Microsoft has recently been trying to play censor make Xbox Live safer for everyone by making sure that Gamertags contain no sexual innuendo (among other things, click here for the full list). That’s fine in theory, but real life tends to be different. An example of this is the story of a user who got banned for using his name as a Gamertag. His name happens to be Richard Gaywood and he used his name as his Gamertag which promptly got him banned (check this link for proof) . Ignoring the fact that Dick must have really been the subject of much ridicule in school, this is totally stupid. This isn’t the first time that they’ve done this by the way. They’ve gone after the Gamertag of someone calling himself “theGAYERGamer” (who just happened to be gay) which attracted the attention of Gay and Lesbian groups, and not in a nice way.
Microsoft really needs to get a clue here. I’m all for trying to stop racist, sexist, and homophobic content from ending up on Xbox Live (or anywhere else for that matter). But for crying out loud, use some common sense! If Microsoft isn’t careful, they’re going to get pwned by every Gay and Lesbian positve group out there. Or perhaps ticked off users will start using PS3s and Wiis instead.
Apple And Google Say Yes To Gay Marriage In California
Posted in Commentary with tags Apple, gay, Gay Marriage, Google, Lesbian on October 24, 2008 by itnerdI have to admit that I am a bit floored by this news. Apple who made headlines as being one of the first California companies to offer equal rights and benefits to their employees’ same-sex partners, has donated $100,000 to a group called “No on 8 campaign” that opposes Proposition 8 which would ban same sex marriage. Why do this? Simple:
“Apple was among the first California companies to offer equal rights and benefits to our employees’ same-sex partners, and we strongly believe that a person’s fundamental rights — including the right to marry — should not be affected by their sexual orientation. Apple views this as a civil rights issue, rather than just a political issue, and is therefore speaking out publicly against Proposition 8.”
The above sentence was taken from this post on their hot news page. Not to be left out, Google has added their $0.02 worth as well via co-founder Sergey Brin:
“While we respect the strongly-held beliefs that people have on both sides of this argument, we see this fundamentally as an issue of equality. We hope that California voters will vote no on Proposition 8 — we should not eliminate anyone’s fundamental rights, whatever their sexuality, to marry the person they love.”
So, the question is how do I feel? If two people love each other and want to be together, who cares if they’re of the same sex. Their decision to be together doesn’t affect me because in my opinion it doesn’t weaken what I share between myself and my wife. Besides, this world needs more love in it.
I applaud Apple and Google for doing this. I’m sure their employees feel proud to work for such forward thinking companies.
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