Originally Posted By oc_dean A message to all those of the LP Community: I’ve been a poster for a long time here at LP. For almost 11 years. Since the beginning, anytime we describe ourselves over our love of all things Disney, we usually have called ourselves, simply, “fans.” While some are more casual fans than others, and some more ardent fans than the other, still ... the main operative word is ... very simply – Fan. Only in the last couple years, seems we have a new word or catch phrase added to the English language. No longer do we have Ardent Fans, Hardcore Fans, or the more (pushing on insulting) Obsessed Fan – We have FANBOY. I didn’t quite figure that one out. But I thought it had to mean a hardcore fan, who was under the age of 18, since the word – “boy” is used. Later to learn, it meant more than that. And pushing on the “insulting” side. But that was not the end of it! Then there’s – FANBOI. I had no idea what that meant, either. Discovered it more in the WDW section of the boards, and quite often used by some regular posters. So, finally, I did a google search on the phrase, to understand what it meant and found this: <a href="http://www.film.com/features/story/fanboy-fanboi-evolution-of-obsessed/16887249" target="_blank">http://www.film.com/features/s...16887249</a> I use to think that in all our discussions all we needed to do to describe each other, was to call ourselves Fans. Maybe Heavy Fan. But now we have these modern derogatory trendy terms. And now when I read someone calling another a “fanboi” ... Does not take long to understand what they are really trying to say - It’s the same as calling them a “4 letter” word! It's the same as calling someone a: Crazy, Lunatic, Immature, Low on the intellectual capacity, Has no life - Fan. For some I fear tread on the point to say - I'm going to call you the most insulting, rude phrase in the English language, to describe you and your fandom. To deliberately be redundant to make my point understood: It’s actually calling someone of the worst and most insulting level of a fan. Fanboy in of itself is derogatory, and infers to someone who is a little too geeky, but clearly “fanboi” goes for the lowest of the low, and is meant to be very insulting. Now, it’s making it’s way into the mainstream of LPers dialog, and using it in more generalized, sweeping methods. I think those doing so should be more cautious before using it again. Particularly, if they have never met, and know very little of the posters they are calling “fanbois”. I’d like to make a pledge to all Laughingplace.com users, to the moderators, administrators and to Doobie himself: We have our rules – Which one states: “Do not post any material that is defamatory” Since Fanboi is clearly the ugliest word anyone can call another LPer for their fandom, it should be included into the list of "defamatory" phrases, and words, included into the Community Standards, For phrases/words just as bad as profanity. Thank you all for your time reading this. I hope I have been able to make my point clear, and everyone really realize these terms Fanboy and definitely – Fanboi not be taken lightly .. next time you may think it’s wise to use it to call other LPers.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo Funny, I don't mind being called a fanboi, then again I am a Trekkie too ;-)
Originally Posted By oc_dean Dave ... in 11 years .. clearly there are posters who are not trying to directly call you something to be rude. But in my 11 years of experience here on LP .. we have plenty of those who do reach to be rude. And it's those who need to be sorted out.
Originally Posted By oc_dean To be more succinct, surely Dave, you don't mind it .. just as long as it's in a context that's not meant to insult you. But if it is, obviously, you are not going to like it!
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo True, there are some interesting tones on this board. I suppose I try not to let it get to me. I find LP is the goldy locks of the boards. It is not too happy clappy like some, or snarky as others. There is enough for a decent debate. And I think given the direction of travel Disney is going in, there is a lot of high feelings in the fan community. Names are not nice, this is true, and I will often call folks out if I don't like what I see. But then again, I am also used to getting in hot water for my thoughts and opinions.
Originally Posted By skinnerbox Maybe I'm misunderstanding the intention of your post, but... it seems as though you're trying to equate the use of the word, "fanboi," in terms of intensity of denigration, with the "N" word for people of color, and the "F" word for people of same sex orientation. Sorry, but I simply do not see the same level of hate, bigotry, and vitriol in using the term "fanboi" when describing someone with very intense enthusiasm. For me, calling someone a "fanboi" is akin to calling someone a "nerd" or a "geek." Or in the case of Glee fans, a "Gleek." And I'm proud to consider myself to be all three. 8^D If you really believe that "fanboi" is as derogatory as the "N" word and the "F" word, then that's your prerogative. Personally, I think you're being too overly sensitive and need some thicker skin.
Originally Posted By mawnck Sorry ... can't get real excited about all this, especially the whole "fanboi" thing. (Oh, so you're not insulted enough, hey? Well watch what I do to the SPELLING!) Call me a fanboy, fanboi, phanbhoyee, or whatever, and just watch how much I don't care. Besides ... don't believe everything you read on the internet. ;-)
Originally Posted By WDWdreamin I don't consider the term that derogatory. Most people I know who use the term refer to themselves as fanbois. And I don't think the term compares to the profane terms you are talking about. But I do agree that anything meant to be insulting shouldn't be allowed on LP.
Originally Posted By oc_dean Sure: * It's just a word * We can deflect it off, just as easily as any stupid thing, anyone could say. (ie – thick skin) * And some apparently seem to have their own interpretation. As Skinner exhibits. That all being said - We are also a discussion board. So, naturally, all we have are our "words.” And now that we see that it is a negative derogatory term, and new to the English language, it does not hurt to look it up. Understand it’s universal meaning, (and not our very own interpretation and expect everyone else to understand it) before we decide to use it. Is that asking much? And with that said: If you want to negatively call another, a "crazy, lunatic, obsessed fan who has a screw loose" - ie: Fanboy or Fanboi ... a simple - Please think before you post it, would suffice. And I've already started seeing it used in a negative way ... using it in sweeping generalizations, and call anyone a “fanboi” just to suit their own convenience. So Skinner, with all due respect, I think you're missing some posts in places that were written in a usage, and connotation not so innocently, as perhaps some post you’ve seen. So .... am I over-reacting? Or do some want to vindicate the word, so it no where implies a violation to Community Standards? If it’s so “innocently” used ... then never-mind my post. If you see it used, not in accordance to Community Standards, ... then it’s possible I may have a point!
Originally Posted By Mickeymouseclub I agree with ocdean. I also think the persons that have used it with that particular connotation should be brave enough to discuss it in this post sincerely. We can also give everybody the benefit of doubt and that we are just being oversensitive. No need to make anybody feel unwanted on LP.
Originally Posted By RoadTrip I don't agree with ocdean. We can't start deciding certain words are unacceptable just because we don't like them. Personally, I find "Disney Apologist" and the like at least as insulting as "fanboi", yet I would never ask that the term be banned on these boards. I've used the term fanboi in reference to people who seem to share a similar mindset, but to my knowledge have never used it in reference to a specific LP'er. On the other hand I've been called a Disney Apologist many times. That's OK. I'm a big boy and can take it,
Originally Posted By u k fan I do agree that "Fanboy/Fanboi" is in general a derogatory term used to show superiority over another, but unless it's used specifically against someone I don't see the problem. It's no worse than calling a celebrity "dumb" or a "jerk" etc., but we see that all the time. I guess I'm trying to say it's all about how it's used. I might say "Journalists are a bunch of jerks.", but I wouldn't say "u k fan is a jerk." (I used my own name so I don't offend anyone.) Likewise, I see nothing wrong with saying "The posters on that board are just a bunch of Fanbois.", but wouldn't say "u k fan is just a Fanboi." as to me it's a way of belittling someone's point of view!!!
Originally Posted By Mickeymouseclub No objection to the word fanboi unless it is "describing" a Disney executive as having fanbois with a hidden meaning;for example. As if they were trying to out them for example.
Originally Posted By DlandDug Since it's been brought up, I will add my two cents. I find the use of the term "fanboi" provocative, rude, and insulting in the extreme. I do believe that many people who use the term are unaware of its roots and implications. The word "boi" originally appeared in the gay community. Simply put, it was used to describe boyish girls, and by extension boyish males. It has also been extended to identify submissive males. Outside of this usage, the term was originally used as an insult. As it has come into wider usage, it is likely that many use it unwittingly. Regardless, refering to others who are clearly not children as "boys" or "bois" is usually intentionally demeaning.
Originally Posted By Mr X I'd have to say, Doug, that your assumptions are rather strange, and all over the map. ***The word "boi" originally appeared in the gay community. Simply put, it was used to describe boyish girls, and by extension boyish males. It has also been extended to identify submissive males*** Assuming you are correct on the origination being from the gay community, I have doubts that it had ANYTHING to do with "girls" whatsoever, particularly "boyish girls". As for the submissive part, I can honestly say I haven't researched it all that much but I have a feeling it's more complex than you assert here. ***Outside of this usage, the term was originally used as an insult.*** Wait, didn't you just say it originated in the gay community? If so, how does it also originate as an insult? ***As it has come into wider usage, it is likely that many use it unwittingly*** Sounds like The Lament of the Teabaggers if you ask me! ***Regardless, refering to others who are clearly not children as "boys" or "bois" is usually intentionally demeaning*** Usually, perhaps. But in this case, it's not all that clear. As for me, as my Grandpa used to say "call me whatever you want, just don't call me late for supper!".
Originally Posted By Mickeymouseclub I would guess it has rarely been used in that tone on LP. This is the only site I visit besides SW to book a flight or to see pics of my grandchildren or to book hotels or to visit official Disney websites. So in general I am a middle aged woman living in the conservative Midwest. BUT the few times it has been used I definitely "heard" the insinuation. We are only asking for people to become aware of all the meaning hidden behind a word:spelled CAUTION. Thanks
Originally Posted By Dabob2 As I've seen it used on LP and other sites, it seems to me that usually fanboi="someone really, really into Disney who holds different opinions or preferences than do I, someone equally really, really into Disney." Whereas "someone really, really into Disney who has opinions and preferences similar to mine"= not a fanboi. And I'm with mawnck and RT on this one. To quote Eleanor Roosevelt, "No one can make you feel inferior without your consent."
Originally Posted By Labuda Well, I'm with those who find "Disney apologist" to be offensive. As far as fanboy or fanboi - whatever. I have been known to say that I go all fangirl on Malford Milligan every time I see him (whether at one of his shows or at the random gas station or elsewhere). I don't think it's a big deal - it really has to do with the context of how it's said, I think.
