NationStates

The Sekhmet Legion - 2018 in review

A look back at the awesome stuff we did

It's unfortunate that a post like this is necessary, but here we are.

We would like to start by saying this is not an in character post, and that Osiris respects TNP's sovereignty and autonomy in administering its citizenship process. Instead, this post is intended to address our concerns, as players, and most importantly as the real people behind the screens and the personas, about some aspects of the culture in gameplay today. The events that have sparked this response took place in TNP, and the specific nature of them may well be connected to the community culture within TNP, but the wider issue is far from unique to TNP. We must remember that each and every persona on this game has a real human behind it, and no matter how much one may have an in game rivalry with another player, there is a basic level of courtesy and respect that should be afforded to everyone. We forget these basic facts at our peril.

Recently, Cormac attempted to gain citizenship in TNP, and was rejected in the Vice Delegate's security check. This began a process whereby a popular vote would be held on the matter of Cormac's citizenship. Had this been approached in a respectful manner by those involved in the discourse, the whole process would have been fine. However, as the existence of this post surely makes obvious, it was not. It is perfectly fine not to like some players or think they'll be a good fit for your community. Everyone knows a player or two they'd rather not interact with. However, it isn't ever okay in real life or on NS to spread unfounded rumours about a person, or to treat them as deserving of contempt and mistreatment. Calmly saying why you don't like someone and keeping your cool about it is fine, whereas getting yourself upset and calling people names is not.

Concerningly, when Altino voiced her concerns about TNP's approach to Cormac within the TNP discord, she was met with mockery and dismissal, not understanding. Some players even took the opportunity to double down on their hostility to Cormac. Disappointingly, wild and unfounded accusations were thrown into the mix, and a member of the government implied they would ignore Altino's complaints if they were officially lodged.

This post does not intend to point fingers at any specific individuals. Instead we would like to draw attention to a culture within TNP that deeply concerns us, and should concern anyone. People who have never met or interacted with one another in any meaningful way do not begin spewing vitriolic hatred for no reason. People don't form opinions in a vacuum - opinions are shaped by outside influences, especially the influences of trusted and powerful individuals or groups. With this in mind, we would like to make a plea to those with the power to shape opinions to remember the impacts of their actions. For now, TNP must look internally at how it, as a community, was able to allow people to be treated as Cormac and Altino were. TNP's leadership and administration must demonstrate their seriousness in approaching this gravely disappointing issue. Each and every region on this game bears a responsibility to keep itself free of toxicity, and the onus is now upon TNP to demonstrate that it can and will do so going forward. Trust in TNP's ability to do this, already shaky prior to these events, must be won back.

We, as a playerbase and as people, must remember to treat others with kindness and courtesy, if we are to expect the same in return. Please, to anyone and everyone reading this, be kind and respectful.