The phrase itself does have a negative connotation due to it's use during a dark period in our history, but it does not have to be forever assumed to be a negative thing. The phrase, taken literally, is quite true in this game as well as in real life. I am a work-to-live type whereby my hard work serves solely to allow me to do the things that I WANT to do, thereby freeing me from the drudgery of a life focused only on work. If the phrase can be taken in a positive light, then why not try and do so. People are too quick to assume the worst...I have explained my name to other players when asked, and nobody has had any problem once they understand my reasoning. I wish you would have done the same.

 

I would also like to add that whether it be in concentration camps, all languages are used in war whether it be used by allies or enemies. Does it make you feel better to know that all the murderers in our country say the exact same things that we do? The word gun is used in prisons, as it is by peaceful hunters and war veterans and every day people. Does that make it bad to say the word gun? No! What difference does it make if bad people and good people say the same things? Arbeit Macht Frei is a universal phrase, not only used by the germans, as it could be used by German speakers in other countries such as the United States of America. Also, Arbeit Macht Frei wasn't and isn't only used in nazi concentration camps, as it is actual German.

 

The issue that I have with it is that, while you may be using it in the incredibly small 'bright' side of the saying that is left, there is still an extremely negative connotation to it that will cause offense to a great many people and there are quite a few different sayings that could have been used instead of 'Arbeit Macht Frei'.

The same 'good connotation' arguement could be used to allow symbols like the Swastika (which represents peace in some civilizations and religions) and the Hammer+Cycle (which represents hard work in some places). The over-all connotation, however, is still extremely negative and knowing the history of the saying should make anyone stray away from using it solely because of its bad side. I have a hard time believing that anyone on ECC who, at first sight, knew what 'Arbeit Macht Frei' meant would be willing to give in and think that it represents the other side of the saying, instead of the side that hung over Auschwitz, Dachau, and other places just because that's how you see it.

Sayings/symbols can be, and often are, corrupted by evil regimes and this saying is one of those cases. I understand your side, I just think it was an extremely poor choice of username to pick that.

 

http://translate.google.com/#auto/en/Arbeit Macht Frei
If it doesn't show up, click on Arbeit Macht Frei on the english side. It will show possible translations. So yes, it is actual german, not just nazi.

 

So if my name were "Work_sets_you_free" it would be okay because it is not in German? My choice of language should be irrelevant, as the definition remains the same. To answer your question about prejudice, I do not think of America's dark times...I think of prejudice as unreasonable hatred or intolerance born from lack of knowledge...prejudice doesn't apply to just one country.

 

I don't care about the language, I care about the saying. No matter how positive a saying's original definition and use was, the second it is used as a form of hatred or prejudice against a group of people that history can never be erased. It would be like saying "Well, the Swastika can be used in a positive light so lets allow it, but only in a positive light".

A google search of that saying, no matter what language, instantly brings up the Nazi/National Socialist use of the term, not any other. Even a non-nazi search for the use of the term is extremely weak.

 

Welikeike22,
I could be inclined to say that your nickname "Dear-Leader" (if I remember correctly) is offensive as it is commonly associated with the oppressive, brutal regime of North Korea...I fail to see how this is any different.

 

Yes, you could say that, but time and time again the Server Owner (Andrewkm) has stated that my nickname does not represent that side of the story - If you understood where it came from on ECC, as a term of endearment, then the context is entirely different. You would also be ignoring the fact it was used as a term of endearment for royals all around the world, in one 'wording' or another (Such as 'Dear Kaiser' or 'Dear Father' in Germany)

The phrase 'Arbeit Macht Frei' is not trivial, and it isn't up for "social cleansing", similar to the N-word and other words/phrases used as prejudice. Society, as a whole, has judged the context of this wording to be that of darkness, not brightness. I have no issue with you and think of you as a good, hard working users and a loyal donator, but I do have an issue with the wording of your username and the severe offense it may cause users. I am interested as to why you chose that wording instead of any other saying which would have been more appropriate and would not have caused any backlash while still meaning, effectively, the same 'good' thing.

 

You say that "If I understood where your nickname came from" it would be okay, but in my case, that is unacceptable? You say that context is important, and I agree, but you are advocating a double-standard. The term Dear-Leader today would immediately lead most educated people to think you were referencing Kim Jong-il or his son. You say that once a phrase is used negatively it is tarnished forever...in the case of Dear Leader being used in the past, but now being identified with one regime, you are a victim of your own statement.

 

Exactly, but I am allowed to use evidence to support myself am I not? That evidence happens to be another player's nickname which could also be taken in a negative context, as mine has been...and his nickname has been established for quite a while, it seems. By drawing attention to this I am trying to establish a sort of precedent...happens in court all the time, my friend.

 

Alright, lets stop the debate for now. We are still working on a decision on this.