Thread Closed
A friend indicated to me that the relevant lore on this topic hadn't been brought up. It's a pretty big thread, so if this has already been posted, feel free to smack me on the nose or whatever you people* do.
*That is, roleplayers.
http://forum.square-enix.com/ffxiv/threa...post490835
But I'd like to illuminate the subject further, since at least one person here named Western religion as the primary detractor for gay rights in the real world. Now, not only is that ironically biased, but it's ironically ignorant.
Final Fantasy XIV was produced in Japan. As in, 1% reported Christianity as of a 2008 survey.
So why are they stiffing gay folks? Because you don't have to be religious at all to not care about gay rights.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homosexuali...dern_Japan
There's actually a cultural, ah, "shyness" about alternative sexuality in Japan. It's not really frowned on by the government or any particular group. It's just something that hasn't been spoken out about much until recently.
And you thought the United States was behind the times on progressive issues.
Oh, but it gets better. A gander over here, and...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Same-sex_marriage_in_Japan
Same-sex marriage is not legal in Japan. Again, mostly because not many people seem to be campaigning for it--not so much because people are directly opposed to it. I mean, maybe they are. I'm not well-studied on the subject, but...
Might be that Square Enix didn't add the option because most of their local customers didn't really want or care about the option, and not because they're homophobes.
So, I think it's best to at least check Wikipedia before you presume to understand the perspective and mindset behind a decision that offends you. After all, not every country is America.
*That is, roleplayers.
http://forum.square-enix.com/ffxiv/threa...post490835
Quote:So this seems like a green light or at least a "who cares" when it comes to homosexuality in Eorzea.
- In general, how open-minded is the average Eorzean? (ex. Accept same-sex couples? Those who do not believe in the Twelve?)
Answer:Â Though many of the races experienced rocky pasts, currently, tolerance is, for the most part, the norm in Eorzea. The main reason behind this being that the region is a veritable melting pot of races who have worked together throughout recent history to survive the hardships thrust upon them. This does not mean that there are do not exist groups which are significantly more closed-minded. For example, while Gridania and Limsa Lominsa are fairly open about having dealings with the some of the more amicable beast tribes (such as the sylphs, goblins, and Qiqirn), the sultanate of Ul'dah are wary of the tribes, in part due to their prolonged conflict with the Amalj'aa.
But I'd like to illuminate the subject further, since at least one person here named Western religion as the primary detractor for gay rights in the real world. Now, not only is that ironically biased, but it's ironically ignorant.
Final Fantasy XIV was produced in Japan. As in, 1% reported Christianity as of a 2008 survey.
So why are they stiffing gay folks? Because you don't have to be religious at all to not care about gay rights.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homosexuali...dern_Japan
There's actually a cultural, ah, "shyness" about alternative sexuality in Japan. It's not really frowned on by the government or any particular group. It's just something that hasn't been spoken out about much until recently.
And you thought the United States was behind the times on progressive issues.
Oh, but it gets better. A gander over here, and...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Same-sex_marriage_in_Japan
Same-sex marriage is not legal in Japan. Again, mostly because not many people seem to be campaigning for it--not so much because people are directly opposed to it. I mean, maybe they are. I'm not well-studied on the subject, but...
Might be that Square Enix didn't add the option because most of their local customers didn't really want or care about the option, and not because they're homophobes.
So, I think it's best to at least check Wikipedia before you presume to understand the perspective and mindset behind a decision that offends you. After all, not every country is America.