An open letter about the usage of the word “Rape” in WoW

Sticks and stones may break one’s bones, but words will hurt forever. At least, it’s the case with the usage of the word “rape” as far as the fairer gender of the wow_ladies livejournal community are concerned.

Livejournal user itsyspy70 recently posted an open letter to all young male guildmembers, pleading that they refrain from using the word rape. She explains that while not being appropriate, usage of the word is also potentially hurtful and harmful to a great many people currently enjoying World of WarCraft.

She also says that while not being a a victim of the cruel deed herself, she understands that it’s a very traumatic experience and should not be made light of. While most of the replies were positive and supported user itsyspy70 on the matter, one particular reply piqued the attention of yours truly, and it speaks volumes. Here it is in full, by Livejournal user tamchronin:

Wow. I really AM the only girl in the guild who doesn’t agree with you. I’ve been raped. I use the term all the time in game, and have the ability to remove the association with the horribly traumatic events in my life from the playful “Yeah, we totally raped that boss” or “Damn, that mob totally raped me.”

I can choose to be offended by every little thing that I come across in my life, or I can get on with my life and take back my power. I’m not a victim. I’m a survivor. And part of surviving is acknowledging that the world is not going to change and pussy foot around me and treat me as special just because something bad happened to me.

Strong words, indeed. What about you, readers? What’s your take on this whole matter? You can peruse the letter in full by clicking on the read link below, and let us know what you think by your comments.

Sticks and stones may break one’s bones, but words will hurt forever. At least, it’s the case with the usage of the word “rape” as far as the fairer gender of the wow_ladies livejournal community are concerned.

Livejournal user itsyspy70 recently posted an open letter to all young male guildmembers, pleading that they refrain from using the word rape. She explains that while not being appropriate, usage of the word is also potentially hurtful and harmful to a great many people currently enjoying World of WarCraft.

She also says that while not being a a victim of the cruel deed herself, she understands that it’s a very traumatic experience and should not be made light of. While most of the replies were positive and supported user itsyspy70 on the matter, one particular reply piqued the attention of yours truly, and it speaks volumes. Here it is in full, by Livejournal user tamchronin:

Wow. I really AM the only girl in the guild who doesn’t agree with you. I’ve been raped. I use the term all the time in game, and have the ability to remove the association with the horribly traumatic events in my life from the playful “Yeah, we totally raped that boss” or “Damn, that mob totally raped me.”

I can choose to be offended by every little thing that I come across in my life, or I can get on with my life and take back my power. I’m not a victim. I’m a survivor. And part of surviving is acknowledging that the world is not going to change and pussy foot around me and treat me as special just because something bad happened to me.

Strong words, indeed. What about you, readers? What’s your take on this whole matter? You can peruse the letter in full by clicking on the read link below, and let us know what you think by your comments.