It has recently came to my attention while surfing the vastness of Twitter that a site has popped up in my feed. Gamers, as many of us are, have a bad reputation when is comes to freedom of speech. While admittedly I’ll throw out a bad word from time to time while frustrated with a level, mission or a stance my fav game developers are taking, but I have never degraded them or my fellow gamers, nor do I use my gamer slang out in the real world.
Gamers Against Bigotry is a 100% volunteer-run, non-profit organization, with members in 7 countries spread over three continents. It was created with one purpose in mind: to create a gaming community that is welcoming to gamers of all identities. Gaming is awesome and online multiplayer gaming is even more awesome. But it sucks that gamers have to choose to not play online, or to deal with a relentless barrage of identity-based hate slung their way if they do log in.
Bigotry isn’t part of gaming culture, and it never has been; it’s just unfounded hatred, masked by anonymity. It’s something we need to put an end to.
To that end, Gamers Against Bigotry needs your help. They are trying to get to 10,000 Pledges by August 1.
The Pledge:
As a gamer, I realize I contribute to an incredibly diverse social network of gamers around the world, and that my actions have the ability to impact others. In effort to make a positive impact, and to create a community that is welcoming to all, I pledge to not use bigoted language while gaming, online and otherwise.
Bigoted language includes, but is not limited to, slurs based on race, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, and disability.
Sign the pledge and spread the word to help them reach their goal!
You can find out more about the pledge on their website.
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