Tourettes Syndrome

[kingofny]

I do not think it was very kind or "pc" for the creators to portray Tourettes as some kind of comedic relief for Tropicans.  It is a real disorder.  

[KnightOwl]

Let me get the Wahhhmbulance for you.. If you want a 'pc' game.. I recommend the following:

http://disney.go.com/DisneyInteractive/flash/index.html

Have Fun!

[kingofny]

If you had a disorder that you could not control, would you want someone to hype it as "funny?"

You guys must find epilectic seizures hilarious. "Give her some milk, chocolate and ice cream.  Instant milkshake!"  

[TargetBoy]

You guys must find epilectic seizures hilarious. "Give her some milk, chocolate and ice cream.  Instant milkshake!"

You're right, that's hilarious!  I never would have thought of that one, thanks man!

How bout this one:  Know why the leper failed his driving test?  He left his foot on the gas.

[Garp]

No! I've NEVER had sex with a watermelon, and I resent the accusation!  

[Brian]

I'm going to offer a serious response to kingofny's concern.  Yes, Tourettes is a real disorder, but I didn't feel that PopTop was making fun of people who suffer from it, they were simply placing it in the game as a flaw and trying to determine what the consequences of having this disorder would be.

I mean, you can say the same thing about every other dictator flaw.  They're all real problems that people deal with, but put it into perspective.  They are used in the context of the game to add flavor to the dictator, not to insult a section of society.  

Just my two cents

[Wooly]

"Political correctness" is so 1990's.  These days we are voting for Republicans and praising Militia groups.  Billy Bob has left his pickup truck in the driveway and is playing Deer Hunters Revenge on his PC and chatting on USENET.  Time to catch up.  (Heh).

  --Wooly

[Enzyme]

I have tourettes syndrome, and I think its hilarious. Some people have to learn to overcome problems that they cant control, humor is one mechanism I use along with medication. So I dont think I need anybody defending me, I can do it just fine.

[Dravin]

I got to agree with Brian, almost all the flaws fall under real life conditions that people could get upset about. Alcoholism isn't funny it ruins lives, but you don't see people getting all in a huff because of it's use as a flaw.

P.S. Also, if this game tried to be 100% PC It would suck horribly.

P.P.S. Also, that epileptic seizure joke was hilarious.

[kingofny]

I found myself snickering as I was typing it.  I guess I thought it was silly to vent against one thing when the whole game is based on a stereotype that Latin and Carribean countries are all run by some sort of cigar-chomping dictator and can't go three years without some sort of rebellion.  

[fable]

It's one thing to have a handicap and make fun of it.  I've done it for years.  It's another thing for people who don't suffer from 'em to make fun of it--kinda like a kid standing by an ill animal in a zoo and poking a sharp stick through the cage at it.  Sorry, that ain't humor.

Each to their own; this isn't an issue that will gain anything from discussion, since people who aren't handicapped generally can't understand "what all the fuss is about."  (At least, until a close relative or friend goes blind, or deaf, or develops chronic obstructive lung disease, etc.)  I wouldn't get horrified over what PopTop did.  It's just a bit tasteless.

Coulda been worse.  They could have portrayed all the women in the game as Laura Croft lookalikes.  

[Brian]

I wasn't trying to imply that it's okay to make fun of anyone for any reason, and I don't want this thread to end with the idea that "making fun" of anyone for any reason is correct.  

The point, I think, is that the game doesn't "make fun" of people - it uses "flaws" of human nature to give the dictator depth and create a challenge for us in our gameplay.  They are used as points against our dictators in the game, not as a way to say "people with tourettes syndrome should be put on pay-per-view specials because they're such freaks!"  That isn't the impression I got from the game, or the people who created the game, at all.

Again, it's just my two cents (I guess it's up to four cents, now?)

[Daoloth]

One thing people have to remember is that Tourette's Syndrome isn't just spontaneous shouting and noises, the other half of it is just nervous twitches and ticks, so therefore I have Tourette's. Not the noise part, but the nervous ticks.

[fable]

Brian: The point, I think, is that the game doesn't "make fun" of people - it uses "flaws" of human nature to give the dictator depth and create a challenge for us in our gameplay.

@Brian, I'm not attacking you, or anybody, in this forum.  But I think there is a distinction between flaws of human nature, and tragedies caused by physical/mental disability.  The former--like avarice, envy, etc--are caused by the personalities of the people who have 'em, and they can be changed.  The latter, like blindness, etc, are not part of human nature (if I undestand your use of this phrase, correctly).  They are tragedies that are not part of the personality, nor can they (usually) be repaired.

So the way I see, with respect, is that using this kind of thing in the flip sort of way Tropico does is kinda tasteless.  I'm not saying it's hellacious, or fit for them to be brought up on charges before a court.  Just...kinda tastelss.  Fun game, but that's the way I feel.  I'm not saying you should, or anybody else, mind you.

[Blackrook]

Tropico has many elements which are offensive to anyone who WANTS to take offense.  Latinos can be offended by the stereotyping of their culture, Christians can be offended by the fact that "cabarets" and "showgirls" are in the game, women can be offended by the fact that "mothers" stay at home with kids but not "fathers", etc. by We can decide to kowtow to these people or to blow them off and have a good time despite their whining.

I choose the second option.  If you don't like Tropico no one says you have to play it.  

[Eddy]

I'm offended by the fact that the female rebels are so attractive!  The cute girls with guns should be my army!  Not a bunch of pot-bellied men.  Bleaugh!

And Bertha offends me too.  She dared turn down my generous offer of marriage.  

[kingofny]

OT:  I noticed that they have Beavis as Cornhulio for an icon choice.  I wonder what Cornholios traits would be?

Flaws:  Paranoid ("Are you threatening me?")

Moronic

I can't think of one darned quality, though.....

[Lil_Duce]

I like to build a lot of Cabarets so all the whores (women) on my island can have a job more suited to their talents... when they're not pregnant, that is.

How's that for offensive?

[Dravin]

Actually it's good business sense if you get a couple of cheap hotels built, watch out Taiwan here comes Tropico!

[Dravin]

How's this for not PC: Women don't go to cabarets!

[Brian]

Except when there's a job opening, then they are lined up around the building!  

[Dravin]

True, but then I pay them more then the farmers, we don't want angry cabaret girls no do we?

[Lil_Duce]

Lil_Duce

I had your mom employed at my Cabaret, she got pregnant by a god dadgumed cow.  How ya like that!?!?!

Actually I'm quite amazed that a female animal, such as this cow, has the power of human insemination. Where can I see this extraordinary beast? (and I don't mean my mom)
Think before you troll.

[Brian]

Trolls?!  I thought DaveG sprayed for trolls last week?  Are we having another problem with trolls?!  <sigh>

I guess this means we have to put a big tent over the forum again and everyone will be staying at the Holiday Inn... except Eddy, they won't allow him back  

[Dravin]

Trolls?!  I thought DaveG sprayed for trolls last week?  Are we having another problem with trolls?!  <sigh>

I guess this means we have to put a big tent over the forum again and everyone will be staying at the Holiday Inn... except Eddy, they won't allow him back  

Maybe we can sneak him in as the Board Pet? Think we have a chance?