Quote from: SteveMcCrea on Thu 26/10/2006 23:59:15
BRITS OUT!
ESPECIALLY JIMTY BRITS!
UP YE WEE LADS!
Boo! Scottish people! Boo!
Yea! we're aware how crap we are much more than you are, haha!
Quote from: CaptainBinky on Fri 27/10/2006 00:01:58
Boo! Scottish people! Boo!
I'm no haggis muncher. I'm a bog trotter.
Some of my best friends are British. Actually I don't have any friends, but if I did they could be British.
Maybe.
:'(
LimpingFish randomly hugs people.
Quote from: SteveMcCrea link=topic=28855.msg367158#msg367158
I'm no haggis muncher. I'm a bog trotter.
My mistake. Boo! Irish people! Boo!
surely bog trotting happens about half an hour after haggis munching?
JimBrit, you have been here since July of 2005, so if people were offended by your user name, i think you would have heard about it alot sooner.
I'm a Yank, and if somebody even had the user name DumbYank, i still wouldn't be offended by it.
I find this thread very entertaining.
Boo! Americans! Boo!
Quote from: Domino on Fri 27/10/2006 00:07:52
JimBrit, you have been here since July of 2005, so if people were offended by your user name, i think you would have heard about it alot sooner.
I'm a Yank, and if somebody even had the user name DumbYank, i still wouldn't be offended by it.
I find this thread very entertaining.
Jimtbrit who?
Oh yes, I know him!
And perhaps that's what we should all take away from all this! :)
My daughter is hell-bent on signing up for these forums as "EmiHalfJap" but I keep telling her not too...
Quote from: Vince Twelve on Fri 27/10/2006 00:12:15My daughter is hell-bent on signing up for these forums as "EmiHalfJap" but I keep telling her not too...
Is she fit?
Quote from: Domino on Fri 27/10/2006 00:07:52I'm a Yank, and if somebody even had the user name DumbYank, i still wouldn't be offended by it.
DamnYank would be cooler though. :)
Quote from: CaptainBinky on Fri 27/10/2006 00:08:15Boo! Americans! Boo!
That's ok, we don't need any friends anyway. Just ask our president! ;)
Quote from: Vince Twelve on Fri 27/10/2006 00:12:15
My daughter is hell-bent on signing up for these forums as "EmiHalfJap" but I keep telling her not too...
So which are you? :D
For a 2 year old yes she is!
And ultra hot I might add.
My son digs her.
So their children would be
DimEmithirdJapthirdYankythirdunan!
Go read that if you can!
I have been skyfired!
Personally, I couldn't give a fiddlers f*ck what nationality people are. I'm sure I'll find plenty of spurious reasons to hate them, if need be.
I also don't see the need to advertise a person's nationality in a sig or nick.
Not wrong or right, just pointless.
But, judge not lest ye be...something.
Quote from: Nikolas on Fri 27/10/2006 00:17:56
For a 2 year old yes she is!
Possibly I should have checked Vince Twelve's profile before posting that. I see now he is 24. Oops.
Quote from: LimpingFish on Fri 27/10/2006 00:18:41
Personally, I couldn't give a fiddlers f*ck what nationality people are.
Yeah but then you're Irish, so that doesn't surprise me!!!!
;D
PS: You're still my hero.
Quote from: CaptainBinky on Fri 27/10/2006 00:20:00
Possibly I should have checked Vince Twelve's profile before posting that. I see now he is 24. Oops.
Vince's lying... He's at least 40... :o
Plus I like Irland and North Endland and Scotland much more than South England.
Quote from: Helm on Fri 27/10/2006 00:18:18I have been skyfired!
Yeah, he got you good. I hope you've learned your lesson. :)
But on the plus side, now we know how to make fun of Britons in Irish! They'll never suspect a thing!
I officially retract my "Bastard" statement. I love you british people more than I love massaging my enormous genitalia. :D
Can I still hate Jimmy Carr, tho? I really think he deserves it.
P.S: It's not cool to make fun of someone because of their nationality. If you have to make fun of them try to make it personal. Big nose, Pimplestiltskin, Anne Widdecombe, that sort of thing. References to "Your Mother" are also good.
I am offended. Please go back to britland and smoke some tea. Don't darken the doorway of these forums again.
Seriously though, wait, 'cause this is getting kind of ridiculous.
Quote from: skyfire1 on Thu 26/10/2006 23:32:13
Do a bit of research before you post something stupid.
Please don't insult me on the internet. Treat people with respect and manners around here. I am asking you all nice.
Insulting people on the internet?!? :o
Good God! And I thought banana rape was bad.
Plus, I just got reminded of that Father Ted episode, where he accidentally insults the Chinese.
Subliminal "NOT-A-RACIST" slideshows would come in pretty handy now.
"The Chinese. A great bunch of lads. Look at them there. Aren't they great?"
Quote from: Helm on Fri 27/10/2006 01:24:43
Seriously though, wait, 'cause this is getting kind of ridiculous.
Please don't insult me on the internet. Treat people with respect and manners around here. I am asking you all nice.
I never insulted you directly, i insulted your post.
Posts have feelings too, you know.
Skyfire, can you, and are you willing to discuss with me or others here without any sort of demeaning innuendo or snideness permeating your replies is what I want to know. Simple question.
Can you disagree with me on something without that making me or my posts stupid? Can I expect from you to attempt to humor such -in my opinion- reasonable prequisites for normal conversation?
Quote from: Helm on Fri 27/10/2006 01:24:43Please don't insult me on the internet. Treat people with respect and manners around here. I am asking you all nice.
Was this directed at me too? I hoped it was obvious that I was actually poking fun at the ridiculousness of skyfire's comment. No insult was meant to you, Helm.
To me discriminating against people based on race, nationality, culture, hair style, shoe size, sex[ual preference], etc. is just stupid. Now the real line should be drawn at height. Anyone less than 6'4" (193 cm) has no right. ;)
But seriously, I wouldn't find the name offensive. I think that if somebody really wants to make a big deal of it, you should just tell them to [buzz] off. Eh...continuing speaking wouldn't help my argument. So I'll stop now.
I'll be handing out mandatory "Brit" shirts at Mittens.
I had no idea it was used as a derogatory term, and have used it to refer to brittish people for quite some time.
I haven't called any candaians 'canucks' but I don't think anyone would raise a fuss. Now... the "n" word, we have yelled at a forum member for having that in their name. Or at least I did. We didn't need THAT presence here.
And I'm not all that keen on "eddie hitler" either, even with his explanation of where it came from... but oh well.
Quote from: lemmy101 on Thu 26/10/2006 23:50:55
Does anyone find the term lemmy to be any way discriminatory towards lemmings? Or perhaps guitarists?
I find that offensive!!!! Lemmy plays the bass... ;)
Quote from: skyfire1 on Fri 27/10/2006 02:55:04
Quote from: Helm on Fri 27/10/2006 01:24:43
Please don't insult me on the internet.
I never insulted you directly, i insulted your post.
A post that he is the author of! If you created a game and I said it's "stupid and poorly made", would you not be personally insulted?
I realize the question wasn't directed at me, but I shall pretend it was:
Not if that game was Palette Quest.
Thanks for all your feedback,
I am now conforted by the fact that I was stupid to think of my name as being derogatory.
I can't believe there has been so many replies in such a short period of time.
I must say that Limpingfish you are still my hero too, and that was the case even before you officially retracted one of your statements.Ã, I am concerned however of your love for the British being greater than your love for the arousal of your genitalia (could not include the term enormous as there is noone to support your claim).
Thanks also to Babar for your words of advice:
Quote from: Babar on Thu 26/10/2006 13:21:16
There is only one point of importance: Make your game! And since it's your first, don't make it too huge!
I guess I have no excuse now...
Quote from: Jimtbrit on Fri 27/10/2006 13:11:43
(could not include the term enormous as there is noone to support your claim).
Is there anyone around here who can support your claim that you actually
are British?
I think this whole thread has all been one big mis-direction and you are actually using the term 'Brit' in its derogatory context but now,
no-one will suspect!!!Crafty... very crafty.
Eager, I was talking to Skyfire, no worries.
All man are created equal.. except the norwegians.. oh, and the finnish.. what a load of--
What about the Welsh?
Don't forget the Afrikaan countries. ;)
The British should all go back to that dismal industrial wasteland they like to call a "country" and drink themselves to death, and the sooner the better.
Quote from: ManicMatt on Fri 27/10/2006 09:55:54
Quote from: skyfire1 on Fri 27/10/2006 02:55:04
Quote from: Helm on Fri 27/10/2006 01:24:43
Please don't insult me on the internet.
I never insulted you directly, i insulted your post.
A post that he is the author of! If you created a game and I said it's "stupid and poorly made", would you not be personally insulted?
Nope.
Skyfire1, Helm's post was not stupid, your was mildly insulting, and your insult was directed at Helm.
There is no parallel between the name 'JimtBrit' and the name you suggested, it's a false analogy. The term 'Brit' is not an inherently derogatory term simply because it is used in a derogatory manner by Irish nationalists.
And on topic, I don't find the name to be offensive at all. I do wonder about the 't' in the middle. Are we to read the name as 'Jim t'Brit', a Yorkshire take on 'Jim the Brit'?
Quote from: Ali on Sun 29/10/2006 14:15:11
Skyfire1, Helm's post was not stupid, your was mildly insulting, and your insult was directed at Helm.
No.
Quote
No.
Does that mean "I disagree?" Please elaborate.
QuoteDoes that mean "I disagree?" Please elaborate.
Please don't. As entertaining as it would be to watch the ensuing equivalent of a "cripple fight", let's not turn this pettiness into an issue of Lilliputian magnitude.
Jimtbrit's question has been answered, so we should move on to more pressing offensive topics.
yeah, please for the sake of world peace, carry on in pm.
Actually, my only attempt to continue a discussion in PM with skyfire was quite pointless, so I wouldn't recommend it...
Quote from: Yutzster on Sun 29/10/2006 19:27:41
Actually, my only attempt to continue a discussion in PM with skyfire was quite pointless, so I wouldn't recommend it...
That's because you wouldn't explain the reason behind why you flagged your profile to male even though I consistently answered all of your questions. You even went as far as to spamming my email inbox with gay porn.
Quote from: skyfire1 on Sun 29/10/2006 19:55:54
Quote from: Yutzster on Sun 29/10/2006 19:27:41
Actually, my only attempt to continue a discussion in PM with skyfire was quite pointless, so I wouldn't recommend it...
That's because you wouldn't explain the reason behind why you flagged your profile to male even though I consistently answered all of your questions. You even went as far as to spamming my email inbox with gay porn.
That's the exact opposite of what happened, except that nobody spammed anybody else with gay porn.
Come on Skyfire, what is up with the CONSTANT lying? You seem to lie in nearly every post. Seriously, what is up with that?
Tell you what, why don't you post the PM in which I apparently sent you Gay Porn? I'll be interested to see if you try to make something up...
From what I've seen of you, you seem to hang around making blatantly stupid remarks, insulting other members, and then lying and editing your posts too look less offensive. Charming person.
Quote from: Yutzster on Sun 29/10/2006 20:18:58
That's the exact opposite of what happened, except that nobody spammed anybody else with gay porn.
Come on Skyfire, what is up with the CONSTANT lying? You seem to lie in nearly every post. Seriously, what is up with that?
Tell you what, why don't you post the PM in which I apparently sent you Gay Porn? I'll be interested to see if you try to make something up...
You can deny all of it and I really don't care one way or another. The point is that you have a serious problem with admitting your faults.
Quote from: Yutzster on Sun 29/10/2006 20:18:58
and then lying and editing your posts too look less offensive. Charming person.
Since when have I done this? You keep on accusing me of editing my post to them look less offensive but when I ask you when I've done these things I don't get a answer because it's bullshit and everyone knows it.
Glad you got the private argument going finally, now don't let us disturb
skyfire, what are you trying to achieve here? Several of your posts in this thread have been either aggressive, curt or rude, as if you're just deliberately trying to wind people up. Please reconsider your attitude when posting on these forums.
Sorry, what were we trying to discuss here? :)
Quote from: SilverTrumpet on Sun 29/10/2006 23:48:07
Sorry, what were we trying to discuss here? :)
Nothing needs to be discussed here anymore. The only people that find "Brit" derogatory are Irishmen. Everything else in this thread are contentious people that are egging me on.
I find that offensive to eggs. >:(
Plus, nobody is forcing you to reply to those people. Just let it go. :P
Just don't call yourself jimtlimey. You'll offend CJ's sensibilities and create a hole in the space-time continuum. Nasty business.