Big preface in stating that the below references no specific event in particular, or an even recent one at that. It's just a trend I've noticed!
So, there are some among us who really like to discuss lore and proscribe a conclusion based on what is extrapolated and debated. This is basically the essence of any academic debate; an adversarial but non-hostile clash of views with references in the pursuit of a final conclusion. Not everyone is going to reach the same conclusion, so it is acceptable to just agree to disagree. In the context of FFXIV lore discussion, the conclusions basically amount to "this can be roleplayed" and "this cannot be roleplayed", as well as variations between those two ends. Naturally, people who roleplay X are going to be disconcerted when the discussion they observe concludes that X "cannot be roleplayed".
Those of us who are relatively strict about the lore and proscribe judgement to roleplay could be said to be divided into two camps; they will not RP with your bending/breaking character, or they will RP with your bending/breaking character. Despite my verboseness with lore discussion, I am actually in the latter camp. I will RP with mostly everyone because I freaking love this game and its community. My character will just react accordingly to whenever your character drops a lorebomb.
This is an important aspect of those who like to engage in academic debates that those who do not fail to understand. Our argumentative nature enjoy debates because it is a mental exercise that we intellectually invest ourselves into for stimulation, but it is not personal. When we proscribe negative judgements to roleplay, it is not a personal attack. I am not going to say this is the case for everyone, but I merely seek to defend those who are labeled perhaps unfairly as 'lore nazis'. Of course, there are those who proscribe roleplay judgments because they want to impose their view or they're just arrogant pricks.
So, going back to the original example, I have seen this happen at least three times in large public linkshells. The question that emerges from these instances is the following...
Quote:Person A: I don't think you can roleplay this.
Person B: Actually, this lore reference says you can.
Person A: Hm, is that so? Upon reading it, I don't think you are totally correct, for it says this in that particular section.
Person B: You have a point, and maybe if people were reasonable about it, it could be done.
Person A: Perhaps, but I think you might be misconstruing what the lore refe-
Person C: GUISE PLS STOP I AM SO UNCOMFORTABLE WHY ARE YOU ARGUING I AM LEAVING THIS LS SO TOXIC
So, there are some among us who really like to discuss lore and proscribe a conclusion based on what is extrapolated and debated. This is basically the essence of any academic debate; an adversarial but non-hostile clash of views with references in the pursuit of a final conclusion. Not everyone is going to reach the same conclusion, so it is acceptable to just agree to disagree. In the context of FFXIV lore discussion, the conclusions basically amount to "this can be roleplayed" and "this cannot be roleplayed", as well as variations between those two ends. Naturally, people who roleplay X are going to be disconcerted when the discussion they observe concludes that X "cannot be roleplayed".
Those of us who are relatively strict about the lore and proscribe judgement to roleplay could be said to be divided into two camps; they will not RP with your bending/breaking character, or they will RP with your bending/breaking character. Despite my verboseness with lore discussion, I am actually in the latter camp. I will RP with mostly everyone because I freaking love this game and its community. My character will just react accordingly to whenever your character drops a lorebomb.
This is an important aspect of those who like to engage in academic debates that those who do not fail to understand. Our argumentative nature enjoy debates because it is a mental exercise that we intellectually invest ourselves into for stimulation, but it is not personal. When we proscribe negative judgements to roleplay, it is not a personal attack. I am not going to say this is the case for everyone, but I merely seek to defend those who are labeled perhaps unfairly as 'lore nazis'. Of course, there are those who proscribe roleplay judgments because they want to impose their view or they're just arrogant pricks.
So, going back to the original example, I have seen this happen at least three times in large public linkshells. The question that emerges from these instances is the following...
1) Should participants in the lore debate shift to a private conversation?
OR
2) Should observers who are uncomfortable tolerate the lore debate?
There are points that can be argued in favour of both sides, but I personally am going to argue vehemently against number 1. In my opinion, that basically amounts to censoring based on "being offended", something I am staunchly against on principle. Outsiders to an event effectively find their feelings hurt because of the actions of a pair or group of individuals who are having fun and otherwise oblivious to the concept what they doing is apparently "offensive". It becomes a question of free speech, and this is where I will cease arguing this particular point, lest it become dicey.
On the other hand, this might also be a case of "pick your battles". In the name of community harmony, surely not upsetting members of the group is more important than arguing the lore of a make-believe world? What use is there politicizing the dynamics of an online community that's sole purpose of existing is to have fun? In real-life, we fight for freedom and democracy, but in FFXIV RP, we're here solely to play house with our pretend characters. Why get so indignant about issues that not even remotely have the same impact as some issue do in reality?
Nonetheless, it is a debate (not argument!) worth having, so go!
