This is a subject I've seen brought up fairly often over the years that I've role-played. It's often something that a lot of role-players feel rather strongly about, though some folk are rather indifferent! Regardless, I'd be curious to know how members of FFXIV's role-playing community define the term.
To add my own answer to the mix, I don't see elitism as a bad thing. It's one of those terms that is often twisted to mean something completely different to the original definition. In other cases it's simply thrown around at the drop of a hat and can often be seen as being used to further a particular agenda. It's in a similar vein to the term 'troll' which also suffers from being used as an incorrect and unfair label.
I suppose I should elaborate further! Simply put, I don't see true elitism as being a bad thing. Elitism in role-play typically involves striving to be the best one can be, with the role-player in question usually having rather high standards. It's a shame, but a lot of people seem to be treated like villains whenever they seek to stick to even the simplest of standards. I suppose some people just can't handle feeling excluded from role-play, even if it's at least partially justified.
Now, this doesn't mean that 'elitist' role-players should go around dictating what every other role-player does, though at the same time if someone is knowingly indulging in a character concept that doesn't really line up with the canon lore then they have no business complaining if other role-players point out the flaws in a constructive manner.Â
If someone is actively harassing other role-players and insulting them for alleged poor standards/poor role-play then that isn't elitism. It's just someone being a jerk.
Regardless, I've rambled on enough for now! I look forward to reading through the responses to this thread.
To add my own answer to the mix, I don't see elitism as a bad thing. It's one of those terms that is often twisted to mean something completely different to the original definition. In other cases it's simply thrown around at the drop of a hat and can often be seen as being used to further a particular agenda. It's in a similar vein to the term 'troll' which also suffers from being used as an incorrect and unfair label.
I suppose I should elaborate further! Simply put, I don't see true elitism as being a bad thing. Elitism in role-play typically involves striving to be the best one can be, with the role-player in question usually having rather high standards. It's a shame, but a lot of people seem to be treated like villains whenever they seek to stick to even the simplest of standards. I suppose some people just can't handle feeling excluded from role-play, even if it's at least partially justified.
Now, this doesn't mean that 'elitist' role-players should go around dictating what every other role-player does, though at the same time if someone is knowingly indulging in a character concept that doesn't really line up with the canon lore then they have no business complaining if other role-players point out the flaws in a constructive manner.Â
If someone is actively harassing other role-players and insulting them for alleged poor standards/poor role-play then that isn't elitism. It's just someone being a jerk.
Regardless, I've rambled on enough for now! I look forward to reading through the responses to this thread.
