Thoughts on Tweet

peaseblossom has already done a good job talking about Jonathan's Tweet problematic post. This post evokes a few things that, quite frankly, cause me to react in a public way.

Tweet is a public person for this hobby, stating these things in a very public way. And when someone comes out with very sexist statements it is only right to have to evaluate their work in the context of their statements. Now I'm the first to admit that we all make mistakes, and we can all say things we regret saying. So it is important to look at people's opinions over time. And in Jonathan Tweet's case there is a long strand of problematic statements. This most recent one is not isolated, and it needs to be looked at in context.

So I'm left believing that Mr Tweet has issues of sexism. Which causes me to consider his works thoroughly. The first way I have to observe his work is whether there is sexism in it, and if so how to deal with it. And yes, I do mean all his work. Now folks who read me regularly know that I was just considering blowing the dust off of Ars Magica, so that is the game I'm going to look at (and yes I recognize he is several iterations of editions back). I don't own other games of his anymore so there is less of an issue for me.

Second I need to consider that even if his work isn't sexist (and Ars Magica is no better or worse than other games) there is the need to send a message. Mr Tweet is a recognized leader in the hobby because of his reputation in large part for writing games like Ars Magica. And frankly I'm not sure I want to continue to give him cachet by playing his games.

I believe firmly that one must hold people to standards, and when they disappoint not to partake in their creative output. The only way I personally can state my disagreement is by refusing my own participation in Mr Tweet's work. He's still alive, he can change, and maybe if enough people make clear their displeasure he'll change. Heck, I even hold out hope that Frank Miller will change if enough people refuse to partake of his sexist work. Not much hope but I'm an optimistic person.

Finally I think there is responsibility on WotC's part. Jonathan Tweet wrote these things on a company forum in his official capacity. He was not operating as a private individual. He was acting officially. And as such WotC bears responsibility for what he wrote. Frankly I'd like to see WotC put him on some sort of probation and require a public apology. And than make clear in very, very public ways that they do not support sexist, gender dividing ideas and dedicate themselves in some very real ways to improving the situation in this hobby.

So in short, I will not support Jonathan Tweet by playing his games. So no Ars Magica for me. And I will not be supporting WotC until they remedy this grievous issue. Which may not sound that big to you when you think of me personally. But remember I have a 7 year old, and he just discovered Magic.