One of the things I enjoy about being able to reach out to thousands of people due to this website is being able to speak my mind. To lend a voice when and where it’s needed, which is something that not everyone has the ability to do. So when I see something that I don’t agree with, I can make it known. Which is exactly what I’m doing right now.
It has come to my attention thanks to Mat Piscatella (@Matpiscatella), that a fellow video game player… scratch that, a person was subjected to some very toxic behavior. During an Overwatch match, the person who goes by @Yes_ItsRose was verbally abused due to the color of her skin, which is despicable.
The amount of language that was used toward this person is completely upsetting and after watching the video, I was disgusted. Not only was this completely toxic, but it also goes to show that no matter where you are, either in the real world or enjoying a friendly game, the ignorance of racism can be found. And just because you aren’t the one on the receiving end doesn’t mean that it doesn’t affect you.
Be warned, the following video may be anger-inducing.
https://twitter.com/Yes_ItsRose/status/1115816553575010304
Sadly, this isn’t new. Players of different races have been subject to racism harassment ever since going online has been a thing. It definitely doesn’t mean that people should be used to this, in fact, quite the opposite. No one should be subjected to this crap. Not on the street, not in a store, not at their jobs and certainly not in a video game. Sadly, it’s actually quite worse in a video game thanks to the anonymous nature it brings. Here, people that may not display racism tendencies in front someone’s face, feel that since no one knows who is saying the toxic nonsense that it’s ok to do.
The hell it is!
I will not stand for any sort of racism, directed at myself or anyone else. Regardless of what race you are, no one deserves to be ridiculed or disrespected because of the color of your skin. It should go without saying, yet we will live in a world where people feel that racism is not only accepted but encouraged. No, this is wrong! This should not stand I will call out anyone who feels this is the right thing to do. I should hope I’m not the only person who feels this way.
If you’re harassed because of your race (among other things) while playing a game (or anything for that matter), or you observe someone being harassed, do something. Speak up about it. Don’t just sit there and let it happen. Take the names of those causing the issue and report them.
Not sure how to report someone? Here, we can help with that.
PlayStation – How to report players on PlayStation
Xbox One – How to file a complaint against a player
Steam – How to report inappropriate content (Avatar/username/abusive behavior)
Unfortunately, for the Nintendo Switch, you’ll need to download the Nintendo Switch Online App (iOS / Android).
As for @Yes_ItsRose, I’m truly sorry you went through this mess. That goes as well to anyone else who has also experienced this nonsense. No one should have to deal with this, at all. As for those who feel this acceptable, that it’s ok to do… it’s not. Grow the fuck the up and treat people like you’d want yourself to be treated. Should you enjoy being treated like crap, just remember, no one else does. Stop being a complete ass. Thank you!
