The Pokemon Company responds to allegations

It's typical that when news surrounds a larger company, they stay completely silent and don't discuss current matters publicly. That's what makes this topic so interesting for The Pokemon Company International. A player seems to have been wrongfully banned from a recent TCG event, and it caused so much uproar on social media and news that TPCi was forced to respond.
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[@LittleParade_]

A judge that takes offense to a 17 year old kid laughing nervously shouldn't be judging _anything_

[@akoilngas1215]

Facts. And then to not actually investigate and communicate with the player about why he's laughing... Just to assume the absolute worst, and call a minor a jerk... Yeah... This guy has problems. I would not want him around children or anyone who is vulnerable.

[@sammydray5919]

Should just judge themselves in a closed room. Seriously its ridiculous how fragile of an ego one must have to be offended over something like this 😕

[@akoilngas1215]

@@sammydray5919 Or communicate so badly that they don't ask questions or investigate the laugh. That's the part that really gets me. As a judge, you will be exposed to things, and it's not on you to just create the worst case scenario in your head and go with it. You should be impartial, ask the right questions, and cut to the truth of the issue. The judge here did none of that. Zero competency shown, just a "spirit of activism" that is toxic to those around them.

[@sammydray5919]

@@akoilngas1215 Its not a case of incompetence. Its a case of power trip. The judge automatically assumed the worst and didn't even think that he could have made the wrong assumption and just doubled down non stop.

[@akoilngas1215]

@@sammydray5919 Maybe you are right. I'm probably giving them the benefit of the doubt and not assigning to them a serious character flaw. Either way, the judge is an example of how not to act.

[@DamaLiam]

This is 100% on the judge, and they should be penalized. As a judge, you can’t just take your feelings out on a competitor and make rash decisions that could effect them financially. Especially over something as small as a nervous laugh.

[@BluegillTCG]

the head judge just should get banned from pokemon events Edit: I dont think this is pokemon companys fault I think its all on the judge Edit: holy crap over 100 likes thanks guys

[@johnj4471]

I bet he spun it differently to the other judges because it was a group decision. “Oh he mocked me saying they them”

[@bobpotato1231]

@@BluegillTCG The head judge was most likely just afraid that the psychopath screeching about some kid laughing would try to get him fired.

[@BluegillTCG]

@@bobpotato1231 I didnt mean the head judge I meant the judge who was a jerk in the event

[@peacockcrowe2718]

That judge should be publicly humiliated for acting like this to a minor

[@kerm7657]

Fire the judge and refund that kids travel expenses This is petty ridiculous and embarrassing behavior for a judge taking that opportunity away from a minor after he spent thousands to get there over something so petty

[@blazie42069]

judge got fired

[@kerm7657]

@@blazie42069 based Heard that kid managed to fundraiser his expenses back good for him

[@kisapniaq]

Judge was fired, Manaki expenses were returned through gofundme, they used funds to go to fr wayne!

[@shadowguy128]

The judge should’ve had to pay for the kids expenses

[@xxspike156xx]

@@kerm7657yeah think a go fund me helped him get his money back Just fucked that the community had to step in to help when tpc did fuck all to help from what I know

[@TheOneCollectionChannel]

The young competitor gets 200% respect for handling this injustice with such a professional demeanor. The judges that voted in favor of this ruling should be banned from attending or participating in any way in all future pokemon events. Period. What's worse than the ruling itself is the fact that they gathered the same information we've listened to here, and still made such a bad call.

[@josephmontanaro2350]

I worked as an airsoft referee pre pandemic, if one of my coworkers kicked someone out, let alone sat them for a round for no good reason they would be severely reprimanded or possibly fired depending on context, your goal as a judge or a referee is to be unbiased, even if you have them your a grown adult, you aknolege if you have a bias, set it aside and make decisions useing critical thinking, this whole situation is absolutely shameful and the people who kicked out this guy should not only be let go but called out for their abuse of power

[@Greatestnesss]

Because if you go against a Trans or someone with different pronouns you will be canceled and called a racist or your spreading hate speech. Best to just nod and agree if you wanna keep your job. It's messed up and we let it get like this. When did the weak and confused start running the world? Now I'm confused....

[@lmaolol7702]

nah he lost my respect when he knelt to the very thing that screwed him over in the first place. total npc behaviour

[@JazzoBeat]

The fact that an judge felt that insecure over a nervous laugh it really shows the low standards they had to be in place lol

[@kingofdreamland6167]

thin skin people normally do so im not suprised

[@noire.blackheart]

I think we all know by now that the majority of these wannabe pronoun people are just thin skinned and doing it for the clout. Most of them are not even real or honest about it.

[@Fujoshi1412]

I think it shows they can’t do their job. If this is how they react to something as simple as nervousness, they can’t handle the actual situations that need a level head.

[@fadedtiger3181]

We really need to start telling these people that we are not going to play their brain dead pronoun games.

[@susagean2080]

@@fadedtiger3181 You peaked in high school, kid. If even that.

[@BrickFighter13]

Ain’t it just wild that a kid is more mature then a full grown adult. How does a nervous laugh cause the judge to go mental, like seriously…HOW!?!

[@ddrlear]

That judge does not look like a full grown adult at all.They look like a 10 year old trapped in a 16 year olds body.

[@drewahrens3141]

Simple, he is too damn sensitive. They need to grow thicker skin.

[@GodLovesMe69]

because the judge is a mentally ill troon

[@andelozcv]

Pronouns smh 🤦🏼‍♂️

[@TheFlyingSailorYT]

It's a power trip. Pure and simple. Some people should NOT be put into a position of authority.

[@ocalicatano7258]

So the nervous laugh from a kid made a sensitive grownup feel unsafe? That’s crazy! And then they violate the kid hard work… that’s even more crazy!

[@Chronoflation]

This is fucking bullying bullshit. Seriously, an awkward laugh from someone who doesn't even have an issue with supporting someone else's pronouns is now too offensive to be allowed to play. The more I hear about shit like this, the more anti-all personal pronoun use I become cause this is fucking orwellian thought and behavior control shit. Scares the fuck out of me

[@stonecianomars5838]

Not crazy. Its immature and pathetic on both the judge and the pokemon company's side. It fustrates me to no end that its the community thats compensating for the kid and not the pokemon company this sends a message out to the corpos that they can do whatever the hell they want to their customers and supporters and get away with it.

[@Chronoflation]

@@stonecianomars5838 Facts

[@Migs19991]

As someone with social anxiety, this is troubling. I sure hope this kid gets some kind of justice.

[@soulbreaker147]

seriously rule is a rule you dont respect it you should know the consequences

[@Wolfietjuh]

I feel you. As someone with ASD and therefore poor social skills coupled with a lot of anxiety, I can only imagine the horror of being put to the spot like that... I sincerely don't mind the trans community. I have no qualms with inclusion. But I also know that my personal situation would turn me into a bumbling mess if put to the spot like that, and considering the sensitivities around the topic, you just know that is bound to be interpreted badly and not go down well whatsoever. I'd already be awkward and stressy over having to publicly say something to a stranger with so many people watching. To boot in a moment where there is already reason to be stressed (over wanting to win the game). Then to top it off with a completely unexpected question on a socially sensitive topic nonetheless... that's a recipe for disaster. I already become a blabbering, awkward idiot from generic and expectable social convention situations like "Hey how are you doing?". Heaven's forbids I randomly have a "So what are your pronouns?" thrown my way. For all that this is supposedly about inclusion, ironically I feel they are failing at inclusion in regards of considering someone may generally have trouble with social performance, whether due to a (mental health) condition, or due to the general situation simply being stressful and difficult on many.

[@Migs19991]

@@Wolfietjuh I'm really sorry you have to deal with that. I had a similar situation like this in college. I was fresh out of high school and wanted to make friends of my own. I was socially awkward so I was bullied for it. Eventually, I got better at interacting with people but it still stings. At this point, I don't think a discussion about trans people need to be had. The kid didn't say anything but his preferred pronouns with an awkward laugh at the end. I respect the trans community and have not only made friends with with them, I've dated some. It's incredibly concerning that someone can have their lifelong dream taken away from them for being socially awkward. I hope something like this never happens again. This judge needs to go.

[@gaddiusgaddium9082]

Unless he suddenly transitions, he's a white male so all he'll get is hatred.

[@Vagabundo74]

​​@@soulbreaker147 shit take bruh

[@swiney2279]

As someone who is extremely introverted and socially awkward, this situation infuriates me. Poor kid got dq'd over a nervous tick.

[@Cascada200]

Doesn’t matter. It is ridiculous and should be laughed at because this pronouns is bunch of nonsense you woke freaks

[@christopherbownes494]

Fragile transculinity.

[@autigaming1376]

No he got dqd because the judge is a pedophile child groomer

[@TimmyDaTurtle]

I also get very nervous in public and have a hard time speaking in more formal situations. I can completely relate to this.

[@galen5438]

@@TimmyDaTurtle As someone with Autism, it infuriates me to new extremes. So glad my daughter is neurotypical, but it's not just disability - a lot of younger people are like this. Millennials and gen z are a socially different generation in general, but our parents and grandparents are so full of themselves that they have to go full Karen over their obsolescence. Sorry if that was too much projecting, but people who are that uptight are harmful af to society.

[@soulevans7588]

Fire the head judge imo. If theyre going to get pissy over someone doing a little nervous laughter, then DQ the player and BAN them from the event and venue they need to be removed form their position. I know judges get a really big head and enjoy their little power trip so honestly Im not surprised if this is true.

[@xxspike156xx]

I say fire the head judge and judge that got triggered over a 17 yos laugh.

[@Quackra]

Trust me I would write up the one who got offended by a nervous laugh for their actions, and fire the head judge just for the fact that he did multiple things that you shouldn't do. What he did was endanger a minor which could have lead to much worse.

[@puxtbuck6731]

@@Quackra what are you saying now lol. You’re doing the exact same thing

[@sptflcrw8583]

​@@puxtbuck6731 ???

[@humble534]

@@puxtbuck6731 you must lack reading comprehension 😭

[@JChap8707]

In the Japanese community, where Pokémon was founded, it is quite common to laugh when nervous. It is a very normal and healthy response. There should be no offense taken in that.

[@vincevalentine2407]

and before 1994 in japan there was no age of consent. you wanna talk about that. what goes on in japan has no bearing on what goes on in other countries. your comment is stupid and you should feel stupid.

[@azelia2464]

​@galateius² Because Japanese people act like normal fucking human beings that's why. They don't stick tags on them and force other people to address them as such and get offended if you don't.

[@joshuadoe9541]

​@galateius² Well it's a Japanese trading card game so there is that

[@yincenteno298]

This was DEFINITELY a judge manipulating competition rules to go on a power trip

[@TheUnluckyJirachi]

Part of me wonders if they had a stake in it- like a sibling or a friend competing and decided to get the person going 0-5 disqualified...

[@floatingdave1]

​@@TheUnluckyJirachi Makes me wonder this too. That judge should be permanently banned and investigated.

[@spectralight8412]

They even violated the rules by making the kid feel unsafe, and putting him in an unsafe situation by kicking him out without ensuring he had a place to stay afterwards.

[@Dfeneck]

@@spectralight8412 100% this. They had duty of care of a minor. Kicked him out onto the streets. I can't believe a lawsuit hasn't been filed already.

[@floatingdave1]

@@Dfeneck Agreed. Had that been my kid, there would definitely have been multiple lawsuits by now. Purely on the way it was handled..

[@ryan_raus]

That’s actually ridiculous, the judge DQd the young competitor because he messed up his speech and was nervous. I hate this. Edit: Guys please stop arguing down there, I don’t wanna see it in my notifications🙏🏻🫶🏼

[@punk6233]

Even if he mocked it, who cares

[@nickrouse8426]

This judge's behavior represents a minority of non-binary people. I live in Orlando. We have a lot of them. Most of them would shake their heads at this judge too. Don't let yourself think otherwise. HBox stays in O town. I'm sure he'd agree. This player shouldn't have been kicked out. It's absurd.

[@yan_dj]

@@punk6233 He didn't, if he DID mock it, that WOULD be asshole behavior. But he didn't

[@punk6233]

@@yan_dj don't push this Bs on others

[@Nuudson007]

Well I dont know if I understood The story right but it didnt seem to be The first judge that did it right? It was The other ones? I could’ve also just read/heard something wrong

[@RoflCannon6]

Crazy how a kid is more mature than the literal adults

[@Android-dg5ri]

liberal adult fixed it

[@vossboss220]

An adult who unironically demands you call them they them its kind of obvious theyd react that way

[@tylerthompson3075]

The kid and the judge are both fucking liars.

[@Jjustajjj]

@@vossboss220 sucks people think that, please do not associate the judge with the rest of us

[@matthewskullblood9778]

​@@Jjustajjj but the rest of you are mentally ill😂😂😂😂

[@TheRealAltomon]

A judge cannot bring emotions to an event like that, and that’s exactly what they did.

[@novasiv9076]

It really is a damn shame too. I'm a non-binary judge for a WPN shop, I don't take my pro-nouns seriously to the point of flagging a player for making a simple mistake, so I'm really baffled that someone that sensitive would flag the poor kid. It sounds like they made that call in a moment of insecurity, should have thought on it more before making a decision like that.

[@syrusorelio2309]

​@@novasiv9076 and the head judge wasted his and the boy's time by pretending to hear him out when he already been given the guilty verdict before his side had been heard out the head judge is no better in this situation both sides should have been heard and witnesses asked about details before any verdict was given It's ridiculous because the ones breaking the rules about inclusion and disrespect are the judges both the reporting judge and head judge because they are disrespecting the 17 year old's nervous tick and discluding him for it and wasting his time and money by taking this opportunity away and to add insult to injury they're heartless throwing him out in the cold by kicking him out Gamefreak's response honestly feels like a robot response with no context and no attempt either to explain or truly apologize for eat happened

[@mr44mag]

@@novasiv9076 Here's the problem. No one asked for your social life either yet you felt the need to include it too. This judge was a delusional person with a hormonal imbalance. Keep that at home. As a judge you need to remain neutral.

[@TheRealAltomon]

@@mr44mag to be fair, I think that was just part of their point. They may not use the “normal” pronouns you would expect them to, but they would never bash someone for using incorrect pronouns either. I agree with your point too tho. You can’t push that on people and force them to say what you want to hear.

[@KaylaRequiem]

@@mr44mag Maybe you have a hormonal imbalance with all that vitriol in your veins, not the judge.

[@DevinRasche]

Truly sad for this young man, and the person responsible for taking this personally and making something out of nothing should be ashamed

[@Cussie3]

If you feel unsafe because someone let out a nervous laugh, don't leave your house. That's your problem, not everyone else's.

[@Virosaa]

You sexist bastard! Don't you know the world revolves around the alphabet people!

[@admiralmeow3161]

for real, nervous laughter is such a common experience. inevitably youll hear nervous laughter

[@TyronePebbleson]

The judge needs to be put in a mental institution😂

[@Barry-rc5nf]

@@TyronePebbleson Or get laid, scratch that it's impossible

[@ShynLamo]

​@@TyronePebbleson the schizophrenic paranoia they seemed to experience backs this up

[@Electrosa]

This is absolutely a case of that individual judge going on a power trip, and the other judges hiding behind policy to enable them. I can 100% guarantee that they would have used any tiny excuse to banhammer someone they didn't like, and the fact that they chose to do it via a matter that SHOULD be treated respectfully makes it all the more distasteful. This is petty to almost personal grudge levels.

[@nicholausbuthmann1421]

Yes, just like an "Out of Control Cop" of which we sadly have a plethora of here in the U.S. !

[@scientificallyaccuratespino]

Heh.. power trip… like the pokemon move…

[@seanseiter8785]

The judge deserves to be fired for this awful call

[@connormurphy1584]

and most imprortantly, named :)

[@gingerrik1422]

​@@connormurphy1584 yikes no

[@c.q.32]

​@@gingerrik1422 Yikes yes

[@videogamecoverss]

@@gingerrik1422 yikes yes They should be named.

[@Godzillarex61]

Pronouns do not belong in a child’s card game end of story, are they asking this question to little kids as well doesn’t seem like a safe space at all.

[@thejohoe96]

Used to wonder why my mother always told me "Age does not make you grown. It's a mentality thing." and this is a prime example of what she meant.

[@the_godbodor7026]

As a late teen myself, nervous laughter is exactly what I would end up doing in a similar situation to that kid, and if a natural, honest, and realistic reaction like that is enough to get you thrown out of a venue with not a second thought or any compensation then I think there is a massive flaw in the system that needs to be ironed out.

[@narhwallord6985]

The problem is so big though. Like it isn't just Nintendo, it is world wide. People get offended by the smallest of things, and a lot of those people are in influential positions. I'm left leaning, and I sympathize with people that are genuinely distressed by hate crimes and being made to feel like you are not what you are. But fuck dude, people also need to be able to brush things off, and acknowledge that most people you'll run into are well intentioned

[@domicraft6341]

Every single thing in the world is 100% no offensive and needs to be punished with full force apparently...

[@the_godbodor7026]

@Narhwal Lord Agreed, it’s a general issue and one that needs to get fixed sooner rather than later.

[@kennethdennis1418]

I'm in my late 30's and I still do nervous laughter.

[@MisterDutch93]

@@narhwallord6985 Getting offended by something is a choice, not a consequence. Words can sometimes sting or hurt, even when it's not intentional, but it's always a choice to stand up and getting offended by it. Sometimes it's just better to let go, especially when we're talking about a kid acting nervous in a nonconfrontational setting. The fact that the judge made up his mind before listening to the player's side of the story makes it even worse. It means that he didn't even try to contemplate on his own decisions. When you're about to get offended, take a step back first and try to determine whether someone said something with malicious intent BEFORE acting upon it. Not everyone is out to get you.

[@nathanielroffel4304]

Crazy victim mentality. A nervous laugh made the judge feel "unsafe". What a joke

[@ArynBacklogDragon]

Imagine what kind of mind you need to have to feel "unsafe" over the laughter of a 17 year old. EVEN if he was laughing at the question (which, make no mistake *IS* a stupid question.) that's no reason to ban the kid.

[@aq_ua]

It's pure hypocrisy. God I cannot wait to see what they have to say about this...

[@kerm7657]

That judge would be eaten alive if they worked a real job

[@internetguy7319]

@@ArynBacklogDragon If he was laughing at the question, I would fully support a DQ. I respect my trans homies more than I respect fuckhead teens.

[@user-nn1fx1nc7e]

@@ArynBacklogDragon How is asking for pronouns a "stupid question" even the 17 year old said not to be offensive towards LGBTQ+ people be mad at this scumbag judge who ruined his tournament not LGBTQ people.

[@myu7463]

The judge did the *very thing* they're trying to prevent lmao. I hope that kid feels better, I would've honestly started crying and confused if I was on that situation.

[@Masaru_kun]

Exactly, how could autistic or other neuro-divergent people feel comfortable entering an event, where they'll be punished for their nervous laughter... This is able-ism

[@Shin3y]

Same, ‘specially cause I’m trans, if I got kicked out for that I’d be crying bullshit

[@apocalypseap]

Me too. It wasn't about the judge's pronouns or whatever at all?? It wasn't even about the judge. So unfair to just assume that.

[@MMK86]

this is why you dont let degenerates or perverts in charge of anything

[@rafaeltavares3203]

But like... By the kids story, it doesn't seemed to by a decision by the judge on stage... That's the they/them one, they didn't say anything so they didn't call the staff

[@rangerstrangerdanger4359]

Never thought I would see a Pokemon TCG judge more fragile than a MLB umpire.

[@TheNemesisCoupe]

As someone who has dealt with social anxiety my whole life, I can relate to this and it’s horrible. I can’t even imagine how this poor kid feels all because of someone else’s insecurities. A 17 year old kid was kicked out for being nervous. Absolute garbage. 😡

[@eliasgonzalez4047]

judge should 100% be fired and the kid should get a refund. This was basically a robbery these sort of people should not have any level of power to do things like this.

[@jeremiahmerritt7463]

Just so where on the same page define these types of people

[@eliasgonzalez4047]

@@jeremiahmerritt7463 sensitive and clearly unstable people who act on emotions instead of doing their job, making sure the game they are watching over is being played fairly. They made it about themselves for literally no reason.

[@Rahnonymous]

​@@jeremiahmerritt7463 perpetual victims. A minority of a minority that think everyone is against them and trying to hurt/harm them.

[@Blimpus952]

@@jeremiahmerritt7463 bro stfu 💀💀💀💀💀 u know what they mean why u trying

[@sptflcrw8583]

​@@jeremiahmerritt7463 people with a victim complex

[@dreamer72]

This is why communication is important. The judge should have talked to the kid instead of denying him. You shouldn't always expect the worst in people especially if you don't know what they're thinking.

[@scrumt]

Here’s something I don’t think we’re ready to accept, “professionalism” as it’s known and applied currently is a mental illness and lead to this. And it is related to a lack of communication.

[@Mike-xh2vm]

What do you expect from a judge with a mental issue, the guy feels his fantasy was not being validating and he kicked out the youngter out.

[@tidalwaffles]

What do you expect from a person that is utterly confused about their own gender and identity. 😕

[@scrumt]

@@tidalwaffles More than that. My anecdotes tell me that gender expression is unrelated to that kind of behavior.

[@channellastname3527]

@@tidalwaffles They aren't confused. Don't act that because someone doesn't align with your views that they are 'confused'. I means you need to wide your lens. Sure the judge may have done a bad thing, but that isn't indicative of every trans person.

[@Carrie_Ann]

I totally get nervously laughing during an inappropriate time as this happened to me in school after 9/11 of all things (awkward moment of silence triggered the response). I feel bad for the kid and the judge 100% took this personally and projected their insecurities on someone who wasn't even doing anything.

[@Whitby_Abbeys_Ghost]

I'm glad people aren't letting this go. The judge needs to be removed.

[@kingofdreamland6167]

the judge doesnt need to be in a position of power like that if they are thin skinned like that

[@TyronePebbleson]

Judge needs to be put in a mental institution 😂

[@bobtheball5384]

​@@TyronePebbleson That's pushing it

[@Joziah3]

Not just removed-I'd say the Judge should be forced to pay for the kid's flights. (Assuming there isn't more to the story)

[@Vaguer_Weevil]

​@@bobtheball5384 No it's not, if they love their little "safe spaces" so much, they can get their own nice and safe padded rooms. It's a win-win.

[@raeofsunshine8670]

I've definitely been villainized for laughing at myself at the wrong time. Some people always assume that laughs are about them.

[@kisaragireion]

It’s that insecurity within them that surfaces and assumes the worst out of everyone

[@timbrady1176]

@@kisaragireion or narcissism

[@Masaru_kun]

How is any autistic person ever supposed to be comfortable when being nervous in communication gets them punished... This is so ironic

[@darknesswave100]

No joke somebody came up to my group not too long ago all pissy cause they were walking in our direction and one of my friends made a stupid joke and I laughed and pointed their way and the dumbass thought I was making fun of him. I was like first off who the fuck are you? Second of all we're in a group laughing among ourselves so back up and 3rd I've never seen you before in my life so why would I waste time making fun of you get over yourself. Guy walked away like a dog with their tails between their legs

[@v.Alejandro]

@@timbrady1176 in this case. It was more than likely narcissism…

[@aJazzcat]

They shouldn't let discord mods be judges smh

[@CCXZBlur]

😂😂😂 that got me W

[@Jmandal2]

Or Pokemonshowdown mods for that matter

[@AshenDemon]

LMAO

[@darthhydreigon820]

@@Jmandal2 lol? ive never seen a single complaint or very little about them, wdym. The complaints ik are usualy the fault of the player. Like ive seen posts of "a showdown mod banned me, so unfair" but what they said was smth like "you f*cking suck".

[@matnewton6869]

Based

[@Ishmel_Ewan]

everyone is nervous when you have alot of people watching you compete so one of the best things to do in that situation is laugh

[@Test-ih9nq]

You're allowed to laugh in any situation. It's healthy. I remember when it was seen as more likeable than being stoic all the time

[@kanevivi]

I agree. These days the world wants us soulless and keep in like like a machine, or stupid and obedient like cattle. Also why should this thing be important at a children's card game? I mean let people be people. Let kids grow up at a rate they feel ok with. Not learning gender and crap at kindergarden. Hell I didnt even know alot of that crap till the 5th grade because it wasnt important till around that age. Race meant crap to a kid because they liked hanging out and being friends. Now adays kids are on phones almost out of the womb....

[@jackjones7620]

sorry if i sound nitpicky but i think there is a time and place for everything. laughing during a serious matter like a funeral isnt really that good, but reminder that nervous laughs like in the video arent nearly as bad, and 100% shouldnt have caused the kid to get disqualified and having to spend more money on travel edit: stop thinking im defending the "judge" at the pokemon event. i have never said that and never will because it is clear that getting butthurt over a mistake and using your power to then cost the kid thousands of dollars isn't really good, so stop thinking im defending the "judge". i already know my original statement of funerals not being a good place to laugh is pretty wrong. even then, i still stand by my point that not every situation has a need for laughing. like say malicious laughing isnt good in nearly any situation. so please just stop.

[@ShadowKusano]

@@jackjones7620 You have not been to many funerals. People laugh at funerals. Among other things too.

[@jackjones7620]

@@ShadowKusano When there are jokes. Not during the time of mourning. Really man?

[@ShadowKusano]

@@jackjones7620 Well you didn't specify. You just said funerals. Not to mention there are all sorts of reasons as to why people laugh.

[@sebastiannoi02]

Me and my cousin were at the event, and everyone was confused at first with what was going on. Everyone thought it was a deck issue, since no one else was given information on what was happening. If what the kid says is true I feel terrible for him. Seeing that happen was a bit bizarre.

[@awfullygoonie871]

@@jonniefast The judges may have been out of line but that's no reason to be transphobic (edit: this is a reply to someone who was actually being transphobic to the judge, since the original comment is deleted it seems like I'm calling the kid in the story transphobic (he was not) and has thus started debate in the rest of the comments)

[@amilcarballantyne]

​@@awfullygoonie871 as someone from a third world country, you guys are seeing the beginning of the negative effects of what feeding this delusion will cause. Hide behind the transphobia labelling and look at what will happen. The rest of the world thinks y'all first world countries are ass backwards

[@wc1937]

​@@awfullygoonie871 It's called being in touch with reality. Anyone demanding to be called a "they" is much more asinine and deserves to be laughed at, tbh. What a power trip.

[@tomikun8057]

@@wc1937 I think it's fine if they demand you use their preferred pronoun but if they demand *the respect* for someone to use their preferred pronoun then I disagree. Everyone deserves some respect but if you somehow lost enough respect that others don't acknowledge your pronouns then you done screwed up.

[@amorantoboy]

@@wc1937 what a power trip, asking to be referred to by the way you want. The gall. It's so much more important we make people feel lesser desiring basic respect. That's what a real man does. Belittles others to feel good about themselves.yeah big boy, you're real in touch with reality. Back to mommy's basement before your tendies get cold

[@internetperson6023]

Judge needs to be canned. People that unstable shouldn't ever be put into any position like that.

[@VaporeonEnjoyer1]

Yes, a person that frail never should have power.

[@vossboss220]

An adult who unironically demands you call them they them its kind of obvious rheyd react that way

[@tylerthompson3075]

The kid and the judge are both fucking liars.

[@justsomewheel9379]

The discord moderator dilemma

[@Masaru_kun]

there needs to be a better process/system for making judgements. firing one judge isnt gonna fix this

[@mountchoco8174]

The fact the judge had to cherry pick a scenario of them being attacked in which there was literally no indication of is absolutely mental.

[@BipedAthlete851]

why is everyone ignoring the fact that if what makani said is true, the judges had decided to dq him before they had even spoken to him to get his side of the story

[@11eeveefan]

Sadly that happens a lot now a days

[@Darkness5423]

I'm not sure about everyone ignoring it but it does sound about right in the past few years, to automatically decline, ban, void someone in tournament settings without bothering to ask the other party. Seems if someone is in a position of power and they bring it to the attention of a higher power. They are automatically in the right, the defense of the other person doesn't matter, their in the wrong. Case closed, next? I disapprove of such immediate reactions in general, get both sides, communicate clearly, watch body gestures, of both parties. Then take a few minutes to weigh both sides and how the rules apply and if they were actually broken or not. Course this is all just from a random nobody, not someone in that job area.

[@zorenflame3007]

it is sadly guilty til proven inesent, now adays in sted of the opisit. inesent til proven guilty

[@Caelum_01]

@@zorenflame3007 innocent*

[@dirtywhitellama]

@@zorenflame3007please, I agree with you, but no one will listen to you if you write like that, learn spelling.

[@watchtowergaming5285]

I mean, didn’t the initial judge break the same policy by making him feel uncomfortable and nervous then tried to intimidate him for having a nervous laugh?

[@Chronoflation]

Yes. That's exactly what happened. He laughed awkwardly because the judge made him feel uncomfortable and then claimed the the kids discomfort made him uncomfortable so the kid had to be kicked out. Like, holy fuck, you don't show instant enthusiastic support for what is really a personal ideology and you get kicked out. That's wild and that kinda behavior legit should not be tolerated

[@rushr2158]

I feel so bad for the player here. Imagine just being a nervous teen who has a good heart and a great opportunity to play a game and for simply being nervous and laughing as an impulse you get dqed and banned because one person was to soft.

[@PopcornBunni]

Hard ass irony a kid that feels nervous/uncomfortable by a question gets kicked for making an intrusive busybody feel uncomfortable.

[@krusher181]

@@PopcornBunnilmfao yeah he was the one feeling uncomfortable and got accused of being a bully. Shits actual nonsense, I’m assume the person upset by him was in their 20’s and that’s just not acceptable. This is a child v adult dynamic

[@darknesswave100]

​@@krusher181 yeah thats the worst part of it. This is a minor against a whole ass adult and the ADULT in question felt threatened......because an again minor had a nervous laugh. Swear they need to interview the "adult" so he can be ripped apart for being a pansy ass

[@Phannypackster]

He should file a law suit honestly

[@oscarlopez727]

If a judge is gonna be like that in a high stakes scenario then they don't deserve to be a judge.

[@Masaru_kun]

there needs to be a better process/system for making judgements. firing one judge isnt gonna fix this

[@ArtisChronicles]

​@@Masaru_kun no but a successful lawsuit might

[@bakedturkeys2132]

@@Masaru_kun yes it will, making an example of actual biased and unacceptable behavior will set the tone in the industry. You see a lot of small businesses do this all the time by just never calling back job applicants that are known to cause this kind of drama. Having preferred pronouns is an earmark of mental instability.

[@Masaru_kun]

@@bakedturkeys2132 making an example does nothing in the long term

[@bakedturkeys2132]

doing nothing is the same as having no standards at all and permitting it. And from all the lawlessness from soft on crime cities I have to say that yes, setting an example does fix things.

[@ViroVeteruscy]

It's worse that the player was already DQ'd before he was even asked to clarify the situation. Being respectful is one thing, but the Judge didn't even give that respect to the player and just assumed he was being disrespectful.

[@Aka60thChip]

With how this was handled, I would not be surprised if toxic players take advantage of this n start claiming they feel unsafe to disqualify competitors and gain a better chance to win

[@Mashamazzi]

I hope it does happen, to the point where they remove the rule

[@luckeyjake14]

Honestly, what's to stop them. I go by [Insert Arbitrary Pronouns], someone who can't pronounce it right and won't. I hear by say they break this rule and make me feel uncomfortable. This is how I go 0-0 at a regional and win.

[@hornejoe]

that judge made me feel unsafe

[@tylerthompson3075]

The kid and the judge are both fucking liars.

[@Jjustajjj]

@@hornejoe ok nft pfp

[@leo-ub6nb]

Imagine someone feeling “unsafe” because a kid laughed. This isn’t a damn horror film or anime where the bad guy does a laugh because they’re about wreck your shit.

[@YosiahW]

A grown adult telling a teenager "I go by they/them, so don't be a jerk about it." is already strange. That is a whole child, show the patience and tolerance you would want to be shown. Not everybody is out to get you, believe it or not.

[@bubblegodanimation4915]

The second clause kinda makes sense given how many times people are a jerk about it.

[@Elayaass]

The alphabet people keeps making it harder and harder to be on their side

[@memerz4525]

@@Elayaass im over the lg tv community at this point

[@TheCryoh]

@@bubblegodanimation4915 how about people dont make assumptions

[@bubblegodanimation4915]

@@TheCryoh Depends on the assumptions.

[@octopikmin3590]

If that judge felt that insecure about someone’s chuckle about pronouns, they should not be trusted to judge anyone, let alone judge a tournament/contest.

[@Loyalhusband]

Well people like the “judge” here are being widely accepted in the blue states . You wonder why the quality of employees and people are going down… it’s because we accept all these loser lgbqt confused fruitcakes. The demographic that’s just going to cry and complain and don’t know honest hard work lol

[@macklinwright3966]

Agreed, if they start insulting you as a person then that’s when they should be considered to be kicked out and only then (and also if they are cheating in some way, shape or form and proven).

[@f210-t1r]

Or just have normal people run the events😂 this woke shit destroying everything

[@wd3987]

The cleaning crew barged into my apartment and laughed at my pajamas. Maybe it was nervous laughter and I was offended mainly that they didn't email me first. I couldn't have kicked them out if I wanted and I am a woman living alone. When people abuse these rules and guidelines it actually makes it harder to push for actual boundaries in society. It makes it all seem silly. When sometimes it is threatening and we should all be allowed to exist.

[@hornejoe]

If someone is that insecure, maybe its because they aren't so secure in they identify

[@hannahlucia7603]

Tbh the worst part is the way they responded. That isn't okay. Kid gets nervous makes a mistake, they DQ him, Kick him out, Then ban him. Then they responding saying that they were in the right. They didn't apologize or speak on anything related to it. They just released a PR statement trying to fluff it up. That is crazy.

[@jonniefast]

mentally ill freaks will soon be running the show full time if crap like this is allowed

[@lynxfresh5214]

Unfortunately it's pretty common for an authority figure to flex their power and privilege over someone who can't fight back (most commonly an adult abusing or punishing a child but there are several examples in various societies). Without major accountability and common sense it's all too easy for folks to become big headed when given responsibility. This Pokémon DQ is obviously a ridiculous situation but it's simply part of a much bigger problem of letting folks become big fishes in small ponds.

[@thizzo8813]

It's the Victim Olympics, and the judge turned out to take the gold

[@ryan_raus]

This is on par with the time Maister wasn’t allowed in the venue for the (super?)major because he’s Mexican. Absolutely terrible.

[@bigtoblerone8446]

Yeah and for blatant discrimination and just like with here they Always quip back with: "There's nothing we can do." When you try to explain how wrong and unfair it is

[@SparklingHarmony]

Maister wasn't allowed in because he didn't have his passport to prove his identity and they don't accept foreign ID cards. It wasn't because he was "Mexican"...

[@ryan_raus]

@@bigtoblerone8446 fr, the biggest ignorant power trip response in history

[@lcuas47]

Keep in mind gluto. He wasn't allowed to LEAVE the venue until he won a super major.

[@drakejoshofficialyoutubech5569]

Pretty sure you're thinking of Port Priority 7 which was in Seattle Washington.

[@technoraptor6419]

This is the kinda thing that make people like me who have stage fright and problems speaking afraid to ever attend things like this :(

[@chrischin_94]

Don't worry, not everyone is like that judge. I'm a quiet and nervous person too. It takes practice to be comfortable in events like this (and life in general). If it helps, I like to be with friends when I go to events. It really calms my nerves to have a safe haven in them and to find a place to decompress.

[@F0XD1E]

This should be filled out on entry forms instead of asked awkwardly on the spot. What a ridiculous call.

[@TonyLeer]

Bro I'm saying! How easily avoidable this was !

[@ShepherdXander]

It is on the rk9 player account (the thing used to sign up for events) it has you select your pronoun or say you’d rather have them call you by your name for the commentators to have easy access to there’s absolutely no reason why they couldn’t just pull up his player page as all that information is already filled out at registration for the the event

[@prayforjonas]

This information is totally irrelevant. The competitors have names. Use their names. Asking children for "pronouns" lmao

[@F0XD1E]

@@prayforjonas I don't think you know what a pronoun even is.

[@SamiClemens]

Yes, with two options. All write-ins are automatic lifetime bans. That’s literally a more sensible policy than what currently exists.

[@noahlynch8053]

I felt how this kid felt. If you are in the biggest event of your life then you would be nervous. He had no right to be treated that way and I hope pokemon lives with this in their subconscious. If I could I would meet him out of that place and pay him the money he wasted and cuss out those people myself cause I was in that type of situation. IT IS OK TO BE NERVOUS, NO ONE SHOULD BE PUNISHED FOR IT!!!!!

[@justinP90]

This is insane. I laugh out of awkwardness and nervous situations. Poor kid. What a bummer.

[@tokunaga432]

so do I and Im a grown as man it happens with some people. I feel bad for that kid he should be refunded for any money he spent and that judge should be made to apologize acting like this was a damn hate crime. He's a teenager who was nervous

[@emberpowertcg7692]

I'm glad everyone universal agrees this was absurd, as a big fan of the game this is massively disappointing

[@Blahblah-oo7lk]

Pretty much everyone finds this absurd even those in the LGBTQIA+ or other marginalized communities. This event seems to be a case of a power-tripping judge trying to abuse the rules and a head judge that is ineffective in reigning in that judge or failing to conduct due diligence as expected of a head judge.

[@dionaea1310]

@@Blahblah-oo7lk I don’t speak for all trans people but yeah. All this really does is make trans people hated more then they already are

[@dennisd.4726]

​@Blahblah-oo7lk what do you mean 'marginalized communities'? How are gay or trans people treated any differently than any other person?

[@kamikaze.33]

​@@Blahblah-oo7lk holy ****, are there really that many letters in that abbreviation nowadays??? LMAO that's a mouthful. Sorry, no offense if you're a part of that community, but it just seems to be collecting every letter possible. Someday it really will be the entire alphabet plus some special characters.

[@Blahblah-oo7lk]

@@kamikaze.33 I think it is the media lumping together with "others" together and people supposedly banding together for a better world and change. It is technically the "correct" usage but it is sort of a mixed bag to be inclusive or are you simply grouping "others" in a group for the sake fo it. There are some divides with that many letters because a lot of people are not similar to each other, for example, someone who is gay is not the same as someone who is asexual or someone who is trans is the same as someone who is intersex.

[@missy7871]

That judge really hammered down on a child for something so stupid. Why are they hiring people who get offended at the drop of a hat???????? Talk about unhinged

[@Blahblah-oo7lk]

Because in reality there is no real checks for judges. To become a judge you just need to take a multiple-choice exam (higher-ranked judges need to write essays and be interviewed) and pass an intensive background check. So Pokemon tends not to have issues of domestic violence or sexual assault like MTG judges did, but outside of that, there is no real way to judge a person's character until they are actually judging. Pokemon had no local events until the 14th of April 2023 (so close to three years without local official events) since the pandemic started. Since most judges get on-field training in actual competitions at locals, it stands to reason a good chunk of lower-ranked judges don't have the proper training and experience. The material Pokemon provides is the rules handbook, though it is VERY detailed, and that is it. Everything else from a rulings compendium archive of past rulings, seminars, and other training are all handled and compiled by a community of judges for volunteer work (aka they don't get paid, just a bunch of passionate people). Also adding to it, if you read a judge's handbook (publicly available, look for the 2021-22 edition). they also automatically scale up issues that would be minor infractions at a local league. Seems to be the policy that at large tournaments everything gets an elevated punishment, with very few exceptions. I.e. something that would be a warning is elevated to a caution, a caution is elevated to a 2-prize/4prize penalty, a 2-prize/4prize-penalty is elevated to a game loss, a game loss is elevated to a DQ. Still not justifying the kid from being DQ'd here but it seems like the head judge stuck to the book too much and trusted his fellow judge when conveying the story without conducting due diligence as a head judge.

[@hooliganfish]

Because this is the world we live in now....

[@Clairavoya]

@@hooliganfish No, don't start with that. This is a problem with the rules and the judges at these events

[@yan_dj]

@@hooliganfish End times over here chill

[@willwill5820]

​@@Clairavoya *Hogwarts Legacy*

[@atricewarner5705]

As someone with social anxiety he deserves an apology plus more… like Monday.

[@Figgy20000]

Absolutely disgusting. Judge should be fired immediately and completely barred from attending any events. Not only that they should doc his pay to compensate the kid who was unfairly targeted. Ridiculous abuse of power.

[@Blahblah-oo7lk]

The judges don't get paid, but will likely be "let go" or barred from judging events but still can compete (since Pokemon tends to separate offenses done as a judge vs offenses done as a player unless it involves an actual criminal felony or crime involving minors/domestic violence.)

[@Figgy20000]

@@Blahblah-oo7lk The head judge doesn't get paid at a regional? This wasn't some random person there to help out. The head judge is absolutely getting compensated for his work at a regional event.

[@Blahblah-oo7lk]

​@@Figgy20000 He is getting compensated but from what I know from some prior head judge is that they don't get directly paid by Pokemon, thus it doesn't constitute a "salary" or "wage" from TPCi per se. I do know some organizers compensate the head judge via cash but that isn't necessarily from TPCi it is from the event organizers who are somewhat loosely affiliated with Pokemon but it varies between event organizers. I know they get things like a small stipend for travel costs, merchandise, exclusive staff-stamped cards, and several booster boxes. Granted this information is from prior to the pandemic, so it is possible there are changes in the compensation system.

[@plutigvid]

@@Figgy20000 If you don't know the space then don't assert you know how it works. Judges in TCG events are basically volunteers that get light compensation for their time, so they can't be fired. Your base level judge gets like $10 an hour and a box of trading card packs for every like 4 hours they work, some promo cards, and a small discount on a hotel room at a specific hotel near the venue. As you go up the tiers of judges compensation does increase. I couldn't tell you specifics but it's not a ton more. There is a vetting process for judges that is operated by TPCI (certain number of hours at each judge level and an exam to qualify to qualify for the next level), and I believe ultimately Event Organizer choose the judges from a pool of applicants, so more then likely this head judge won't be head-judging for at least a bit. Although what you're saying should happen would be taking it too far regardless.

[@kofinart]

Never let that person be a judge ever again.

[@endy7630]

Moral of the Story: Don't go crazy with your ban hammers when it comes to tournaments, or there can be consequences. There were other solutions...

[@LiliumCruorem]

Other solutions? There was nothing to solve cause there was no problem. Just some asshole judge possessed by gender politics which has nothing to do with playing a damn card game.

[@blah4151]

What consequence? Dude still a judge and getting free promo merch.

[@endy7630]

@@blah4151 Well I wasn't talking about the judge, but you aren't wrong either...

[@Candielette]

as someone who laughs when theyre nervous, this would just make me more nervous in life later.

[@aircatcher6891]

Bro this is exactly how we exclude people from inclusion. Like "damn didnt like how you gave your pronouns" is such a dumb reason to DQ a player. Especially when all of this is done private and not even offensive in anyway

[@jonniefast]

judge = mentally ill

[@AverytheCubanAmerican]

As someone who's autistic, this happens to me all the time. I laugh when I’m nervous and not because I found what the other said funny (though sometimes I do). People think I’m mocking them and get mad, but it’s really just my way of me letting off some anxiety stress to actually respond to that person. As a community, we're often misunderstood. From those who still think it's cool to use autistic as an insult to those who think they're supporting us by showing a puzzle piece (the worst symbol of autism). We are not a puzzle, we are humans like everyone else. Autism is as much a part of humanity as is the capacity to dream. And as said by Dr. Seuss: "Why fit in when you were born to stand out?" All that aside, this incident was nothing more than a mistake. They nervously laughed and I don't blame them. Who WOULDN'T be nervous if their match was being streamed to the rest of the world? I would be! Disqualifying them from the whole event because of being clearly nervous went too far. People make mistakes all the time. Nobody's perfect! We're humans, after all. A good judge would be understanding of both sides...abusing their power in this way is straight up authoritarian

[@dickbicycle9304]

Autistic screeching

[@oldmanbiscuit7518]

These people deserve to be laughed at and mocked

[@oceanshrugs9235]

As someone who is not autistic, I do nervous laughter as well

[@Iceblade269]

You want to hear someone really fucked up. People like us have to mask just to fit in. We have to watch our stemming, focus our nonverbals, and struggle with finding people who will treat us as equals when the mask comes off. Meanwhile, pansies like this just can flash their victim card and actually hurt people, but it’s okay because he’s a they. I hope there’s another sude to this. Because right now, this victim just victimized someone who might be ACTUALLY be a victim. Try saying that five times fast…

[@itfigurescomics6704]

I got the same condition, so I couldn't agree more 😵

[@jkirstyn]

One thing that bothers me is they kicked a MINOR out of the event with no working cell phone and made him rely on other people to call for assistance. If he didnt have friends at the event they would have just left him out in the street for anything to happen to him? I know hes 17 and would have probably been okay but its the principle of the matter. If he was younger is this really their protocol for minors???

[@akoilngas1215]

Probably. Zero tolerance. Got to make sure the adult judges feel safe.

[@calicojakk9974]

This is the social norm that we are careening toward. Everyone should be respected. But this kind of extreme sensitivity can’t be the norm in a large society and these kind of reactions normalized.

[@SigLaGaLaG]

I don't think this is normalized but a company whose judges abused some rules of. I think it's awesome that they have rules on inclusivity and ask for genders. What the judge did was super petty and had no excuses, and given the controversy, I'd say lots of people don't think this is the norm to have (abusing rules).

[@calicojakk9974]

@@SigLaGaLaG I agree this isn’t a social norm. I just fear that it will become so . Like I said everyone should be respected. But lashing out the moment you feel some kind of way about something, without even considering things from the other perspective at all is getting more and more common. Working in the public I see more and more of it.

[@eragon78]

@@SigLaGaLaG It is definitely becoming more of a norm over time. More and more of these type of situations keep happening.

[@masteryoraerasante]

There were people defending the judge by saying this player was also badmouthing his opponent to his face, and that was the real reason... To which his opponent himself answered that no, that did not happen.

[@gamejitzu]

?? Not believing someone's intent when they give their pronouns, _literally_ goes against the inclusivity that the courtesy is supposed to promote. Maybe I'm seeing it wrong, but that's blatant hypocrisy. The crew definitely got lost in the weeds, the wake-up call they're facing right now is completely justified

[@SephonDK]

nonbinary here. the judge was indeed a horrible person.

[@gamejitzu]

@@SephonDK I mean, I didn't read their response if they made one, the judge could have some reason I don't know about. But I know they were staggeringly incompetent and deserve to be on the internet's full blast

[@underthepale]

First time? "Rules for thee, but none for me," is how many such people think.

[@RaineInChaos]

Exactly this. It’s why I always refer to Tucker Carlson the way she’s asked to be referred to. Always assume sincerity because to a) it’s funnier b) it makes them mad if sincerity wasn’t intended and c) it’s transphobic not to. Trans people (esp closeted people and eggs) are the MOST likely to have a nervous response to the pronoun question so like, if someone is giving you an answer then be gracious!

[@RayLegend06]

That judge made the player feel unsafe and uncomfortable if anything. Get 'em outta there!

[@jonniefast]

he asked the judge "what is a woman?" 😅

[@billcipher8645]

​@@jonniefast hilarious considering Makani openly supports trans people but go ahead and try to "claim" him as your political ally. See how well that goes for you

[@jonniefast]

i didnt claim anyone i just used a shred of common sense that a 4yr old would have boys are boys girls are girls

[@ghostfornow2917]

@@billcipher8645 Tbf they have an anime avatar, it's possible they genuinely don't know what a woman is.

[@ouwle6618]

@@ghostfornow2917 W comment

[@ShaneR-Wx]

As someone with tourette's, this is the kind of pain I have to live through in life. I never know when I'm going to say something or do something awkward or bad to others, such as cursing randomly, and then get reported for it or something. Please don't judge others based on first appearances because a lot of the times it's not our fault.

[@silohdoteth]

So they disqualified someone for making a judge uncomfortable, when the judge had made them uncomfortable causing the nervous laugh in the first place?

[@naturessmurf8740]

Imagine spending hundreds, missing out on school, training for ages for a tcg tournament, just to be wrongfully accused of being offensive to other pronouns, disqualified, and then kicked out, just for being nervous. That was infuriating to hear about. The pokemon company should make it up to that poot lad.

[@kanevivi]

The part that bothered me was I want to know their side. What was said to make the head judge act like that to the teen. And honestly both need to be investigated and removed until said investigation is done. It doesnt feel like the teens side was actually heard. Also the fact the only thing I've heard in response from the judges side is they were harrassed and stuff but the head judge refused to speak on things further.... like really? Your in fire and you might have something to stop the issues or help in lowering the hate but nope. Makes the whole thing worse on them. But I want to know where they got that it was towards the judge and not nerves from?

[@royalfrost1]

The fact that they (the judges) are not allowed to discuss their side of the story is not helping matters at all, but in the meantime, both players have handled this extremely professionally. Good on them!

[@sammydray5919]

Whats the reason the judges are not allowed to talk about their side? I know its a rule but not sure why such a thing exists where a judge cant discuss their own side of situations

[@antoniojosetorrente559]

​@@sammydray5919 Probably signed an NDA.

[@ramenjd6239]

@@sammydray5919 contract obligation. You’ll get into legal troubles otherwise

[@ericparsons3761]

I wonder what was actually said. What was the other side?

[@sammydray5919]

@@ramenjd6239 I understand that there is a legal binding preventing them from talking. I am just curious what brought on that legal binding in the first place. Like why is it a thing that they make it so these judges can't tell their side?

[@OrigenalDarkMew]

At 17 I had (and still do to an extent) major anxiety. If that were me about to go live in front of an audience I'd be hella nervous too. Being banned over that would only worsen the anxiety. Poor guy...

[@SabirTheHuman]

That judge must be getting a lot of hate due being overly sensitive. Deserved.

[@JoshTheBear]

This is literally gonna have actual hateful people be more hateful. The judge being a complete victim over a mishap does the Trans/NB community a massive disservice.

[@m4nta_703]

Hateful people can’t use logic, they can use cognitive dissonance (the mental gap between actions and words). Only confused people can do that. If ever find someone disagreeing with you try a debate and detect for cognitive dissonance. At that point, you can only point out that they don’t make sense and need a bit of reflection. That being said, the judge needs a bit of self reflection also (only from hearing this part of the story). True validation of the self comes from within, not by forcing people into compliance and attempting to reject people from your reality without consequences. I hope they can learn to be happy without needing approval constantly. Some people have disabilities that make them laugh in nervous scenarios, so an action like this (if I push it to the limit) could be seen as ability or hate full. But now a days you can name call all you want and slap labels onto people without a care in the world

[@ParkAir33]

Guess they are really a victim now. We should lock up all of the haters because they will definitely make the judge feel unsafe and bullied.

[@severanceflames2201]

@@JoshTheBear 100%, it's people like this who put the entire TQ+ community to shame.

[@FrostlikeReign]

I hope they are. Insanely deserving.

[@ashh1881]

I love when people preach about tolerance and kindness and then forget everything they believe in when something slightly hurts their fee fees

[@christellmef]

Fee fees made me laüufh out lol

[@TheFlyingSailorYT]

Or the judge doesn't know how to get context. If someone was having that laugh I'd ask "what's up? nervous?" because unlike most people I approach things in good faith, particularly if I was put in an authority position. Trust me, bigots who chimp out are far more blatant.

[@kylesmith7413]

@@TheFlyingSailorYT Is it about bigotry or is it about people trying to normalize inefficient behavior. I personally disagree with someone's neuroticism and narcissism being everyone else's problem. People can have their opinions, but it's weird that the "victims" of Christian censorship pull the same shit. Respect is not a one way street. If you want respect then you should be respectful of others. There's no way in Hell I'd respect a person like Spergy McJudge.

[@SleepyFawn]

@@kylesmith7413 sailor was saying the judge should respect the kid.

[@2FadeMusic]

Almost like they don't actually care about being kind or tolerant

[@danielmon2872]

As a shy person who can barely even talk to my own family without getting nervous this is so sad. I can barely get through a sentence without laughing nervously, stuttering, stopping or saying uhhhhh, and to see someone get treated like this because of stuff like that is heartbreaking. Like surely they would have the common knowledge to realise he was uncomfortable in that situation aswell.

[@humbledink2978]

They know, they just see him as an easy target for stress relief.

[@acutelilmint8035]

Basically same. It’s just anxiety.. nothing more. U don’t need any other excuse.. if you’re caught off guard it will be worse.. laughing is a self soothing movement and to show no harm no foul.. there’s no malice intent.. he wasn’t even laughing at the judge, he was laughing at himself for not being able to think of the 3rd pronoun.. right now as I type this, I can’t even think of the 3rd for myself lol.

[@suckit758]

Even if he laughed hysterically in their faces for such a rediculous question who is to say that makes anyone feel unsafe Psycho cultists make me feel unsafe disqualify the judge

[@TheSpaceyCat]

i have both severe anxiety and I am also part of the trans community who go by they/them so I can actually understand both sides. When i was school I was basically mute and talked to no one so when I did actually speak it was stutters and all kinds of awkward stuff. I had very little friends and at the time too, I also didnt even go by my preferred pronouns because I was terrified of being judged. I would refuse to do any class projects that would have me talk in front of the class. Speaking to a group would make my heart race and feel on the edge of a panic attack. I hated my body, still do. gender dysphoria really sucks and I wish to god I was "normal". I only go by they/them because I hate the body I was born with so much that it makes me feel uncomfortable being called anything else. I do a good job at hiding it irl but it still makes me feel bad about my body. Sometimes when people call me by my birth pronouns I don't even bother correcting them because depending on the person it can either go well and kind or someone telling you you're crazy or giving you dirty looks or being rude. Its hard to feel safe in a world that seems to mostly hate us. The thing people never seem to understand is both of these things are mental illnesses. Everyone is aware of depression, anxiety even OCD (all of things things which I also have) being mental illnesses and people have been getting better at understanding things like depression but no one seems to see that gender dysphoria is also a mental illness that controls our brains/thoughts and feelings. Most of us in the trans community wish we were normal because it would make our lives so much easier, but just like living like with anxiety and depression, its not as easy as anyone thinks it is. Just like how someone with anorexia feels so bad about their weight/bodies they basically starve themselves. It controls everything about how you feel about your body. Everyone is starting to understand that you cannot just tell someone to "be happy" when they suffer from depression, its SO hard. But no one understands that telling someone who is trans to "just be happy in your body" doesn't makes the feelings go away. Many people with gender dysphoria are also suffering from depression and even anxiety. I wish I could just roll out of bed one day and just be like "ya know what? I feel just fine" but I just, don't. We are trying so hard to be happy in our bodies. Honestly with this I can feel the pain of both sides because if you think about it us people with anxiety have a hard time reading how people feel or act. Just like that kid was nervous, the judge could of felt hurt by the laugh because they thought it was a rude laugh. I myself have experienced people who have hurt me by calling me names, laughing at me, calling me a freak and lots of things because of how i present myself. People have been so cruel. So yes we can sometime be a little tender. However, I myself would of never had the kid kicked out for a laugh though. Ive been through much worse than a little laugh but idk about the judge and their mindset because there's so many kinds of trans people and all differ immensely. For example I myself also suffer from OCD and PTSD but other trans people might not. They might of also been having a particularly stressful day and that just felt like a punch to the gut more than just a laugh. I feel really bad for the kid (if what he is saying is true of course) because being misunderstood socially feels absolutely horrible. Even worse in this case because it ended up getting him kicked out too. Even if it was a malicious laugh that still wouldn't of been right to kick him out in my opinion. Sorry for the long rant but if this helps even one person understand then it was worth it.

[@alexfpower]

@aria9443 hmm I dont understand, if your trans then wouldnt you identify as, most likely the opposite gender you were born as? Or are you non binary? Regardless..I can imagine life is hard for you but, normal is overrated, hopefully one day people will embrace differences like yours, more often.

[@fireman6986]

“We investigated ourselves and found nothing wrong”

[@TonyTheTaco0830]

Genuinely makes me embarrassed to be a part of the community. The teen should be paid his travel expenses back by the judge and the judge should never be allowed to set foot on a stage ever again.

[@jonniefast]

disgusting this is what happens when you allow mentally ill people in positions of power

[@melissamurray8307]

I agree.

[@vossboss220]

Same

[@artsykero]

This is absolutely insane, the fragility of people is just so weird. He literally even says maybe there was some confusion and his laughter was out of nervousness. Poor kid… This entire thing just makes me angry.

[@benjaminsettlemire7006]

This rule feels easily corruptible, anyone can just say they're offended.

[@psymar]

Only if they're a judge. Otherwise they have to convince a judge.

[@dudeguy8686]

"Judge, my opponent keeps squinting at me, and i feel intimidated. Really uncomfortable."

[@jonniefast]

new plan 😈 i am offended by trans ppl

[@magicthunder24]

Yeah that's pretty much exactly how they interpreted the rule. Fingers crossed that Pokemon company makes the rules more specific to prevent something like this from happening again like they said they would. Corporate speak is always a pain in the ass to hear but at the very least it was corp speak along the lines of "We'll clarify better next time."

[@Pihsrosnec]

@@dudeguy8686 ah yes brand new toxic metas. reminds me of that thing in I think MTG where they had to make a rule about smell because some people were deliberately making themselves smell as bad as possible to throw off their opponent. now we're gonna have people doing the emotional equivalent of football players exaggerating physical injuries to get yellow/red cards. Maybe we'll get counterplay where the person being accused claims that being accused makes them feel unsafe as well lol

[@Brain-washed2]

A question that doesn’t need to be asked bc it can be determined by vision leads to a kid getting banned. There’s a reason this insanity wasn’t around 10 years ago

[@orager1]

I know I'm late, but you can't really determine it by vision.

[@Brain-washed2]

@@orager1you really can and people trying to convince you otherwise are trying to twist reality

[@orager1]

@@Brain-washed2 I would like you to provide proof, specifically from a non-biased source.

[@Brain-washed2]

@@orager1 look at person, know what they are. Unless they’re trying really hard to conceal that through clothing and or other means but usually the face is all you need. Source: hundreds of thousands of years of brain development

[@orager1]

@@Brain-washed2 While yes, this does apply to most people, some people go by other things, such as they/them, and that is not really distinguishable by just looking. Of course, if you're saying that because you can tell their biological sex, that is also incorrect for some people.

[@alexwells3031]

Easy to think someone's laughing at you when you automatically assume everything is about you

[@jonniefast]

mental illness is a helluva drug

[@Geddyleefan30]

For real, too many people have main character syndrome.

[@niftyjim8255]

Hit the nail on the head

[@vossboss220]

"They/them" gave it away

[@XJ9sodypop]

g@ys think the world revolves around them

[@slick_rickgaming1102]

I've heard of some pretty wild stories about judges/players when it comes to tourneys (especially in the TCG) but this takes the cake

[@Blahblah-oo7lk]

I remember when in MTG they had hired sex offenders and one person convicted of possession of CP among the judges and it turned out that MTG back then didn't really have background checks, while Pokemon does. EDIT: I previously said pedophilia ring, this is incorrect. The judges just so happened to be convicted sex offenders under the law, not that there was necessarily any going-on with the MTG community when discovered. WoTC responded that it was more of an oversight but then they disbanded the Judge Program and made a new program called Judge's Academy in which MTG judges pay an annual fee to WotC to be judges and they do background checks.

[@slick_rickgaming1102]

@@Blahblah-oo7lk I always found it weird how they're all under TCG, yet MTG got away without background checks for all this time

[@Blahblah-oo7lk]

@@slick_rickgaming1102 I think there are some laws requiring a background check for activities involving minors. WOTC just ignored it for some time until one particular spiteful MTG KZbinr (who was facing his own controversies such as harassing female content creators, receiving a lifetime ban from WoTC, and falling deep into the alt-right hole) dug into the judges. According to a WoTC the judges still i the system was an oversight and that they fixed it. The Judge program they had was changed into something called a Judge's Academy in which people who want to be MTG judges pay a subscription or something.

[@Blahblah-oo7lk]

@@aerinnmay7082 Uh which one? Because searches are coming out against almost every World Champion and most of them are from a highly discredited person. From what I know, the judges put the team through an official backcheck created by Gamefreak (until SV in which Gamefreak didn't create one and essentially are now checked by the opponents and judges manually), and if the team passes then most judges don't really bother going further checking until you hit top cut where they check it again using Gamefeak's backcheck system.

[@sptflcrw8583]

​@@aerinnmay7082 genning isn't cheating, lol

[@andrewmead9198]

I'm willing to bet that judge couldn't find one person who was offended or injured by that kid's response.

[@VivioSaf]

The worst part, you can't even call this a emotional response taken in the moment, and it wasn't a direct offense to the person. 1- They had time to play the game after "the event" and then "the issue" as addressed. The decision to report the player was taken after some consideration. 2- Even if you consider that the laugh was intentional. It would be a joke directed to the rule that everyone had to do this, not the person asking. But, since said person was from the demographic that would ask for such rule, it was taken personally. The judge and everyone involved in the issue should be heavily punished! This episode is a clear signs of "abuse of power".

[@randychavezjr6050]

Important to remember that being inclusive is not being exclusive. Crazy

[@jonniefast]

how about dont play pretend with mentally ill people?

[@ryke2903]

It's ironic how exclusive some of the groups that demand inclusion are. Crazy indeed

[@Ninja_Bryden]

@@ryke2903 They're not. This judge was just being head ass.

[@ryke2903]

@@Ninja_Bryden I mean generally

[@jonniefast]

disgusting

[@Koppu1doragon]

The judge waited until he was on stage to remove him, this was a power trip

[@pacesalsaboy3728]

I hate that someone taking offense can result in stuff like this. its such a subjective thing. what one person might find completely acceptable could be offensive to someone else and its difficult to tell sometimes

[@TrainerAQ]

Absolutely right! There are so many human personalities and culture you're not going to be right 100% of the time and that doesn't make you a bad human being!

[@user-un8jx8yo7z]

I don't think so because there's times where you actually need a rule like this but you need to use discretion to apply it only when there's malicious intent. This was obviously the incorrect choice. They don't have policies like this to hit anyone who accidently comes off as offensive.

[@Htimez2]

Yeah I'm offended they ask pronouns at all, so I guess we need to disqualify everyone and I win.

[@gohonkyourself790]

@@user-un8jx8yo7z go to north korea if you want to police speech and thought

[@fluidwolf]

Which is a good reason crap like this is dangerous. Intention and context is important in something like this. Offense can be taken from nearly anything no matter how innocent and crap like this opens things up to more and more abuse

[@koltonjankowski1960]

It’s crazy how someone’s desire to be understood completely blinds them to understanding anyone else

[@Android-dg5ri]

its not about being understood its about submission

[@vossboss220]

Nonbinaries are THE most narcissistic people.

[@boepsie8975]

It is the tranny way

[@hornejoe]

Be careful not to become the very thing you hate in others

[@XJ9sodypop]

only g@ys have this problem exclusively

[@aq_ua]

That was the most petty bs I have ever seen... What a hypocrite.

[@nickd6303]

It's disgusting how normalized this kind of behavior has become.

[@glitchytomato9157]

Imagine being a grown ass man and kicking out a kid from a tournement just cuz you feel "unsafe" with them around, this is crazy

[@jonniefast]

mental illness they get off on abuse of power and hurting normal people

[@babyperfecti0n]

What’s crazier is that they them person felt so insulted that they took what this kid said personally, and was out to get him from the start. Who cares about pronouns when you are playing Pokémon. What a joke.

[@dickbicycle9304]

This is what happens when mental Illness is encouraged

[@Jeffeffery9]

a grown they them *

[@silverreaps6803]

​@@Jeffeffery9 he didn't say grown he/him tho

[@charlatanchess]

I'm angered this happened in my city, that judge deserves to be worse than laughed at for this. He's a kid, even if he meant it offensively this is clearly an abuse of power.

[@akoilngas1215]

But he didn't. It seems very clear that it was nervousness. I mean, the judge wants the benefit of the doubt that they feel nonbinary, yet doesn't show the same level of compassion, understanding, and support for a kid who was feeling very stressed and nervous. The great crime was nervous laughter. Seriously, that's sort of person should not be around children or in any sort of position of power.

[@tokunaga432]

@@akoilngas1215 sad that is I got a feeling that judge would use their sexuality to deflect whatever consequences come from this, Im not trans but I am lgbtq and there are members of the community who will play that card even when theyre in the wrong

[@akoilngas1215]

@@tokunaga432 Trans isn't a sexuality. It's a gender expression/identity. But, yes, I think you are right.

[@JustinJonesDuke]

I have been to a Pokemon Regional. The event was clearly run by Suits in Japan that had never attended an event. On top of that, the staff is very meticulous in every rule being followed. It wouldn't surprise me that the rules say "if you make someone feel unsafe", and a staff member would jump at the chance to protect someone that felt an ounce of unease. I'm not surprised this is how it went down. This isn't a grassroots event run by people that have passion for the games. It is ran by executives who see it as advertising.

[@raptorboss6688]

God I fucking hate society.

[@dianalynn4141]

​@@dekufiremage7808 nah people would still buy their stuff regardless

[@SlyAceZeta]

@@dianalynn4141 It's not about that, not directly at first. When something like this happens, it's indicative of a bigger problem. There's no way that judge is the only bad apple, or that this is the only time a player has been wrongfully disqualified. This is the kind of thing that erodes trust in players for future TCG events; this is the kind of thing that leads to protests and boycotts. While a regional TCG community may only be a droplet in the wide ocean of Pokemon, the TCG is an important part of that ocean, and if this continues to happen then player backlash will escalate to a point where they may even refuse to play the TCG competitively, which would cut into TCG's marketing and advertising at those events. The statement Pokemon released indicates to me that they're aware of this fact and want to stem the problem before it gets to that point. Whether they'll actually follow through on their words with actions, time will tell, but just a couple of instances of something like this can spell doom for a community.

[@e-gothvods4538]

This is insane. He didn't do anything wrong, he didn't break any inclusion policy, he was just nervous. What the actual fuck.

[@ChrisJohnstonVA]

I guarantee you that if that judge stays, the next event is going to be full of people who will be protesting against them, we’ll see how “safe” and “comfortable” they feel at that point

[@pacer1705]

Unfortunately, the rule book protects the judges too, more than the players. Therefore, the judges will just win by DQ every one who would protest like you suggested at the event anyway.

[@magicthunder24]

@@pacer1705 You can disqualify spectators?

[@19TheFallen]

At this point, I say "don't go". Let's see how long Game Freak and Nintendo protect this shit when their profits on the Pokemon franchise takes a massive nosedive!

[@lynxfresh5214]

​@@19TheFallen Oh please as much as I would love Nintendo, Game Freak and TPC to get a major reality check about they questionable business practises, customer service and work ethics this DQ situation is barely gonna effect the status quo (if even that) we're talking about a franchise that's so big and has so much soft power, it could literally sell Pokémon turds instead of games and it would still make profits lol! Until folks stop paying full price for half baked products, stop blindingly consuming anything with the Pokémon brand name on it and stop allowing an environment where the entitled can freely gaslight anyone they consider "unsafe" nothing will change.

[@akoilngas1215]

@@magicthunder24 You can have spectators removed from premises. Tournaments are about money, and the person at the top is not likely to want to lose their ability to run tournaments from the company after people complain they were victimized at your tournament.

[@ValianceGames]

He's a kid. They really went to those lengths for a 17 year old kid who chuckled nervously? He's a kid. This infuriates me beyond belief. Are you serious? Not cool. Not a warning, not a discussion, active refusal, and no empathy for something they considered *he* had no empathy for. That's unreal. A ban from the premises too? They escalated it that hard? 17 years old. Not even done with high school and they treated him without a shred of mercy. Unbelievable

[@zockroach]

I'm kind of blown away that the rest of the players didn't boycott.

[@theejohnnycakes5367]

If they boycott they look anti lgbtq so it's a double edged sword. woke culture caused this

[@TheNatos]

it didnt happen to them, therefore they dont care. thats how people are.

[@anthonyyasi]

i think you mean "genderneutralchildcott", you transphobe.

[@xaf15001]

It's probably because it's not so clean cut. Hard to fact check that quickly.

[@YooranKujara]

People probably didn't know exactly what happened

[@pikachuwu69TTV]

For being 17 he conducted himself very well.

[@level3xfactor]

Also, a staff member was lying in a Discord about what happened, acting like Makani was being malicious.

[@jonniefast]

he has first ammendment rights to be "malicious" anyone with common sense is "malicious" to these mentally ill clowns

[@im1085]

even if he was laughing at a question isnt grounds to dq someone in any universe.

[@Pithecius]

Iirc, that screenshot was the head judge pulling stuff out of his behind..

[@Mashamazzi]

@@Pithecius damage control knowing Pokémon won’t speak about it

[@factandsuspicionpodcast2727]

This was infuriating. Though, I'm not certain what about that terrible response from the Pokemon company led you to believe they know there's a problem. They said nothing at all. It sounds to me like they know people are angry and felt like they had to say something.

[@Canceriantigershark]

Its worse than that, the statement about creating a welcoming space in the first paragraph amounts to doubling down on the fact that even slightly offending a "victimized" class at these events will continue to be grounds for expulsion. Its the only paragraph in the statement with any discernible information, and it is hypocritical because we know that expressing right wing view points are never allowed in these spaces. So much for being welcoming.

[@factandsuspicionpodcast2727]

@@Canceriantigershark I'm afraid you're probably right. I support a lot of progressive policy positions, but I'm still philosophically a liberal. This social push in opposition of free expression is worrying. I may not agree with many right wingers on policy, but I don't want to live in a country where polite disagreement is no longer possible.

[@tiacat11]

@@Canceriantigershark "we know that expressing right wing view points are never allowed in these spaces." You're allowed to say things like "I think the government should stay out of private business" or "I think all citizens should have the right to access guns". You are not allowed to say shit like "I think nonbinary people don't exist and neopronouns are stupid" or "I think gays shouldn't get married". There's a very clear difference between the two.

[@C3l3bi1]

@@tiacat11 "I think gays shouldn't get married" HAHAHAHAHAHAH yeah there is a difference, You dont care about the first, but the second one goes against the narrative that your ass group is trying to push. that is fucking hilarious this is just a couple years ago that was fine, now you go put into the gualg for that lol. whats next in the culture police's vocabular of banned words

[@McKae00]

@@tiacat11 We are allowed to say whatever the hell we want as long as it isnt libel, slander, or physical threats of/calls to violence. You quite literally just think that if we disagree with you we are evil. There is absolutely no difference between any of those statements as they are all LEGAL.