Change OMG Name

[Cygnetta]

This is a suggestion to change the rarity names of the most common and most rare pets on this site from OMGSC and OMGSR to something that does include OMG. The reason for this proposed change is that some users have communicated that the phrase "oh my God" and/or "oh my goodness" is offensive to their beliefs. It is being discussed on the rarity system change thread, so I think it should have its own thread.

Although most users are not affected by these phrases, there are a handful of users for whom it is quite important. As CS is supposed to be an inclusionary and respectful site, I personally think this would be a positive change. It would make the site more comfortable for people for whom those beliefs are important. The benefits of acknowledging these deeply held convictions would outweigh the drawbacks of disappointing people for whom the phrase might feel like a tradition.

Opponents might believe that this is a fringe concern and that people are blowing it out of proportion. However, this is an issue of basic respect. This site would never tolerate a phrase that was potentially offensive to elderly people, even though most users aren't elderly. So why tolerate a phrase that is potentially offensive to some Christians and other religions? Just because it doesn't bother most users doesn't mean it isn't the right thing to do.

If you disagree with this, I urge you to present an actual argument of why it should be kept besides "I just like it that way". Between your "like" and other people's faith and strong convictions, the latter is more essential.

[Lanayru]

No support, the usage of "OMG" in general is so divorced from any kind of religious connotations I don't think it's a problem.

[The Last Raven]

No support. As a person of a faith, I don’t associate the phrase “omg” having anything to do with my God. Most of the time I even think of it as oh my gosh, removing it even further from faith. Unfortunately not everyone can be pleased in every situation and this is such a minuscule problem that I do not see a change forthcoming.

[moonbeam.]

I don't see how it is offensive, even my religious friends don't find it offensive, so ima say no support on this. Sorry :'))

[Darni]

No support because as stated earlier OMG is so commonly used and disconnected from religion/beliefs and such that it's not even associated like that. To take it as such seems like such a miniscule issue to pick at. I could understand if the word was automatically thought of as "OH MY GOD", but it's more now just used an actual word rather than acronym. If you read "OMG" your brain usually goes "O M G" acknowledging it as the letters and the meaning behind it of shock / surprise not "oh my god".

[Wookieinmashoo]

I would just prefer more consistency with word usage for rarities. OMG isn't a word, its just an abbreviation so it just looks really weird. I didn't know people would be offended or upset about the prospect of it getting changed. Anyone offended on the usage of OMG being used probably just wouldn't have joined the site. Relating OMG to religion and being offended it exists or being offended if it changes just seems strange.

Also I think it would be better to include people who want it changed should also explain why. Having the side of people not wanting it to change explain themselves while the others don't is kinda one sided.

It's very interesting that nobody had a problem with this name when it was first implemented. It was never mentioned for more than a decade until just recently that this was an "issue." I understand folks take offense to things others don't, but this is such a miniscule nitpick. If we changed every "problematic" situation, we'd likely have no CS at all.

I don't think anyone is actually offended. It was brought up as something to be changed and people thought the reason for it to be changed is because it's offensive. Anyone who found it actually offensive wouldn't be on the site.

[Cloverstream]

No support. Red Starbucks cups and happy holidays offend many people too but we can’t make everyone happy.

[bark]

No support, sorry
OMG has always existed on the Internet, and isn't related to religion. OMG is a internet slang that was popular, and still is among younger crowds or those who's still nostalgic to internet culture today. Don't think the original intent was to offend anyone, just to stay on the trends; ya know?

[VESSEL_mp4]

no support

you can simply choose to read OMG as "oh my gosh" instead as there are multiple ways of interpreting it, I dont see why there would be a need to change something like this. This is just a silly website for pets, lets keep it that way and not bring religion into the choices we make, as far as I'm aware this is a simple issue that can be easily corrected with the way you perceive the phrase "OMG"/nm

apologies if this comes off as rude, I'm very drowsy but wanted to let my opinion be known. Let me know if any wording needs changing. The last thing I want is for people to become upset.

[twilispark]

no support. changing something like that would open the floodgates for other small "potentially offensive" things