As many of you know, we are updating our policies regarding political discourse within Fallen Relics. These changes are meant to preserve the supportive, open community we have created and enjoyed. For transparency, I feel it is important to explain the reasoning behind these updates, the intended scope, and the desired outcomes.
What is changing?
We are adding a section to our Writs which governs political discourse. In essence, we are defining the parameters within which political discourse is tolerated in the guild. Namely, we will not permit advocacy of ideas which run counter to the human rights and dignity of individuals or groups identified by real-life qualities, including but not limited to:
- Race
- Religion
- Sexual orientation or gender identity
- Citizenship, immigration status, or national origin
This list is not meant to be comprehensive. In general, disparaging a group of individuals based on a shared characteristic and assumptions about that characteristic is degrading, offensive, and will not be tolerated.
What will this look like, day to day?
Often, you won’t notice any impacts from this policy. However, if members begin to advocate for degrading or dehumanizing ideas, you may see:
- Officers requesting that a conversation be tabled due to problematic assertions
- Whispers directed to you (if you are advocating for problematic things) explaining the concerns and outlining how comments are in violation of this policy
- Guild removal of offenders in particularly egregious or repeated offenses.
Why make changes at all?
Like Azeroth, the world is subject to change and evolution over time. The political climate outside of the game is tense and ideologies that have lingered in the shadowy fringes for decades have once again returned to the mainstream. Give the open discussion and debate we encourage in our guild, these ideas have and will continue to appear in game and within the guild. We want to be prepared for that to ensure that the supportive culture within the guild is not compromised.
Our guild members come from all walks of life. This precious diversity means that in order to protect the guild, we must ensure that guild discourse is welcoming to all.
Why limit any speech?
The inevitable question becomes, “If the guild allows open discourse, why are limits being imposed?” Think of it like Mak’gora. We have all debated whether the use of magic by Thrall or Sylvanas was a fair move in the challenge for leadership. Within a designated arena, not all actions are justified.
We believe that discourse is beneficial when it is grounded in mutual respect and the shared understanding that human rights are non-negotiable and that such rights can be neither granted or taken away by governments or authority rooted in law. These are the parameters which define the political arena, the rules of Mak’gora, and without them, the discourse no longer elevates people but degrades them.
Aren’t you violating my Freedom of Speech?
Your First Amendment rights and freedom of expression are protections from governmental restrictions. Just as a private person does not have to tolerate the opinions of another in their house, the Guildmaster has the right, privilege, and responsibility to curate the discourse appropriate to the Fallen Relics and the guild values.
Why not ban political topics entirely?
Unlike many guilds, Fallen Relics was founded with the primary intent of creating a community which would serve the real-life people behind the screen rather than simply enabling in-game cooperation in content. We live in particularly political times, and it seems impossible to connect with and support the humanity of our members while refusing to discuss or the obvious implications politics is having on our world and our mental health.
Further, the Guildmaster believes that the risks and impacts of the current political crisis are unprecedented in our lifetimes. With that in mind, the inclination to avoid because “it is just a game” lands with a very unimpressive thud.
Am I going to get kicked for making a joke?
The Guildmaster and officers take gkick very seriously. It should be noted that in the first 8 months of guild history, only 2 individuals were removed from the guild despite over 100 members in the guild.
The short answer? Probably not. In most cases, making a comment or assertion that runs afoul of this policy will first earn a comment or whisper from an officer. Repeated offenses or blatantly inflammatory or disruptive comments or tirades might result in immediate removal.
For the vast majority of our members, this policy will never be relevant outside of ensuring a stable community of respect.
What if I disagree with this policy?
Decisions and policies around these types of issues are admittedly imperfect. You are free to disagree, but you are not free to disregard.
The Guildmaster is always open to feedback and discussion regarding this and every other policy. Decorum, however, is always required. Raging about the policy in ghcat is an inflammatory and disruptive act. Inquiring about the boundaries of this policy or whispering objections to the Guildmaster is acceptable.
Ultimately, however, the decision rests with the Guildmaster. The officers execute and enforce those decisions. If you find the policies to be untenable or unacceptable, this may not be the guild that best suits you.
Conclusion
As always , should have have questions or concerns about any of this, please reach out to Sahibu. Otherwise, let us continue to show mutual respect to one another as a guild of integrity and empathy.