Blizzard's BlizzCon Apology [Oct 28, 2011, 10:41 am ET] – Share – Viewing Comments
GayGamer has more follow-up on yesterday's news of outcry over anti-gay slurs during the closing performance at BlizzCon 2011. They recieved an apology from Mike Morhaime, the president of Blizzard who is also apparently a member of Level 90 Elite Tauren Chieftain, the band that performed at the closing. Here's word:
Dear members of the Blizzard community,
I have read your feedback and comments about this year's BlizzCon, and I have also read the feedback to the apology from Level 90 Elite Tauren Chieftain. I'd like to respond to some of your feedback here.
As president of Blizzard, I take full responsibility for everything that occurs at BlizzCon.
It was shortsighted and insensitive to use the video at all, even in censored form. The language used in the original version, including the slurs and use of sexual orientation as an insult, is not acceptable, period. We realize now that having even an edited version at the show was counter to the standards we try to maintain in our forums and in our games. Doing so was an error in judgment, and we regret it.
The bottom line is we deeply apologize for our mistakes and for hurting or offending anyone. We want you to have fun at our events, and we want everyone to feel welcome. We're proud to be part of a huge and diverse community, and I am proud that so many aspects of the community are represented within Blizzard itself.
As a leader of Blizzard, and a member of the band, I truly hope you will accept my humblest apology.
- Mike Morhaime President, Blizzard Entertainment
Eldaron Imotholin wrote on Oct 28, 2011, 13:33:
And then there's a high probability that when Person A again makes the "mistake" of saying something "offensive", they lose their job or there's another nasty consequence.
Your model is flawed.
Incorrect. The right to personal free speech is not impinged, the right to speak as they wish while on the company dollar is.
The company can and should hold it's employees to a higher standard because the person is representing the company/product when they speak. If the person finds those standards onerous, they can always go get another job.
Plus free speech is not only a right, it's a responsibility. Yes, you can go around offending everyone you like, but don't be surprised if it comes back to bite you in the ass.
Lastly, don't the gays have the same freedom to complain and be offended as a person has to say something offensive? The wankers around here proclaiming that they need to STFU, stop being sissys, stop 'whining' or 'crying' etc don't seem concerned in the slightest that they themselves are advocating for a lessening of freedom of speech. You may disagree with what they are saying but you'll defend their right to say it? Or only if they aren't fags?
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