Microsoft has confirmed to Richard that his name is, in fact, offensively sexual and will not be reinstated as his gamertag. (Kotaku posted their rationale, if you care to read it.) We've got Mr. Gaywood's response, inside. Richard says: I have swapped several emails with Stephen Toulouse, the Microsoft staffer who seems to be responsible for the press briefings on this (he was the one who gave the followup story to Kotaku). Firstly, he confirmed my enforced change was /not/ because my tag is the same as my name and /was/ because my tag is deemed to be offensive. I've sent him the following as an email querying a few more details. Ah, good. Thank you for clearing that up. I also noticed last night that I cannot enter my last name in the Real Name field of my Xbox profile, although I can put it in the Bio section -- does it become less offensive a few inches further down the screen? I tried Heterowood and Homowood too (both were barred) but Straightwood was allowed, oddly. Even the words "Unix" and "Linux" seem to be barred from the Real Name field, which I find rather bizarre. I also note that this was a system generated response, and not the result of a complaint about me
WTF?! This man can't use Xbox Live just because his Surname is "Gaywood"?! That's what he was born with!
Title: Re: Microsoft Confirms "Gaywood" Is An Offensive Surname, Mr. Gaywood Responds
Post by: GearBoxClock on April 26, 2010, 03:46:23 PM
Richard Gaywood?
That
Wow
I
I don't have anything to say besides uproarious laughter
Title: Re: Microsoft Confirms "Gaywood" Is An Offensive Surname, Mr. Gaywood Responds
Post by: nickmitch on April 26, 2010, 03:49:13 PM
Epic lolz.
Title: Re: Microsoft Confirms "Gaywood" Is An Offensive Surname, Mr. Gaywood Responds
Post by: NinGurl69 *huggles on April 26, 2010, 03:54:25 PM
Dick Homotree
my gosh
Title: Re: Microsoft Confirms "Gaywood" Is An Offensive Surname, Mr. Gaywood Responds
Post by: Chozo Ghost on April 26, 2010, 03:55:49 PM
Well, I really shouldn't say this but if you shorten the name Richard it becomes Dick. So he could be called Dick Gaywood...
Title: Re: Microsoft Confirms "Gaywood" Is An Offensive Surname, Mr. Gaywood Responds
Post by: Chozo Ghost on April 26, 2010, 03:56:53 PM
Once upon a time the word Gay meant Happy or Merry instead of Homosexual.
Title: Re: Microsoft Confirms "Gaywood" Is An Offensive Surname, Mr. Gaywood Responds
Post by: NinGurl69 *huggles on April 26, 2010, 04:14:40 PM
Happy Trees are not allowed in Xbox World. They are too green and too happy.
Better you were a rock, miserable, and grey.
Title: Re: Microsoft Confirms "Gaywood" Is An Offensive Surname, Mr. Gaywood Responds
Post by: ShyGuy on April 26, 2010, 04:19:42 PM
I'm no fan of frivolous lawsuits, but he should sue Microsoft.
Title: Re: Microsoft Confirms "Gaywood" Is An Offensive Surname, Mr. Gaywood Responds
Post by: Chozo Ghost on April 26, 2010, 04:23:38 PM
I also find it hilarious that MS claims they do it because it is offensive to other gamers, when in fact the XBOX LIVE thing is about the most offensive and least family-friendly thing in all of the world. When you have a bunch of teenagers and 20-somethings playing online with voice chat you can't expect it to be a kid friendly environment, so banning the word GAY in people's names is just ridiculous, because other gamers use that and far worse words all the time in voice chat.
Title: Re: Microsoft Confirms "Gaywood" Is An Offensive Surname, Mr. Gaywood Responds
Post by: Ian Sane on April 26, 2010, 05:22:11 PM
Word bans should be limited to obvious swearwords. Someone can have a real name with "gay" in it. "Gaylord" is a first name. "Gaye" is a last name. "Dick" can be an offensive term but it's also a name. "Sexsmith" is a name (and the coolest one ever, is that like being a blacksmith of gettin' it on?)
On the Sportsnet forums the word "black" is banned, because of concerns of racism. So describing something that is literally the colour black is a challenge. Worst censorship overkill I've ever encountered.
Save this stuff for words like "****" where there isn't really any legitimate use for the word.
Though I have a feeling Richard Gaywood goes by "Rick". Seriously though what sort of horrible parents are so cruel or oblivious to come up with that name? Should it not be obvious when coming up with a name to try to think of obvious teases one could use and try to avoid them? I swear some people completely forget what it was like to be a child.
Title: Re: Microsoft Confirms "Gaywood" Is An Offensive Surname, Mr. Gaywood Responds
Post by: UncleBob on April 26, 2010, 09:41:06 PM
What a really old story... weird.
Title: Re: Microsoft Confirms "Gaywood" Is An Offensive Surname, Mr. Gaywood Responds
Post by: ThePerm on April 26, 2010, 10:16:15 PM
at least i don't have a gay surname
Title: Re: Microsoft Confirms "Gaywood" Is An Offensive Surname, Mr. Gaywood Responds
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on April 26, 2010, 10:21:34 PM
I wonder how someone would run across it now. I actually remember this story from almost 2 years ago..... is there some sort of update to it or something?
Title: Re: Microsoft Confirms "Gaywood" Is An Offensive Surname, Mr. Gaywood Responds
Post by: Chozo Ghost on April 27, 2010, 02:11:26 AM
I wonder how someone would run across it now. I actually remember this story from almost 2 years ago..... is there some sort of update to it or something?
I was researching the slimbox360 and this came up. It may be an old article but it was new to me and I don't think it was ever posted here so I figured why not?
Title: Re: Microsoft Confirms "Gaywood" Is An Offensive Surname, Mr. Gaywood Responds
Post by: KDR_11k on April 27, 2010, 02:33:09 AM
Happy Trees are not allowed in Xbox World. They are too green and too happy.
Better you were a rock, miserable, and grey.
Happy Tree Friends are allowed though.
Title: Re: Microsoft Confirms "Gaywood" Is An Offensive Surname, Mr. Gaywood Responds
Post by: BranDonk Kong on April 27, 2010, 09:31:20 AM
This is a very old story, and Microsoft has actually changed their policy. Now, names like this will *not* get you banned, and you are also allowed to express your sexual "preference" in your motto, etc., without getting in any trouble. Very old and misleading story (since the policy was changed).
Title: Re: Microsoft Confirms "Gaywood" Is An Offensive Surname, Mr. Gaywood Responds
Post by: Stratos on April 27, 2010, 04:24:32 PM
Remember the time when 'Celda' was considered a banned word and people were forbidden to post it on forums because it incited flame wars about Wind Waker and Zelda in general?
Title: Re: Microsoft Confirms "Gaywood" Is An Offensive Surname, Mr. Gaywood Responds
Post by: ThePerm on April 27, 2010, 07:26:58 PM
lol, and then Celda became one of the most beloved Zelda games in recent times
Title: Re: Microsoft Confirms "Gaywood" Is An Offensive Surname, Mr. Gaywood Responds
Post by: Ian Sane on April 27, 2010, 07:50:40 PM
Quote
Remember the time when 'Celda' was considered a banned word and people were forbidden to post it on forums because it incited flame wars about Wind Waker and Zelda in general?
Yeah, I didn't like that. "Gimmick" and "kiddy" have been banned words before as well. I'm surprised "waggle" hasn't been.
I prefer if banned words were limited to offensive terms. I see the desire to prevent flame wars through censorship to be an overreaction. Legitimate discussion ends up getting censored and discouraged. This just makes things worse as it creates a rift between the two sides of the topic, as one group feels they are not getting a fair chance to share their opinion. These "forbidden" topics always pop up anyway. Without discussion a forum is just a bunch of fanboy-gushing nonsense. What is important is that these remain as civil discussions, instead of petty arguments.
Title: Re: Microsoft Confirms "Gaywood" Is An Offensive Surname, Mr. Gaywood Responds
Post by: Plugabugz on April 29, 2010, 05:14:38 PM
On the Sportsnet forums the word "black" is banned,
Refer to it as midnight sunset. And seeing as you're being obtuse, refer to every other colour as lengthy as possible. White is now daytime glaze!
Title: Re: Microsoft Confirms "Gaywood" Is An Offensive Surname, Mr. Gaywood Responds
Post by: Mop it up on April 29, 2010, 05:15:54 PM
With a name like Richard Gaywood, this person has worse problems than being banned from XBox Live.
Title: Re: Microsoft Confirms "Gaywood" Is An Offensive Surname, Mr. Gaywood Responds
Post by: Chozo Ghost on April 29, 2010, 05:39:00 PM
Banning the names of colors is about as retarded as you can get. So what do we call that new black Wii that comes out in May if its racist to use the word black?
Title: Re: Microsoft Confirms "Gaywood" Is An Offensive Surname, Mr. Gaywood Responds
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on April 29, 2010, 05:48:18 PM
The New African American Wii.....
we've been through this before.
Title: Re: Microsoft Confirms "Gaywood" Is An Offensive Surname, Mr. Gaywood Responds
Post by: Stratos on April 29, 2010, 06:56:00 PM
Is there anything wrong with calling a person 'white' or 'black'? I mean, I'm the first 'white boy' my gf has dated and I have no problem with that term. And I've not met a black person who has been bothered by the term 'black'. In fact, some of them seem to be bothered when they hear the term 'African-American'. The term seems kinda funny if they are born in America and their family has been American for generations. Am I a Scottish/Dutch/whatever-else-American? Is my girlfriend a Guatemalan-American? It feels rather silly to me.
Title: Re: Microsoft Confirms "Gaywood" Is An Offensive Surname, Mr. Gaywood Responds
Post by: Chozo Ghost on April 30, 2010, 10:46:48 AM
You're supposed to call whites "Chalkasians", because of their Chalky complexion.
Title: Re: Microsoft Confirms "Gaywood" Is An Offensive Surname, Mr. Gaywood Responds
Post by: ThePerm on May 01, 2010, 06:58:05 PM
also in Arizona Mexicans refer to themselves as Mexicans, and only rarely Mexican-Americans. Hispanic sounds clinical, and is only ever used in public speech, and the census. Latino is probably preferable and refers to all sorts of Latin Americans. A Chicano is a Latino who lives in the U.S., no one is really sure of its etymology, but essentially means Mexican Diaspora
Title: Re: Microsoft Confirms "Gaywood" Is An Offensive Surname, Mr. Gaywood Responds
Post by: Chozo Ghost on May 02, 2010, 03:08:47 PM
Not everyone from Latin America is the same, though. And some of them may be offended to be called something like "Chicano" if that refers to Mexicans, and they happen to be from Cuba or Peru or whatever. Latin America does cover a lot of territory, and there are cultural and ethnic differences, moreso than most people realize.
Title: Re: Microsoft Confirms "Gaywood" Is An Offensive Surname, Mr. Gaywood Responds
Post by: Stogi on May 03, 2010, 05:19:54 PM
Not everyone from Latin America is the same, though. And some of them may be offended to be called something like "Chicano" if that refers to Mexicans, and they happen to be from Cuba or Peru or whatever. Latin America does cover a lot of territory, and there are cultural and ethnic differences, moreso than most people realize.
I've always hated the whole latino/hispanic thing.. some latino/hispanics get so riled up when called one or the other, and i don't get it. Maybe thats cuz i'm AMERICAN born and thus only feel AMERICAN despite whatever my parents background is. I'm just easy going that way.
While we're on the subject, i hate seeing "White (non-hispanic)" on applications.
Title: Re: Microsoft Confirms "Gaywood" Is An Offensive Surname, Mr. Gaywood Responds
Post by: BranDonk Kong on May 05, 2010, 12:30:12 AM
And this thread will be locked in 5...4...3...2...
Title: Re: Microsoft Confirms "Gaywood" Is An Offensive Surname, Mr. Gaywood Responds
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on May 05, 2010, 12:57:37 AM
Not everyone from Latin America is the same, though. And some of them may be offended to be called something like "Chicano" if that refers to Mexicans, and they happen to be from Cuba or Peru or whatever. Latin America does cover a lot of territory, and there are cultural and ethnic differences, moreso than most people realize.
I've always hated the whole latino/hispanic thing.. some latino/hispanics get so riled up when called one or the other, and i don't get it. Maybe thats cuz i'm AMERICAN born and thus only feel AMERICAN despite whatever my parents background is. I'm just easy going that way.
You think that's bad, never call a Tongan a Samoan or vice versa. It ill probably be the last mistake you ever make.... and the last breath you ever take.
Title: Re: Microsoft Confirms "Gaywood" Is An Offensive Surname, Mr. Gaywood Responds
Post by: Halbred on May 05, 2010, 08:23:10 PM
I'm always annoyed when I see giant back-of-the-car bumper stickers that say things like NATIVE PRIDE or SAMOAN PRIDE or MEXICAN PRIDE or WHATEVER ELSE PRIDE.
I think we should be pushing for more integration, not encouraging separation. We're all the same species. We can all breed and produce viable offspring. It's like nobody likes being seen as a particular race, but then you have bumper stickers like that.
How about just HOMO SAPIENS PRIDE?
Title: Re: Microsoft Confirms "Gaywood" Is An Offensive Surname, Mr. Gaywood Responds
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on May 05, 2010, 08:46:34 PM
The view sure is pretty from your side of the fence now isn't it.
I wish things were that simple.
Title: Re: Microsoft Confirms "Gaywood" Is An Offensive Surname, Mr. Gaywood Responds
Post by: NWR_insanolord on May 05, 2010, 09:19:16 PM
I'm always annoyed when I see giant back-of-the-car bumper stickers that say things like NATIVE PRIDE or SAMOAN PRIDE or MEXICAN PRIDE or WHATEVER ELSE PRIDE.
I think we should be pushing for more integration, not encouraging separation. We're all the same species. We can all breed and produce viable offspring. It's like nobody likes being seen as a particular race, but then you have bumper stickers like that.
How about just HOMO SAPIENS PRIDE?
The problem with that bumper sticker is that young hoodlums would go around using permanent markers to black out the "SAPIENS" part.
Title: Re: Microsoft Confirms "Gaywood" Is An Offensive Surname, Mr. Gaywood Responds
Post by: BranDonk Kong on May 06, 2010, 09:34:27 AM
This thing is, you can't choose what your nationality, so being proud of your ancestry is stupid, because you have absolutely nothing to do with it.
Title: Re: Microsoft Confirms "Gaywood" Is An Offensive Surname, Mr. Gaywood Responds
Post by: TJ Spyke on May 06, 2010, 10:08:11 AM
This thing is, you can't choose what your nationality, so being proud of your ancestry is stupid, because you have absolutely nothing to do with it.
Actually, you CAN choose your nationality. Nationality can be acquired by birth within the jurisdiction of a state, by inheritance from parents, or by a process of naturalization. So that means someone born in Mexico who later moves to the US and becomes a citizen now has an American nationally (although citizenship is not required, just naturalization). I think you are talking about ethnicity or race (which you don't get to decide and which will never change).
Title: Re: Microsoft Confirms "Gaywood" Is An Offensive Surname, Mr. Gaywood Responds
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on May 06, 2010, 11:56:38 AM
This thing is, you can't choose what your nationality, so being proud of your ancestry is stupid, because you have absolutely nothing to do with it.
Actually, you CAN choose your nationality. Nationality can be acquired by birth within the jurisdiction of a state, by inheritance from parents, or by a process of naturalization. So that means someone born in Mexico who later moves to the US and becomes a citizen now has an American nationally (although citizenship is not required, just naturalization). I think you are talking about ethnicity or race (which you don't get to decide and which will never change).
Tell that to Michael Jackson.... who successfully changed his ethnicity(black->white), gender(male->female) and species(earthling->alien).
Title: Re: Microsoft Confirms "Gaywood" Is An Offensive Surname, Mr. Gaywood Responds
Post by: NinGurl69 *huggles on May 06, 2010, 12:08:05 PM
It don't matter if you're plastic or silicone.
Title: Re: Microsoft Confirms "Gaywood" Is An Offensive Surname, Mr. Gaywood Responds
Post by: Chozo Ghost on May 06, 2010, 03:24:05 PM
Pride in one's nationality is the sort of thing that leads to things like holocausts. Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't pride one of the 7 deadly sins? You aren't supposed to be proud of anything.
And I don't think being proud of being "Homo Sapiens" is acceptable either, because what will that mean when we run into an alien race? We should try to get along and not think we're better than others. So yes, pride is a terrible thing in my opinion.
Title: Re: Microsoft Confirms "Gaywood" Is An Offensive Surname, Mr. Gaywood Responds
Post by: TJ Spyke on May 06, 2010, 03:45:10 PM
Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't pride one of the 7 deadly sins? You aren't supposed to be proud of anything.
Sorta. Pride can be considered one of the deadly sins if identified as a desire to be more important or attractive than others, failing to acknowledge the good work of others, and excessive love of self
Title: Re: Microsoft Confirms "Gaywood" Is An Offensive Surname, Mr. Gaywood Responds
Post by: King of Twitch on May 06, 2010, 03:52:25 PM
Another great reason to abolish achievement stamps.
Title: Re: Microsoft Confirms "Gaywood" Is An Offensive Surname, Mr. Gaywood Responds
Post by: NinGurl69 *huggles on May 06, 2010, 03:54:37 PM
