Now Wokists Want To Ban This D&D Word

HappyDaze · April 12, 2022, 10:11:12 AM

Maybe they could go with Dungeon Guide...

Then they could make a rule book that deliberately ties the Dungeon Guide's hands and call it: The Dungeon Guide's Master (DGM).

Stephen Tannhauser · April 12, 2022, 10:34:49 AM

Are they going to tell the rap fandom community that rappers can no longer be called "M.C." Whatever because M.C. stands for Master of Ceremonies?

hedgehobbit · April 12, 2022, 10:38:11 AM

Quote from: jeff37923 on April 12, 2022, 05:19:37 AM
Did anyone save the tweet in which this wokist idea first appeared?

I've been hearing people complain about the use of the term "Dungeon/Game Master" since the 1990s. So the idea predates Twitter.

Here's an article from 2003 that talks about how the term Master is unacceptable in the computer context. Again, this predates Twitter.

http://edition.cnn.com/2003/TECH/ptech/11/26/master.term.reut/

Just recently, this idea was forcibly implemented into Linux

https://www.zdnet.com/article/linux-team-approves-new-terminology-bans-terms-like-blacklist-and-slave/

It looks like RPGs are a bit late to the party with this one. We won't see another Dungeon Masters Guide.

migo · April 12, 2022, 11:03:09 AM

Quote from: Stephen Tannhauser on April 12, 2022, 10:34:49 AM
Are they going to tell the rap fandom community that rappers can no longer be called "M.C." Whatever because M.C. stands for Master of Ceremonies?

Nope, because they're only picking weak targets. They're not going to get anywhere with rap.

VisionStorm · April 12, 2022, 11:04:30 AM

Quote from: hedgehobbit on April 12, 2022, 10:38:11 AM
Quote from: jeff37923 on April 12, 2022, 05:19:37 AM
Did anyone save the tweet in which this wokist idea first appeared?

I've been hearing people complain about the use of the term "Dungeon/Game Master" since the 1990s. So the idea predates Twitter.

Here's an article from 2003 that talks about how the term Master is unacceptable in the computer context. Again, this predates Twitter.

http://edition.cnn.com/2003/TECH/ptech/11/26/master.term.reut/

Just recently, this idea was forcibly implemented into Linux

https://www.zdnet.com/article/linux-team-approves-new-terminology-bans-terms-like-blacklist-and-slave/

It looks like RPGs are a bit late to the party with this one. We won't see another Dungeon Masters Guide.

Yeah, this ain't new. I even remember it coming up in Twitter a couple years ago, before I was even banned, so it isn't even new to Twitter. Back then it was mostly about its use in academia, and computer programming as well. I'm pretty sure I heard ti come up in an RPG context too, but I guess it didn't catch on.

Stephen Tannhauser · April 12, 2022, 01:52:23 PM

For all these people seem to think (or thought) Harry Potter was the only fiction worth reading of the last two decades, it's amazing how many of them forget a critical truth about trying to outlaw particular words, as noted by Hermione Granger:

Quote"Oh, Harry, don't you see? If (Umbridge) could have done one thing to make absolutely sure that every single person in this school will read your interview, it was banning it!"

hedgehobbit · April 12, 2022, 02:02:05 PM

Quote from: Stephen Tannhauser on April 12, 2022, 01:52:23 PM
For all these people seem to think (or thought) Harry Potter was the only fiction worth reading of the last two decades, it's amazing how many of them forget a critical truth about trying to outlaw particular words, as noted by Hermione Granger:

The only reason people use the term "Dungeon Master" or "Game Master" is because it was used in D&D. Once D&D stops using this term, then every new player from that point on will have no attachment to the term and the term will fade from use. It is inevitable at this point.

David Johansen · April 12, 2022, 02:35:35 PM

I've generally just used "referee" like Traveller does. But in a recent Tunnels and Trolls inspired game I went with "Master."

Zelen · April 12, 2022, 03:05:43 PM

Game Master is an intuitive term that I don't expect to see going anywhere soon. Dungeon Master always sounded like a weird BDSM sex thing, so it's particularly ironic that the objection here is being made toward the very concept of mastery itself.

I hope Wizards of the Coast pays reparations to anyone ever harmed by its "Dungeon Master's Guide" or who was triggered by the presence of a "Weapon Master."

In my own products, I will be sure to note as part of the game rules that the Game Master must be referred to by players as "Master" and to sell a whip as an official game supplement.

markmohrfield · April 12, 2022, 04:40:33 PM

Quote from: David Johansen on April 12, 2022, 02:35:35 PM
I've generally just used "referee" like Traveller does. But in a recent Tunnels and Trolls inspired game I went with "Master."

Actually, referee was the term originally used in Brown/White box D&D itself, as well as 1st/2nd edition Runequest. I personally prefer it over GM/DM, though I'd object to attempts to actually ban those terms. In any case, they are probably too set in tradition at this point for anyone to change them.

I've also seen "the geek with all the books" suggested.

palaeomerus · April 12, 2022, 04:48:53 PM

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migo · April 12, 2022, 05:33:01 PM

Quote from: markmohrfield on April 12, 2022, 04:40:33 PM
I've also seen "the geek with all the books" suggested.

Librarian?

Mishihari · April 12, 2022, 06:58:08 PM

I've always like "narrator" because the DM narrates what happens in accordance with the mechanics and the players' stated actions.

Shasarak · April 12, 2022, 07:10:12 PM

Trying to change Dungeon Master to Game Master is already bad enough.

David Johansen · April 12, 2022, 07:16:47 PM

I dunno, the more they change, the more people will flee looking for alternatives. Which is just great as far as I'm concerned.