Collected Precedents of the S.C.A.: Offensive

Name Precedents: Offensive

Laurel: Date: (year.month.date) Precedent:

François la Flamme 2003.07 Jeudenfreunde was submitted as a constructed byname. However, this term was in use in Nazi Germany as a perjorative term for people who aided Jews. Metron Ariston explains:
The term Judenfreund is so closely associated with its pejorative usage under the Nazi regime that any period documentation for it (and I did not find any obvious examples) would not redeem it. It was one of Hitler's favorite epithets and was applied to non-Jews who slept with Jews, non-Jews who defended or sheltered Jews, etc. Identification as a Judenfreund under the Third Reich opened you up not only to contumely but also could be a ticket to the concentration camps.

Given the use of this term in Nazi Germany, it violates RfS IV.4, "Offensive Political Terminology", which states:
Terminology specifically associated with social or political movements, or events that may be offensive to a particular race, religion, or ethnic group will not be registered.
Even if used without prejudice in period, such terms are offensive by their modern context. Thus, names that suggest participation in pogroms or repressive movements, like Judenfeind, which is a period German name meaning enemy of the Jews, may not be used.
[Erec Jeudenfreunde, 07/2003 LoAR, R-Atlantia]

François la Flamme 2002.09 This name is being returned for lack of documentation of the byname toti�jalfi as a plausible period byname. The byname toti, meaning 'breast' (well, not quite, but this is a family forum), is listed in Geirr Bassi (p. 29). However, there are no examples of this byname being used in a compound byname. Additionally, no evidence was found that the byname �jalfi (also found in Geirr Bassi on p. 29), meaning 'embracer, conqueror' would be combined with an element refering to a body part. Lacking support for this construction, it is not registerable. As the submitter only allows minor changes, we were unable to drop an element and register this name as Styrkárr toti or Styrkárr �jalfi.
There was also a good bit of discussion regarding whether the constructed byname was offensive. We are declining to rule on that issue at this time. [Styrkárr toti�jalfi, 09/2002 LoAR, R-An Tir]

François la Flamme 2002.08 This submission generated some discussion, both in the College of Arms and in private e-mail to Laurel. This name arguably has a small potential of being mispronounced by less knowledgeable readers as "Damn Bastard". Therefore, the registerability of these two elements, whether combined or separate, must be examined. RfS IV.1 (Vulgar Names) states, "Pornographic or scatological terms will not be registered. Obscene terminology, sexually explicit material, bathroom or toilet humor, etc. are considered inherently offensive by a large segment of the Society and general population."
Daimhin (properly pronounced approximately "dahv-in") is an Irish Gaelic masculine given name that yielded the Anglicized form Davin. It has been registered without comment as recently as September of 2001 (Daimhín Sinna). No previous submissions of this element have generated any question of possible offensiveness. Since Daimhin when properly pronounced does not fall within names which should be considered "inherently offensive by a large segement of the Society," it continues to be registerable.
Bastard is a period descriptive byname documented in Scots and English and has been registered in various forms at least six times dating from 1983 to 1998. Most recently, it was registered without comment in March 1998 (Guy le Bastard) and April 1998 (Duftach Scott the Bastard). (In fact, in the form Lebatarde, and formerly le Batard, it is the registered byname of a former SCA Inc. Board member.) The registrations demonstrate that this element is not "considered inherently offensive by a large segment of the Society and general population" and so is registerable. Questions regarding public listing of a name containing this element have already been addressed by the kingdoms when printing lists of board members.
Given that both elements are registerable on their own, the only issue that could be a reason for return would be the combination of these two name elements. In this case, a fully Anglicized form Davin Bastard would certainly be no more of an issue than the registered Guy le Bastard and Duftach Scott the Bastard. Given that Daimhin has not generated so much as a murmur of a possible violation of RfS IV.1, it is demonstratedly not an issue on its own. Given this information, including previous registrations, this submission does not violate RfS IV.1 and is registerable. [Daimhin Bastard, 08/2002, A-Meridies]

Da'ud ibn Auda (2nd tenure, 1st year) 1993.12b Reading through these sections carefully, and taking them as a whole, I believe that many issues involved become clearer. A return for offensiveness should be made only very rarely. This is at least in part because of the level to which the "offense" must rise before these rules are applied to return a submission. Almost every heraldic charge, and a number of names, could be considered offensive by someone. So the guideline is not whether they might be considered to be offensive by someone, but whether they are so "to a significant segment of the Society or the general population." (emphasis added). Additionally, consideration must be given to "the educational purposes {and} good name of the Society" and to "the enjoyment of its participants". In other words, will registration of a specific submission (thus giving it more or less "official approval" by the Society) put the Society in a negative light to a significant segment of the general population? Or will it cause sufficient offense to a significant segment of our own members as to be detrimental to their enjoyment of and participation in the activities of the Society? If the answer to either of these questions is "yes", then such should not receive the sanction of the Society by being registered. (How often is this likely to happen? Well, off the top of my head I can only remember two instances during the eight years I've been active in the College of Arms. I'd say that's sufficiently rare, especially given the number of items we process each year.) [12b/93c]

Alisoun MacCoul of Elphane 1990.04.29 This name caused a certain amount of controversy since it is by no means clear that "Jesus" was used by ordinary individuals in period and there is some evidence from Dauzat that it may have been "taboo" during the medieval period. (LoAR 29 Apr 90, p. 3)

Alisoun MacCoul of Elphane 1990.02.25 We have been forced to the conclusion that the name ... has become so notorious and controversial that it cannot be registered to anyone at this time.... There is ample precedent for finding against a submission because of its historical associations in the mundane sphere. It seems unreasonable and unwise to dismiss our own history as being of lesser value and less likely to carry the seeds of offense.... No compromise appears possible between the parties and it is clear that the use of [Name] is causing the same sort of disruption/offense usually associated with the sort of mundane items which have been refused registration because of their mundane historical associations. (LoAR 25 Feb 90, pp. 17-18)

Alisoun MacCoul of Elphane 1987.12.19 The byname "Tsepesh", which means "Impaler" and is associated with Vlad the Impaler, prototype for the Dracula legend, is offensive in itself, offensive in its association with Vlad/Dracula and should not be registered. (LoAR 19 Dec 87, p. 14)

Baldwin of Erebor 1985.02.03 The designation "Cult of N." is not appropriate for registration with the College of Arms. [BoE, 3 Feb 85, p.19] [N. was the submitter's SCA given name.]

Wilhelm von Schlüssel 1981.08.13 The name is too offensive for formal registration. Just register a badge for the household. WVS [50] [LoAR 13 Aug 81], p. 8

Wilhelm von Schlüssel 1980.11.28 Melkor was the Middle Earth version of Satan. This name may not be used. WVS [30] [LoAR 28 Nov 80], p. 7

Wilhelm von Schlüssel 1980.01.22 [Michael Maggotslayer.] This is as close as I have come to rejecting a name as offensive and still letting it go through in the end, on the basis that at least that's the right thing to do to maggots. Please try to keep people from registering names like this, as it causes indigestion to anyone else hearing it. WVS [9] [LoAR 22 Jan 80], p. 4

Karina of the Far West 1979.06.30 The Abbey of Leng is a typically ghastly purlieu of the universe of H.P. Lovecraft, at the same time fictional, nonhuman, magical, AND offensive. (KFW, 30 Jun 79 [25], p. 12) [The icy desert plateau of Leng, with its horrible stone villages and unmentionable prehistoric monastery, figures in The Dream-Quest of Unknown Kadath.]

Karina of the Far West 1977.11.11 You may not use the nickname Dracul, as it is the name of an ancient award. (KFW, 11 Nov 77 [16], p. 9)

Karina of the Far West 1976.06.16 [Trixie la Tush.] The name is offensive. (KFW, 16 Jun 76 [6], p. 11)

Laurel:	Date: (year.month.date)	Precedent:
François la Flamme	2003.07	Jeudenfreunde was submitted as a constructed byname. However, this term was in use in Nazi Germany as a perjorative term for people who aided Jews. Metron Ariston explains: The term Judenfreund is so closely associated with its pejorative usage under the Nazi regime that any period documentation for it (and I did not find any obvious examples) would not redeem it. It was one of Hitler's favorite epithets and was applied to non-Jews who slept with Jews, non-Jews who defended or sheltered Jews, etc. Identification as a Judenfreund under the Third Reich opened you up not only to contumely but also could be a ticket to the concentration camps. Given the use of this term in Nazi Germany, it violates RfS IV.4, "Offensive Political Terminology", which states: Terminology specifically associated with social or political movements, or events that may be offensive to a particular race, religion, or ethnic group will not be registered. Even if used without prejudice in period, such terms are offensive by their modern context. Thus, names that suggest participation in pogroms or repressive movements, like Judenfeind, which is a period German name meaning enemy of the Jews, may not be used. [Erec Jeudenfreunde, 07/2003 LoAR, R-Atlantia]
François la Flamme	2002.09	This name is being returned for lack of documentation of the byname toti�jalfi as a plausible period byname. The byname toti, meaning 'breast' (well, not quite, but this is a family forum), is listed in Geirr Bassi (p. 29). However, there are no examples of this byname being used in a compound byname. Additionally, no evidence was found that the byname �jalfi (also found in Geirr Bassi on p. 29), meaning 'embracer, conqueror' would be combined with an element refering to a body part. Lacking support for this construction, it is not registerable. As the submitter only allows minor changes, we were unable to drop an element and register this name as Styrkárr toti or Styrkárr �jalfi. There was also a good bit of discussion regarding whether the constructed byname was offensive. We are declining to rule on that issue at this time. [Styrkárr toti�jalfi, 09/2002 LoAR, R-An Tir]
François la Flamme	2002.08	This submission generated some discussion, both in the College of Arms and in private e-mail to Laurel. This name arguably has a small potential of being mispronounced by less knowledgeable readers as "Damn Bastard". Therefore, the registerability of these two elements, whether combined or separate, must be examined. RfS IV.1 (Vulgar Names) states, "Pornographic or scatological terms will not be registered. Obscene terminology, sexually explicit material, bathroom or toilet humor, etc. are considered inherently offensive by a large segment of the Society and general population." Daimhin (properly pronounced approximately "dahv-in") is an Irish Gaelic masculine given name that yielded the Anglicized form Davin. It has been registered without comment as recently as September of 2001 (Daimhín Sinna). No previous submissions of this element have generated any question of possible offensiveness. Since Daimhin when properly pronounced does not fall within names which should be considered "inherently offensive by a large segement of the Society," it continues to be registerable. Bastard is a period descriptive byname documented in Scots and English and has been registered in various forms at least six times dating from 1983 to 1998. Most recently, it was registered without comment in March 1998 (Guy le Bastard) and April 1998 (Duftach Scott the Bastard). (In fact, in the form Lebatarde, and formerly le Batard, it is the registered byname of a former SCA Inc. Board member.) The registrations demonstrate that this element is not "considered inherently offensive by a large segment of the Society and general population" and so is registerable. Questions regarding public listing of a name containing this element have already been addressed by the kingdoms when printing lists of board members. Given that both elements are registerable on their own, the only issue that could be a reason for return would be the combination of these two name elements. In this case, a fully Anglicized form Davin Bastard would certainly be no more of an issue than the registered Guy le Bastard and Duftach Scott the Bastard. Given that Daimhin has not generated so much as a murmur of a possible violation of RfS IV.1, it is demonstratedly not an issue on its own. Given this information, including previous registrations, this submission does not violate RfS IV.1 and is registerable. [Daimhin Bastard, 08/2002, A-Meridies]
Da'ud ibn Auda (2nd tenure, 1st year)	1993.12b	Reading through these sections carefully, and taking them as a whole, I believe that many issues involved become clearer. A return for offensiveness should be made only very rarely. This is at least in part because of the level to which the "offense" must rise before these rules are applied to return a submission. Almost every heraldic charge, and a number of names, could be considered offensive by someone. So the guideline is not whether they might be considered to be offensive by someone, but whether they are so "to a significant segment of the Society or the general population." (emphasis added). Additionally, consideration must be given to "the educational purposes {and} good name of the Society" and to "the enjoyment of its participants". In other words, will registration of a specific submission (thus giving it more or less "official approval" by the Society) put the Society in a negative light to a significant segment of the general population? Or will it cause sufficient offense to a significant segment of our own members as to be detrimental to their enjoyment of and participation in the activities of the Society? If the answer to either of these questions is "yes", then such should not receive the sanction of the Society by being registered. (How often is this likely to happen? Well, off the top of my head I can only remember two instances during the eight years I've been active in the College of Arms. I'd say that's sufficiently rare, especially given the number of items we process each year.) [12b/93c]
Alisoun MacCoul of Elphane	1990.04.29	This name caused a certain amount of controversy since it is by no means clear that "Jesus" was used by ordinary individuals in period and there is some evidence from Dauzat that it may have been "taboo" during the medieval period. (LoAR 29 Apr 90, p. 3)
Alisoun MacCoul of Elphane	1990.02.25	We have been forced to the conclusion that the name ... has become so notorious and controversial that it cannot be registered to anyone at this time.... There is ample precedent for finding against a submission because of its historical associations in the mundane sphere. It seems unreasonable and unwise to dismiss our own history as being of lesser value and less likely to carry the seeds of offense.... No compromise appears possible between the parties and it is clear that the use of [Name] is causing the same sort of disruption/offense usually associated with the sort of mundane items which have been refused registration because of their mundane historical associations. (LoAR 25 Feb 90, pp. 17-18)
Alisoun MacCoul of Elphane	1987.12.19	The byname "Tsepesh", which means "Impaler" and is associated with Vlad the Impaler, prototype for the Dracula legend, is offensive in itself, offensive in its association with Vlad/Dracula and should not be registered. (LoAR 19 Dec 87, p. 14)
Baldwin of Erebor	1985.02.03	The designation "Cult of N." is not appropriate for registration with the College of Arms. [BoE, 3 Feb 85, p.19] [N. was the submitter's SCA given name.]
Wilhelm von Schlüssel	1981.08.13	The name is too offensive for formal registration. Just register a badge for the household. WVS [50] [LoAR 13 Aug 81], p. 8
Wilhelm von Schlüssel	1980.11.28	Melkor was the Middle Earth version of Satan. This name may not be used. WVS [30] [LoAR 28 Nov 80], p. 7
Wilhelm von Schlüssel	1980.01.22	[Michael Maggotslayer.] This is as close as I have come to rejecting a name as offensive and still letting it go through in the end, on the basis that at least that's the right thing to do to maggots. Please try to keep people from registering names like this, as it causes indigestion to anyone else hearing it. WVS [9] [LoAR 22 Jan 80], p. 4
Karina of the Far West	1979.06.30	The Abbey of Leng is a typically ghastly purlieu of the universe of H.P. Lovecraft, at the same time fictional, nonhuman, magical, AND offensive. (KFW, 30 Jun 79 [25], p. 12) [The icy desert plateau of Leng, with its horrible stone villages and unmentionable prehistoric monastery, figures in The Dream-Quest of Unknown Kadath.]
Karina of the Far West	1977.11.11	You may not use the nickname Dracul, as it is the name of an ancient award. (KFW, 11 Nov 77 [16], p. 9)
Karina of the Far West	1976.06.16	[Trixie la Tush.] The name is offensive. (KFW, 16 Jun 76 [6], p. 11)