Jenny Kickaz
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Posted - 2011.03.18 15:47:00 -
[1]
Interesting topic. Thanks for posting it to FB; I would not have known it was here unless the post popped up on my wall.
(Out of Game)
I have a pretty strong sense of morality; plus, I have a religious upbringing. My background is in Social Justice and Criminology; I am currently finishing my degree. I spent 9 years, I am currently 36, working with a NPO as a liason with the justice system taking individuals under our recognizance for terms of upto 1 year. We founded and established two Drug and Alcohol Treatment Centers and provided all sorts of integrated holistic support for those desiring to overcome criminal activity and addictions. Both of the organizations have recieved national and provincial awards for their sucess and innovative approach to addictions treatment.
Due to unforseen circumstances and health issues, I am currently not involved in this career, and am now back in university; hence, the reason I am playing online games.
(In Game)
I am a member of an alliance in Nulsec. Currenly I am solo pvping and killing lone industrials in the drone lands. I do not scam, nor spy. When I see a scammer or know a spy is active, while playing, it upsets me somewhat. RMT and botting irk the hell out of me.
(Opinion)
My opinion is that this is a game. Therefore, much like any other game of consequence and competition, there is a risk versus return equation involved. I would never cheat by taking an Ace of spades from the deck when no one is looking, yet I would bluff the opposing players.
My family played cards alot when I was growing up. We learned that there are times when playing a game; that, you lose, are bluffed, and out strategized. Thats life. Laugh about it and enjoy the next game. However, if I was stealing from the deck or hiding extra 'coins' in my pocket, I would be shamed and know I did something socially unacceptable. Since I had a Eldership, my Dad and Grandfather, I knew if I did something wrong I would be reprimanded. My grandfather would take me aside when I was young and say, "Don't pick your nose! Use a napkin or go to the bathroom." He knwe my behavior was unacceptable, and was helping me see when I couldn't see.
The lines arent as black and white in an online game though. There are very little social consequences of maladaptive behavior. Definition: Maladaptive behavior is any behavior that is considered socially unacceptable in ones social set; for example, picking ones nose, belching at the cash counter of a Starbucks, or taking the towels at a Hotel. Within EVE there are acceptable and unacceptable behaviors, yet the line is blurry at best.
In New Eden the social consequences are limited to the other players within the game itself. And since the only consequences for inappropriate behavior are corp removal and possibly a ban or suspension from the game, the lines of unacceptable behavior become more blurred because players can simply join a new corporation or scam someone else.
In summary, there is no governing body or individual to be accountable to; unlike I was to my Parents or Grandparents. There is no judicial board, police, or eldership to maintain a sense of dignity and respect within the community. Therefore the lines of morality are blurred, and as an old saying goes, "each man did what was right in his own eyes." |