BS: What Sci Fi Character are you?

Subject: RE: BS: What Sci Fi Character are you?
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 09 Oct 03 - 12:10 PM

Elrond. Interesting.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: What Sci Fi Character are you?
From: Ella who is Sooze
Date: 09 Oct 03 - 06:16 AM

hmmmm... today I'm not in a good mood and I'm ...

Roy Batty.... (he not nice - I'm going to go cheer up!)

:-(

Ella

Subject: RE: BS: What Sci Fi Character are you?
From: Kim C
Date: 08 Oct 03 - 12:32 PM

Heheh! Mister took the test and he's Aragorn! Which is a scream, because that's his favorite LOTR character.

Subject: RE: BS: What Sci Fi Character are you?
From: Carly
Date: 08 Oct 03 - 12:16 PM

Another Galadriel joins the ranks. Second time through, I opted to answer as my more rational persona, and out popped Jean-Luc Picard. It's not that I don't admire both characters, but I tend to actually relate more to Podkayne, Mia Havero and Menolly ( who would'nt want musical talent and pet dragons?)

So, BillD, just who are you relating to? (Your curious friend)

Subject: RE: BS: What Sci Fi Character are you?
From: GUEST,Chip2447
Date: 08 Oct 03 - 03:16 AM

I got a Worf...hmmmmm does that mean I need to lighten up a bit?

Subject: RE: BS: What Sci Fi Character are you?
From: Kim C
Date: 07 Oct 03 - 11:10 AM

Spock.

That doesn't seem logical to me.

Subject: RE: BS: What Sci Fi Character are you?
From: Roger the Skiffler
Date: 07 Oct 03 - 08:17 AM

Me too slim for Digby? How kind,Steve. If I grow a 'tache I could be Sir Hubert I expect! Ian Duncan Smith IS the Mekon of course!

RtS

Subject: RE: BS: What Sci Fi Character are you?
From: GUEST,KB
Date: 07 Oct 03 - 06:56 AM

Oh dear oh dear oh dear.
I am a Gollum!!!! How did that happen? Ah well - I always rather liked Gollum my precious. What's he got in his pocketses, that's what I want to know.

Subject: RE: BS: What Sci Fi Character are you?
From: Ella who is Sooze
Date: 07 Oct 03 - 04:45 AM

Today I am mostly...

Aragorn? hmmmm.....

Subject: RE: BS: What Sci Fi Character are you?
From: Steve Parkes
Date: 07 Oct 03 - 04:07 AM

"a nice guy, although maybe a little naive" That's me! And I thought I'd lied in the questionnaire ...

Steve

Subject: RE: BS: What Sci Fi Character are you?
From: GUEST,Beeblebrox
Date: 06 Oct 03 - 07:54 PM

Zaphod here! Get out of my galaxy

Subject: RE: BS: What Sci Fi Character are you?
From: RangerSteve
Date: 06 Oct 03 - 07:45 PM

I'm Gandalf. I don't see the connection. But I'm honored.

Subject: RE: BS: What Sci Fi Character are you?
From: Cluin
Date: 06 Oct 03 - 07:15 PM

Luke Skywalker, me.


Too bad. Always despised the little shit.
Rather be Gully Foyle.

Subject: RE: BS: What Sci Fi Character are you?
From: jacqui c
Date: 06 Oct 03 - 03:46 PM

Marcus Cole is a ranger in Babylon 5, basically one of the good guys trying to fight the evil. He is high principled, idealistic and tries hard to do the right thing. He dies in the series saving the life of the woman he loves - she was not aware of his feelings. Altogether a nice guy, although maybe a little naive.

Subject: RE: BS: What Sci Fi Character are you?
From: GUEST
Date: 06 Oct 03 - 03:26 PM

Marvin the Paranoid Android.

Subject: RE: BS: What Sci Fi Character are you?
From: Metchosin
Date: 06 Oct 03 - 01:40 PM

Noreen

HuWG qualified his apology with "I ought also to object to being called a Welshman, as a: this derives from an anglo-saxon word meaning "foreigner", and b: it has connotations with turf accountants who default on their debts. Insularity cuts all ways."

I wouldn't nitpick if I weren't perhaps overly sensitieve to the fact that attitudes such as this are rampant in Canadian society, especially when it comes to First Nations people and particularly females.

Initially, I had no doubt that HuWG had not meant to be hurtful, just unaware of the depth of the negative connotations of the term.

However, IMO, when he qualified his apology, there appeared to be an attempt, on his part, to diminish that apology. Just a simple "Gee, I wasn't aware of that, sorry!" might have been a better response. But we're all human, even us nitpickers who sometimes flog dead horses, in hope of raising awareness of something that is unfortunately insidious in our own culture.

Subject: RE: BS: What Sci Fi Character are you?
From: The Barden of England
Date: 06 Oct 03 - 11:06 AM

Bugger it!! James T. Kirk!!!! I just can't take the ridicule!!!!!

Subject: RE: BS: What Sci Fi Character are you?
From: Steve Parkes
Date: 06 Oct 03 - 10:31 AM

Apparently I'm really "Marcus Cole" of Babylon 5. Do i need to watch it to understand that?

Roger: a bit slim for Digby! Can you do the accent, by gum? Who'd you nominate for the Mekon (now Mrs T is out of office)?

Steve

Subject: RE: BS: What Sci Fi Character are you?
From: Steve Parkes
Date: 06 Oct 03 - 10:26 AM

I'm Dr Who, played by William Hartnell: very erudite, getting on a bit, slightly prickly, and nobody ever has any idea what I'm talking about.

Steve

Subject: RE: BS: What Sci Fi Character are you?
From: JennyO
Date: 06 Oct 03 - 09:14 AM

Indian names are more fun. Depending on whether I put my whole name, an abbreviation, my maiden name, or my middle initial, I get Priscilla Weary Goat, or Daisy Licorice Palomino, or Stella Collapsing Radical, or Sandra Reversible Toad, or Denthwerp Coy Bunny if I say I'm a male. If I call myself "Late for Breakfast", I get Roman Inimitable Humpback.

Subject: RE: BS: What Sci Fi Character are you?
From: Dave Bryant
Date: 06 Oct 03 - 09:09 AM

Incidently the character that I got out of the test was Elrond (from LOTR) described as A stern yet benevolent organizer who often knows best, your wits are keenly fixed on aiding efforts you deem worthy. I seem to be the only one on this thread to get him so far - bit scary really.

Subject: RE: BS: What Sci Fi Character are you?
From: Noreen
Date: 06 Oct 03 - 07:03 AM

I'm also Delenn from Babylon 5 (and Lucille Amiable Brains...)

Metchosin, HuwG has apologised, and nowhere did he say the insults were equivalent, as you are suggesting.

Like Huw, I (living in England) had no idea that the word squaw could be offensive, and could just as easily have made the same mistake for which you are criticising him.

You say this term is packed with the intention of being deliberately hurtful and so I can understand your reaction, but can you also understand that his intention was NOT to be deliberately hurtful??

I am sure there are terms from another culture unknown to you that you might unwittingly use which might be taken as offensive. The important thing is the intention.

One has to make allowances, or as Little Hawk cleverly puts it, we couldn't communicate at all.

Subject: RE: BS: What Sci Fi Character are you?
From: Joybell
Date: 06 Oct 03 - 06:57 AM

Oh !! Great!! I knew I was Captain Kirk. Now I have the test results to prove it. I've been Kirk since before he was born. Years and years ago.

Subject: RE: BS: What Sci Fi Character are you?
From: C-flat
Date: 06 Oct 03 - 06:52 AM

I can't get the Sci-Fi one to work but the Indian name site gave me
Raoul Inimitable Humpback!?!

Subject: RE: BS: What Sci Fi Character are you?
From: Dave Bryant
Date: 06 Oct 03 - 06:44 AM

I think that I'd choose Lazarus Long - from Robert Heinlen's "Methusalah's Children" and "Time Enough For Love".

At least he's got plenty of time to get things done,

Subject: RE: BS: What Sci Fi Character are you?
From: Pied Piper
Date: 06 Oct 03 - 06:07 AM

Neil Vibrating Landrover
PP

Subject: RE: BS: What Sci Fi Character are you?
From: The DeanMeister
Date: 06 Oct 03 - 05:31 AM

I appear to be the only Gimli so far. Still, I prefer that to "Hank Sassy Pants!"

Subject: RE: BS: What Sci Fi Character are you?
From: Metchosin
Date: 06 Oct 03 - 03:49 AM

HuwG, please do not be affronted but, I don't believe you quite grasped the depth of the insult. If one of my friends is referred to as a "squaw", remind me to let her know that, in some parts of the world, there are some that believe it was only the equivalent of being referred to as a "foreigner" in one's own country or reneging on a debt.

Somehow I don't believe she will accept an equivalency. "Squaw" is a far more derogatory, loaded term, with demeaning connotations, packed with the intention of being deliberately hurtful. I don't think there are many in Wales would cringe every time they heard themselves being referred to as Welsh, but I'm damned certain there are a few that wouldn't care to be called "nigger".

Unfortunately, in this part of the world, racism raises its ugly head more than one would wish. There is more than only a subtle difference to be referred to as "foreigner" or have one's ethnicity associated with nefarious business practices in the distant past.

Sincerely,
Metchosin (from the Ka-Ky-Aakan word "Smets-shosin" meaning "smells like rotting fish", which I believe affords me the right to express my humble opinion in this matter).*BG*

Subject: RE: BS: What Sci Fi Character are you?
From: Ella who is Sooze
Date: 06 Oct 03 - 03:34 AM

OK!....

Well, if I use my whole name I'm...

Shauna Favourite Puppy

If I use one of my shortened versions of my name I'm

Helena Sneaky jumper

and another is

Diane Clairvoyant Strawberry or Marie Skimpy Slug

I think I'll go with Luke...skimpy slug is just not me!

coo it gets worse.... Mildred Dusty Flea

Hmmmm!

Subject: RE: BS: What Sci Fi Character are you?
From: Ella who is Sooze
Date: 06 Oct 03 - 03:29 AM

Well, Sian... tell me about the force!

Emma, I am also Luke Skywalker not so sure about that!

I'm off to try the indian names thing now - and tomorrow I'll try the sci fi name again... might be in a different mood then...

Ella aka Luke

Subject: RE: BS: What Sci Fi Character are you?
From: HuwG
Date: 05 Oct 03 - 09:10 PM

Ooooops !

May I comment, before replacing my size 11 in my mouth ?

I merely used the term, "squaw", to indicate, "Native American woman", without intending insult. Apologies if any 'Catters have been insulted. And apologies to any Irish who are insulted by my assumption that anyone called "Patrick" is automatically Irish, and vice versa.

I understand that the among such peoples as the Oglalla, Lakota etc, children were named after the first thing the mother saw, when she first went outside after the birth, "Red Cloud", "Dull Knife", etc. Which is the joke behind the Indian names site. And explains why even noted fighters could be named, "Man so afraid that in battle the sound of his own horses causes him to bolt" (usually referred to as "Man Afraid" in most histories).


I didn't know that "liberal" was an insult. Since I usually vote Liberal Democrat in UK General Elections, I ought to feel offended. However, I never did agree with the prescriptive, censorious approach to producing better understanding between cultures [An example; in my last year at school, directives went round that the use of the word "black" in any derogatory sense, e.g. "blackmail", "blackleg", "blacklist", "to blacken someone's character" etc. were banned. Fine, but the directive went so far as to became a source of sarcastic humour, by insisting that the "blackboard" was to become the "chalkboard", and that "Baa baa, black sheep" was not to be sung by five-year-olds, as it was offensive by definition. Any amount of reasoned debate was cheapened by such authoritarian attitudes.]

I ought also to object to being called a Welshman, as a: this derives from an anglo-saxon word meaning "foreigner", and b: it has connotations with turf accountants who default on their debts.

Insularity cuts all ways.

Subject: RE: BS: What Sci Fi Character are you?
From: Little Hawk
Date: 05 Oct 03 - 06:47 PM

It's the word "squaw" that is deemed offensive these days. It was a quasi-Indian slang word picked up by whites early in the frontier days and was used almost universally by them at that time to refer to Native women, and it often (though certainly not always) did have a derogatory implication. Depends who was using it and how. There was a time when some Native Americans themselves picked up the word from the whites and used it quite a bit in normal speech or writing...look up some of the older books (even by Natives) from the 20's, 30's, 40's, 50's and so on, and you'll see that, but with passage of time it has come to be seen as very derogatory indeed, quite similarly to the way "nigger" is seen nowadays.

These things change. Is it okay now to refer to black children as "pickaninnies"? No! But it was once. It was also once thought very derogatory to refer to blacks as "blacks". Now it's perfectly all right to do so. Go figure. It is probably not thought good to refer to Amerindian/Indian/Native-American babies as "papooses", but it was once considered perfectly okay, and "papoose" was a word for baby in some Indian language. I wonder if it is equivalent to "rug rat"? (just kidding)

To keep up with these things it is necessary to first read the current official program, making sure it is the latest edition. If you are in ANY doubt about what word may offend someone, don't say anthing at all, just stammer helplessly and point...

But be assured, saying "squaw" may and probably will get you in "heap big" trouble, as Jay Silverheels might have said back in the 50's! :-) You won't catch me saying it anywhere.

- LH

Subject: RE: BS: What Sci Fi Character are you?
From: artbrooks
Date: 05 Oct 03 - 06:44 PM

The word squaw is not, or at least was not originally, offensive. Try here for a definition and discussion. The problem is, like many other basically inoffensive words, such as 'faggot,' 'liberal' and 'queer,' it has come to both have a meaning that was never intended and to be used offensively by intention.

Subject: RE: BS: What Sci Fi Character are you?
From: SINSULL
Date: 05 Oct 03 - 06:32 PM

I am Ripley from "Alien".

Subject: RE: BS: What Sci Fi Character are you?
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 05 Oct 03 - 06:19 PM

Surely "tipi" isn't offensive to anyone? They are brilliant structures. Anytime somoene brings one to a campsite at a festival or whatever, everyone else is green with envy.

Subject: RE: BS: What Sci Fi Character are you?
From: Rapparee
Date: 05 Oct 03 - 05:08 PM

Geez, I got a 404 server error.

Subject: RE: BS: What Sci Fi Character are you?
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 05 Oct 03 - 03:57 PM

Huw - obviously 'corrosive chicken' comes from premature labour caused by a particularly vindictive chicken curry.

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: What Sci Fi Character are you?
From: GUEST
Date: 05 Oct 03 - 02:08 PM

HuWG, your European roots are showing, no one but the most racist individual in North America would say "what squaw would crawl out of a teepee". That is the equivalant of saying "what nigger would creep out of a shack". Puhleese!!! your comment for the sake of humour is obscene and offensive. I'll grant you the benefit of insular cultural ignorance, this once.

Subject: RE: BS: What Sci Fi Character are you?
From: Geoff the Duck
Date: 05 Oct 03 - 12:20 PM

i AGREE WITH THE OTHER aRTHUR dENT - iM JUST BEWILDERED BY all OF IT...
Anyway - how can you get the correct character when they don't ask questions you caN UNDERSTAND?
qUACK!
gTd.

Subject: RE: BS: What Sci Fi Character are you?
From: Nigel Parsons
Date: 05 Oct 03 - 11:31 AM

I came up as Kosh, same as Gareth, only spelled differently!

Nigel

Subject: RE: BS: What Sci Fi Character are you?
From: Phil Cooper
Date: 05 Oct 03 - 10:51 AM

Looks like I'm Yoda.

Subject: RE: BS: What Sci Fi Character are you?
From: HuwG
Date: 05 Oct 03 - 09:41 AM

Tried the Indian Names generator, it came out as "Patrick Corrosive Chicken".

Puhleese ! What squaw would stagger out of the teepee having given birth and decide that the first creature she saw was a factory-farmed bird crossed with the monster from Alien ? And also know that it was from Ireland ?



For a bit more research into "Delenn", I pulled out a very old video of "Babylon 5", and watched it again. Gained some fascinating insights into some of the creatures. I didn't appreciate before just how badly Kosh and all the Vorlons (who were all called Kosh too) had emphysema. (I presume that was the cause of all the wheezing noise in the background whenever they spoke).

And yes, quite how the Minbari would ask for a hat size, must remain one of the mysteries of the Universe.

Subject: RE: BS: What Sci Fi Character are you?
From: Mr Happy
Date: 05 Oct 03 - 07:08 AM

cats p,

we must be related, my injun name is Tanner Toothless Horse! (don't ask why the long face!}

Subject: RE: BS: What Sci Fi Character are you?
From: Catherine Jayne
Date: 04 Oct 03 - 07:39 PM

oh and my Indian name is Corinne Unsavory Jackal when I put in catherine pettigrew and Marie Invisible Face with catherinejayne pettigrew then I thought I would try out being male...so catherinejayen was Wilton Turbulent Cigarette and catherine was..Tanner Aquatic Platypus

Subject: RE: BS: What Sci Fi Character are you?
From: Catherine Jayne
Date: 04 Oct 03 - 07:34 PM

Im Aragorn ...whoever that is!

Subject: RE: BS: What Sci Fi Character are you?
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 04 Oct 03 - 07:21 PM

My maiden name came out as Jolene Crinoline Mule.... not so happy with that one...

I'll stick with being Mabel Tragic Hawk with an egg sized lump on the nut.

MTH

Subject: RE: BS: What Sci Fi Character are you?
From: Joe_F
Date: 04 Oct 03 - 06:44 PM

It comes up with some Star Trek character I had never heard of.

The sf character I identify with is the robot in J. J. Coupling's "Period Piece". Programmed to pretend to be human, but nobody is fooled.

Subject: RE: BS: What Sci Fi Character are you?
From: jacqui c
Date: 04 Oct 03 - 04:47 PM

I've just tried the Indian Names and come out as Joline Sentimental Osprey - think I prefer Leia!

I checked the list of names in the character statistics on the sci-fi one and there were 944 Gollums, 921 Sarumans and 338 Quarks. What kind of answers would you have to give to land up with one of those characters and would you own up to it?

Kevin - I think that Yoda suits you perfectly but if you want to be a Klingon when are you going to start writing the operas?

Subject: RE: BS: What Sci Fi Character are you?
From: EBarnacle1
Date: 04 Oct 03 - 04:20 PM

According to the program, I am also Marcus Cole. I expected to be Jack Barron.

Subject: RE: BS: What Sci Fi Character are you?
From: Stephen L. Rich
Date: 04 Oct 03 - 04:10 PM

I would have to say that I am Aurthur Dent: Displaced in the universe and just trying to figure out what's going on.

Stephen Lee