Derby Names: Not Ready for Prime Time

i couldnt find you on fb either.... my email is [email protected]

I know the discussion about derby names has been had between myself and the other refs in my league. As the sport progresses I imagine derby names will slowly disappear, I'd probably drop mine if it wasn't printed on all my ref shirts.
I'm also sorry to say that the reaction from some of the people named is way over the top. You're happy to have a full on possibly offensive name but god forbid someone comment on the fact!
True your derby name may not reflect the real you but does the false you have to be a vulger cretin? And the more angry a vulger the response the more the names seem to be appropriate.
Don't ruin the fun seems to be the catchcry of the new skater still with the "How cool am I playing derby" mentality.
I guess some day derby may split into 'Professional' and 'Amateur' leagues where both regulations and performance are very different although some of the people above could qualify for the 'Immature' arm of the sport...

Do you people see this? Like really SEE THIS! THIS IS THE PROBLEM WITH DERBY, PEOPLE! Not someone's freakin name, the fact that we are so quick to treat each other like shit. I feel a real sense of community right about now, let me tell you. Can you really blame them for being mad? It's like I said before, maybe instead of being up people's butts about their fake names, we should focus on treating this so called derby "community" like a community. THAT is the real issue with derby, like I said in my post before, this is just nuts. If someone went online and wrote an article about something you love, you wouldn't get mad? Or retaliate? And again with the personal attacks against the skaters who were mentioned in the article. I think I would be upset if I was one of those people who were mentioned and then got pretty much made to feel like "HEY YOU! Yea, I know you are a skater and I have no idea who you are or what time and dedication you have invested in derby, but you know that derby name you have, well you and the whole lot of you who want to have off beat names are a HUGE reason people don't think derby is legit, its YOU and you need to change YOUR name cause I think it's stupid."

People are beating around the real issue. Did you really write this article thinking everyone would just agree, and smile and not respond? Of course not, Ginger is a big girl, and she knows how to handle herself, but at the same time the people who were burned need to have their feelings heard, and if I was so angry that I was shaking I might not be the most PC about it either, and so what if I wasn't. It just seems reaching at straws to put down someone for them reacting to something they have a legit reason to get pissed about.

It sucks. This article spot could have been used to spark a debate about where derby should go, and how it should get there. It could have made people feel good, or inspired people to grow and change for the better. Instead it was used to call out other people, and try to make a point at the expense of someone's feelings. If this was someone's personal blog, it'd be different. But this is a site dedicated to derby life, and the struggles and hardships we ALL face. Its not meant for people to play the blame game on who is ruining this sport and how. This is why I don't read derby blogs, or post on derby sites, cause all people want to do is argue. People don't want a community. They want to say "my way is better, my derby is better, you're wrong, I'm right" and then have a pissing contest for 12 pages.

But it's stuff like this that makes me not regret staying removed from said community. I have read many great articles here. Some outlining what it takes to succeed in derby, some that are personal stories that have touched me, some that are super informative, and some that give insight into the ins and outs of derby itself...this did none of those. The article talks about offensive names, but I didn't find any of those names nearly as offensive as the judgement passed on these skaters who never did anything to anyone but have a sense of humor that differed from others.

...seriously thinking my name was too 'soft' for derby

I am not a big name in derby yet and I am going to do my best not to offend anyone. If I do ill say sorry now cause its 2:48am and I just finished writing a paper for school so my brain is beat.

Gingersnap- I see what you are saying about having names that are vulgar and gross and I can respect your opinion, but also I see why others are getting mad you called them out. Those peoples names are something that they created, something they feel good about because it can be a play on their name or a name that hides them from their real name like Duncan said. My name being Sidney I get annoyed when people always say, "like Australia" or "inst that a girls name." I don't want to say peoples derby names are based on their character because that would be turned around against me by the people arguing about Pugh's name. His character is not that he is a rappest, but his character is that he has a good sense of humor. I do think that your point about names wouldve gone by smoother had you asked the skaters to use their names in this blog before hand because now like Fu-Quinn Hell said people she doesnt even know, are now attacking her through her personal social networking. As far as all the guys from the Magic City Misfits, those are a group of the most talented skaters I have ever seen... With or without their names on their jerseys. Streak, having met him and played with him at RollerCon... Hes a badass along with Just The Tip. Im happy to see that Streak did attempt to clarify the MCM names issue here but it didn't seem to really phase anyone that they are trying to fix it. For future blogs you write Ginger, would you maybe think about asking skaters to reference them please. I think it would make for better comments and discussion because although I know you say you want to see what people really think about this topic, look at the comments, these arnt comments helping your argument, they are all comments arguing with you about not asking to use someones name. And honestly from the comments you have wrote back, it seems like you just wanted to start an argument between skaters because all you're doing is feeding the fire with your comments back.

Crashanova- I agree with what you said 100% I don't see this as being a huge deal and I dont think people should spend so much time thinking about names affecting the sport and keeping it from being considered legitimate because there is so much more that is actually keeping it from that status.

Honestly in my opinion it is the drama, sexism, and just arguing for no reason that keeps this sport from being taken seriously.

Drama- There is always going to be drama and I know that from a personal note, I was drove away from my first team because of it. Drama is what keeps us separated as a community, between men and women, men and men, woman and women. It all has the same result... Segregation. It also goes from types of derby, kinda all forming around Flat Track. There are issues between flat, banked, renegade, mens, women's, etc. Even the drama brought along with articles like this.

Sexism- Do you female skaters see what all the male skaters do for you? I mean do you REALLY see? You may not know it but the male roller derby skaters are your BIGGEST supporters, even more then your fellow league sisters because your female dominated sport gave these male outcast something they could go to with a group of friends and enjoy doing with each other... Kinda like what the intent was for the women that brought this sport back, right? True this sport was reformed as a female dominated sport but I do not think that should be held over male skaters heads because its a community and like above its only drama created to separate us. This is another subject though I would like to see debated without all the arguing.

Plain Arguing- So far the comments I have read under this blog have all been arguing. What sports network is going to want to broadcast a bunch of women fighting each other over stupid stuff all the time. Same for men that want this sport to go somewhere. The arguing is just dumb and it does not get you anywhere because if its on the internet, someone can just keep feeding that fire that sets you off and as seen under this post that is all that has happened.

I am happy about some of the points Razor DeRockefeller brought up. Like the one about men being able to be raped as well as women. Just because you're women doesn't mean you're the only gender that can be sexually assaulted. Men can definitely be sexually assaulted. Maybe shes right, He could've been traumatized by an event and his name was a way of coping with it. *Not saying you were Pugh, Just trying to prove a point* Like many women in this sport they came to this sport because they were assaulted by someone and you do not know it but some guys could possibly be doing the same thing. Overall you ladies arnt always the victim.

I just want to ask- Why is it that it seems that guys that have offensive names are getting more crap then girls with offensive names?

In the end Ive spent almost an hour writing this reply so I am going to bed. Once again I dont want to offend anyone so dont take it as I am personally attacking you. Hopefully in the future things will be better where there is less drama and more skating as a community.

Debating and arguing are similar but this is clearly arguing.

To everyone's name I used I would've asked but I couldn't find most of you of the internet. Sorry but I only tried to use what you wrote here kinda as just a reference.

Hopefully we can all get past this soon ad focus on bigger things like getting rid of the sexism and segregation like Crash said.

Goodnight everyone

I know both Mr. Ray Pugh and Fingaz Feltersnatch personally and I have to say, Ray has never tried to rape me, and Fingaz has never had her fingaz anywhere near my snatch.. Just saying. They are two of the most awesome people that I have ever had the pleasure of meeting, both on and off the track. I think that this whole thread has gotten out of hand. With derby being as taboo as it is, we should be standing together as a family; not using every opportunity to talk shit about our fellow skaters. We all know that Roller derby has a reputation of a group of hard core, mean, scary bitches beating the crap out of each other. We all know that's not exactly true. But anyone who doesn't know any better would think that the stereotype is true after reading this.. I think that Ginger, you were wrong to call out these skater like you did. It was petty and immature. It's on their jersey, not yours.. get over it.

RAPE NAMES?? REALLY?? RAPE NAMES????? omfg i cannot believe it. i just cannot believe it. Somebody needs to do some fucking research on WHAT RAPE ACTUALLY IS.

Wow - the replies on this article are just as entertaining as the article. It's a shame that some of the folks whose names that are publicly posted on twoevils and cited in this article seem surprised and offended that an opinion page article would call their names offensive. So people think your name is offensive? What, you think it's going to interfere with your future political career?

" i know my name is vulger. i have a dirty mind, and i dont care. i am not offended that my name is referred to as such"

I'm sorry, Fingaz - but you seem to like and appreciate how offensive your name is. Don't let it get you in a tizzy if someone else doesn't like it. Own it. You can't have it both ways.

I have heard people become offended at names I don't find offensive. I'm offended by names that other people don't find offensive. FuQuinn Hell? That's a great name - I find it clever. Ok, so we don't call it out in its entirety when playing a tourney for an audience of old conservative ladies and 9 year old kids out on a derby field trip The world still turns.

This comes from the Opinion page of Derby Life. Gawd forbid we should only write opinions of things that only make us think of happy fluffy unicorns and group hugs.

LOL, but seriously....do any of you folks with those names have young siblings/children/nieces or nephews, etc that come to your bouts? I would hope not....how do you tell the kids in your life what your derby name is? I could NEVER imagine telling my son or one of my 8 nieces/nephews that my name was Fuck Her Gently or something of that nature. To each his own, but I personally love it when my family comes to my bouts and I would hate if one of my sisters had to tell me she didn't want to bring her kids or tell them about my sport because my name was grossly inappropriate.

"Mommy, what's a cunt??"

yeesh.

PS. On another note, Ginger- you are GORGEOUS ;)

The first thing that comes into my mind upon reading this article is, this is roller derby. We're skating around in our underwear in front of people. The names are not even the first offensive thing about this sport. Remember back when everyone used to fight all the time? The derby world still deals with that and I think we've come a great way since those days. I'd say that still holds the sport back more than anything else we're doing. Do you think 20 years in the future they're gonna be saying, "Oh you play roller derby, so you must have a pretty raunchy/offesive name huh!?" Probably not.
We have a way to go before roller derby is recognized as an Olympic sport. Still, there is no doubt in my mind that in the future of derby there will be policies governing our names, and a dress code set forth. There will have to be if we ever want to be broadcast on television.

I feel like the ultimate goal of the sport is that we are all inclusive. Even when we make it to the Olympics or to ESPN and the alike, there will still be small leagues starting up in towns all over the world. How are is that unlike any other sport? Major league baseball, basketball, and football players are required to wear uniforms and play by the rules of their leagues. As would major league roller derby players. There are still small town leagues that play damn good ball that don't have to wear fancy maching uniforms and when they make a touchdown they can do a dance in the end zone if they wish. No body gives them any shit for being unsportsmanlike.

My point is there will be a place for everyone. When WFTDA makes those rules, those of you who are members will play along. Everyone else can still wear our underwear, have whatever names we want, play roller derby, and not be on TV. Perhaps eventually, there would be a natural progression of everyone else following as they have with stopping fighting and playing by all of WFTDA's other rules. Until then leave Pussy Dandruff alone!

I don't see this site as an opinion based site, I see it as informative and journalistic. If it was only opinions I could write an article about which derby teams are a bunch of jerk offs who I have no respect for and I think have no place in this sport...but I can't, and I would like to think it isn't because I'm not on a team that is covered frequently, but because this is a site meant to be informative, inspirational, and create open, civil, discussion and spark intelligent, meaningful debate about all derby, I mean that's why newspapers, magazines, and other journalistic writings have editors right? To make sure articles meet the standards of their publications. If someone really read over this article, unbiasedly, before posting it, it would have been glaringly apparent it was only going to inspire hatred and bickering, ONCE AGAIN, amongst the derby community. But let's be honest people, when aren't we bickering? Most of us spend just as much time trying to shove down people's throats how our way of doing things is better, then actually putting our skates where our...erm...fingers are and shutting the fuck up and playing derby. WFTDA/OSDA/RENEGADE/MADE/WORD/TXRD/BANKED/FLAT TRACK is better, the WFTDA needs to do this, the OSDA needs to do that, you're not real derby, I'm real derby, we need to do this to grow as a sport, you're doing this wrong, blah blah blah. I think even if this article was written in a way that would have in fact sparked conversation as to how to make our sport grow, and what role derby names will take part in derby years down the line, people would STILL, still find things to shit on, and bitch and moan, and insult people over, and sling mud, and just be assholes about it.

For every name, that could be taken offensive in ANY way, there will be someone who is made to feel uncomfortable, disgusted, and offended by it, regardless of how tame or offensive you personally think it is. If you want some regulation on derby names, among the group of people trying to get derby into the mainstream eye, I would talk to the WFTDA. However I don't think you all will have to worry as I am 99% sure if derby made it to that level, all participating skaters would use their real names. If you want to try to break derby into the mainstream while still maintaining it's "edgy" appeal, you won't. Too much has already been altered to make it appear more "professional". You can't have your cake and eat it too. Instead of trying to break through while maintaining derby's rough exterior, we have allowed changes to be made to our sport to fit more into the accepted mold of preexisting sports. There is nothing wrong with that, but that is the way it is. You either have to go all the way, or none of the way. You market derby as edgy, alternative, diy, rough and tumble or professional, clean cut, uniform, and appealing to the masses.

Beyond that, if you wanted to discus how some derby names that are vulgar and gross can be ONE of the reasons mainstream derby will have trouble growing and being accepted on the national sports level, then fine, talk about it by all means. I am positive that if you asked some of these people if you could site their derby names for use they would have said yes, as long as it was done in a respectful manner. But just because they have offensive names doesn't give us the right to slander them all over the internet. Yes they know their names are offensive. Yes they know they will sometimes catch shit for them, that is not the point. The point isn't "well you have a gross name so you should expect anyone in the derby community at any time to make you feel like shit about it." The point is that on one of the most popular, all encompassing derby sites that is linked to DNN which is a staple in the derby community and a place they have probably looked to many times, that they were judged, slandered, and made to feel like assholes by their peers, and it wasn't even to their faces. How can people really be surprised and even judgmental as to how the skaters called out are reacting. Mind you, I am not saying I agree or disagree with the way everyone handled themselves or argued their cases, but I am also not shocked the attacks got personal, as they themselves were personally attacked, over something that is special to all of us, our derby identities. Not saying it makes it right, just saying I can understand how it happened. People have the right to be angry, and while some of their comments may seem immature or invalid to their case, can anyone of you say that there hasn't been a time where you too were so angry you said something that didn't paint you in the best light? I think that while some of the comments were unreasonable, the general argument is solid. "This is my derby name, if you don't like it, don't look at it, let me do my thing and you do yours."

Again, why are people so concerned about how someone else's derby name effects their audience. THEIR leagues will deal with the issues that arise. Do you honestly think people haven't run into this before and had to deal with it? Maybe they don't have young nieces/daughters/sons/cousins who they have to explain them to. Maybe they are grown ass adults who don't have to explain their name to anyone. Maybe they are moms or dads or aunts or uncles who have kids that call them MOM or DAD, not Daddy Teddy Scumfuck or Auntie Genie Genocide (I have no ideas if those are real names so if their not taken and you want them feel free :-P). YOUR job is to stop worrying about what's wrong with everything else in this sport and worry about yourself and what will make you and your circle of skaters grow and succeed. I promise, you will be a lot happier and have more fun with derby when you stop concerning yourself with the business of others of making it a point to tell them YOUR opinion on EVERYTHING wrong in the world.

If derby is meant to get there, it will, even if some of us don't choose to play along with what the majority of WFTDA members and aspiring members think is the way derby should go. There are enough of you in the spotlight to overshadow anyone who would ever have any influence on changing the direction derby is heading in. But if it's going to get there, people need to have an open dialogue, people need to inspire productive discussions, and we can't attack each other and play the blame game. Someone said before do you think national sports syndicates want to see us arguing all the time? No, they want to the national organization representing the "mainstream" derby ideals to have their shit set and their members acting like professionals.

We aren't always going to agree. We aren't all going to agree with derby becoming more "professional". But, we have to understand and accept that just because a group of us want something, there is an entire part of the derby community that doesn't, but no matter what kind of derby you play, you still play roller derby, and we can give each other at least that much respect that we are all some how connect in this sport we all love and it will be a lot easier on all of us to at least be civil and save some semblance of unity. And yes that will include people who have names that disgust you and sicken you, and yes that includes people who don't play the kind of derby you do and who play possibly a type of derby you don't agree with. But believe when I tell you, if you at least have the respect to acknowledge that not everyone is going to do shit the way you think they should and that's ok, they love what they do, you love what you do, now SHUT UP, Fist Bump, and skate you will have fun with derby.

(sorry for any misspellings, I don't feel like going back and fixing it haha.)

My derby name is Boba Fatt and I realize how offensive that might be to some thanks to this article. First, Boba in Spanish is the feminine form of "clown," so I'm sorry to those that have coulrophobia. It could also mean to call someone stupid, so I apologize to everyone who's IQ is lower than my belt size.

Speaking of belt sizes, I apologize to those struggling with one of the following: binge eating disorder, body dysmorphic disorder, anorexia or bulimia nervosa or those struggling with anti-fat bias. My last name of 'Fatt' was not intended to remind you that every time you eat a crouton on your Caesar salad it's a TIME BOMB FOR YOUR THIGHS.

Last but certainly not least, the full name of 'Boba Fatt.' I will gladly commit hara-kiri if I reminded you of Jar Jar Binks, that not-Haley Joel Osment who played Anakin in EPI, or the fact that George Lucas neutered Han Solo when he made Greedo shoot first.

I ask for your absolution in this my derby family, but first I must confess that I am not without frayed nerves from this post: I find Ginger Snap EXTREMELY offensive.

See, I watched the movie "Ginger Snaps" 10 years ago and it was dire, soul crushing stuff. I mean, I love indie werewolf movies (i.e. Dog Soldiers), but this film was the equivalent of a Canadian Lifetime movie. Yes Mr. Screenplay writer guy, we get it. The lycanthropy is meant to represent a woman's puberty. But there was a mutilated dog in the beginning of that film and I cried like an angry baby. A fat, hungry, angry baby (sorry for those with fat children). I have since volunteered at No More Homeless Pets in Utah in order to help erase that memory and ensure that no dog is left in the streets to be mangled by a hysterical tween (sorry to those with a uterus since hysterical is derived from the Greek for 'uterus.').

Ginger, the fact is you claim to be looking ahead when your view expressed is myopic in delivery. "Icky name calling, " such as calling members of your derby family douchebags (and while you did not call anyone specifically one, your authorial intention in this article has been to specifically name people and point out their names are a problem in the sport, but not everyone's is) is just as dapocaginous as the actual "icky names" many find offensive. Your ragmatical accusations has not brought us closer as a community, but alienated those in your posting. Instead of saying, "you make us look bad," why not offer alternatives? Why not discuss the merits of using our real names as other athletes do, perhaps with a nickname similar to prizefighters? Why not offer anything that positively progresses this worthwhile idea instead of ranting? That's the article I want to read.

That fact is, this cacodoxy that was deemed appropriate for this forum only cements the idea that we are an amateur sport in its infancy. Until the people who officiate, play, AND report on the sport are as professional and insightful as those in "real sports," we'll remain in this state of novelty.

Wow. Fun reading! Can I join the party?

First, add me to the Lady Quebeam fan club. I know she's a little busy today, but that comment deserves a prize.

I think this conversation is important, not because of the small issue of vulgar derby names, but because of the larger issue of policing yourself and your league, and I think Snap shows her level of class by requesting that it not be censored.

Last, I'm a derby fan since the days when the only leagues were in Texas, Arizona and Wisconsin. I love the derby names, and I don't think an assumed name also assumes that a skater is not a serious athlete. The skaters I know are very serious athletes building seriously formidable teams and leagues with just the resources at hand, a ton of creativity, and sheer hard work. Women's roller derby is amazing.

One of the points of the original article was that derby leagues need to be mindful of their fans, and as a fan, I appreciate it. I've been around long enough that it doesn't faze me when I see the x-rated names. I wouldn't choose that kind of name, but I understand that everyone gets to choose where they draw that line, and I don't let it impact my enjoyment of the game. The bigger point in the article is that spectators also get to choose where they draw that line, and a smart derby league will try to build their fan base. A league with any sense of PR savvy at all will temper what happens in public to keep from driving away their reasonable fans. Not everyone who might otherwise buy a ticket and become a fan will think that angry punk vulgarity is hilariously entertaining. Sorry. That's the world we all live in, and the more mature folks in derby do care, up to a reasonable point, what their spectators experience. When I bring guests to bouts, I want them to see the amazing game, the conditioned (women!) athletes, the complex fast-paced strategy, and yes, the fun names and boutfits, or any of a dozen wonderful things to experience at a derby bout. It's so disappointing when they get stopped at the vulgar name on someone's back, or something in the program, and that's the first thing that a potential fan sees. If it turns them off, they'll never fully appreciate the cool stuff, and they're not coming back.

So, from a smart PR standpoint, your league does have an interest in what you choose for your name, because that's one of the first things that a new fan in this growing sport sees.

Would you tell your grandmother that was your derby name? Would you talk to your mother with that mouth? Yikes!

And as for gingersnap having no life...uh, yeah. Ok. And I am suzy hotrod's twin. Get real!

Perfect timing for this! My name-Lady Cuntessa-has been printed here in the Yukon's Sports Section by our very supportive reporter Tom Patrik who refuses to cencor my name despite influx of offended and confused sports section readers! http://www.yukon-news.com/sports/ Luckily I have not had to cencor my name as my leagues have been supportive- and I chose this name in the early days when ESPN wasnt part of the debate. Since you all are so interested! here goes my take on my name...Lady Cuntessa is a play on words intended to evoke images of contradictory behaviors. Being called a cunt is received as a powerful degrogatory insult brining feelings of shame and belittlement...whereas being called a lady is concidered positive and reenforces social norm that women should act with a certain dignity. I beleive by wearing the word cunt on my back and speaking openly about the emotional impact of the use othe the word cunt...it takes the power and the negative associations away from a term that is just another word for .....Vagina. <3

My problem with the whole name thing, is if you are going to (as a league) allow these kind of names, then don't permit all ages to attend your bouts and expect those skaters to be excluded from public events. Its very common for leagues to even advertise on their posters 10 and under free!!! and then have all kinds of exposure. and lets face it its not just names, there are still alot of adult themes like half hanging out panty hamsters, erotic dancing at the pivot line. Nothing makes me squirm in my seat more than two skaters grinding during a time out, while a five year old is watching eating his/her cotton candy. seriously.

As a coach of a Junior league, I can tell you the kids I coach have heard a couple of swears in their lives. When they hear a disgusting name, or finally get what one means, all they say is "wow, thats not really funny". As I cringe. I've heard them say things like "But don't they allow kids at their games?" When they hear one that is degrading to women they usually say things like "why would the women and men in that league allow that name?" followed by a confused...-I just lost some respect for the people I look up- kind of look. From the mouths of babes people.

Leagues need to take some responsibility and have the grapes to say NO.

Its not just yucky names either. There are equally as offensive names that I have heard (not sure if they are registered or not) RHEA TARD, WAR AMPED (a cute play on words from a guy named Warren using a well known organization that provides artificial limbs for children here in Canada's name) he thought it was HILARIOUS. Nothing like making light of the limbless children. so funny. I argued with our BOD which I was on and I got the whole "you can't censor people" spiel. You actually can censor people. Especially if you want to portray a certain image for your league. If you don't then allow whatever you want. Its not the people with the shitty name that should be saying "waaaaah they won't let my name on ESPN" It should be the league saying "wow were we dumb letting that one through".

Now I am about to offend all the Trailer Park people....

Trailer Trish

I am actually surprised that this topic has not opened up a whole slew of comments about other things in derby that can be offensive. Names are one thing, but why not bout-fits? Booty shorts that are TOO short or possibly with offensive slogans written across someones back side? I've seen some of those too...although my sense of humor tends to make me laugh instead of being offended.
What about coaches and players who use offensive language and gestures? Especially in a more family oriented bout. Granted I have seen them removed, but have made asses out of them selves as they left and left the crowd a little shocked at their behavior.

We could go even farther and talk about how players and inter-league drama causes the lack progression of the sport. Team splits, etc...
I come from an area where there are 3 roller derby leagues in an area with about a million people in it. In my humble opinion if people would have worked out differences for the betterment of the sport rather than split and cause issues for each other...derby in my neck of the woods could be outrageous by now.

I could go on, but I think you can catch my drift. Where do we draw the line?

While I agree with many points in the article I think calling people out by name was a cheap way to inject passion to a tired old conversation. I'd rather see an interesting new take on something I haven't already heard discussed a million times. You're a smart girl who is above this pandering.

You said you'd been playing for 8 years, but your post is kind of anonymous. There weren't that many of us around in 2003 that are still skating, and I thought all us old timers knew each other pretty well. So I'm dying to know who you are!

And, because I'm pathologically unable to NOT take a stand in an argument, even though I'm sort of on the fence about this one... I have to play devils advocate and defend gross-out names a little. The profanity does crack me up, it really does, though I tend to be a bit uptight about shit in real life. I am with Hurt that I don't think anyone is fooled about who takes this sport seriously regardless of how profane their name is. And profanity is a great way to poke fun at some of the parts about "real" sports that gross me out. Our profanity might be preventing us from becoming money-hungry jerks driven by profit and led to sell out to the highest bidder. Maybe by being so profane we're not family friendly... we're also not MOR - middle of the road...

I'm happy to see Gotham (or any team that wants to) be the Green Day of derby that sells out stadiums because your team rules and deserves the fame you've achieved. I am sorry I can't think of another popular punk band that's actually pretty good... But I'm also happy that there are plenty of underground bands that scream "FUCK" and have rude names and I get to see them with 4 of my friends and don't have to fight a huge crowd to do it. I think there is room for the works.

PS Kids think my name is hilarious because spankings aren't sexual to them. Why would anyone want one? :)

Ivanna S. Pankin

I go by my real name (my last name only, but real name whatsoever) so i dont see why you would be sad for someone going with their real name if they like it? its their own choice. it isnt offensive, its just a personal choice.
so could you explain why people like me that use their real names make you sad?

I just don't see what the big deal is, but then I don't understand why we censor so much of our lives. It is funny, it's not like they're seriously telling you they have a scabby cunt or a massive cock. They're just making names comedic. So maybe if their shirts were censored (ie Scabby C*nt, or Massive C*ck) when they were made, the comedic value would still get across, but it makes them more media friendly.
I don't think we all have to be so ridiculously offended by these names. In fact I think it's a bit foolish to get upset about it. Our names belong to us, we chose them and we love them. Instead of getting upset, figure out an easy solution to the problem, especially if censorship is so important to some people.

Ok, I've read through all the comments here, albeit way after the fact, and I understand both sides of the argument(s). I agree with parts of both sides, and disagree with parts of both sides, but my comment will concentrate on one person's name (other than my own).

A lot of comments are focusing on Ray Pugh's name, claiming it references rape. I don't think that was the gentleman's intention at all (and no, I don't know him), it just happens to be the way the name sounds when pronounced fast by an announcer at a bout.

So, a suggestion. Pronounce it either in the Irish Gaelic fashion (where the "gh" sounds like a "ck," that would be "Puck," which actually might be more offensive to some people when spoken quickly, now that I think about it), or pronounce it phonetically (where the "gh" sounds like an "f," that would be "Puf") (you know: ghoti = fish).

And if you were really reaching, you could add my derby name to list of offensive names (The Box Officer). Even though it reflects exactly what I do in my league (I run the Box Office and sell the tickets at our bouts), it could be interpreted as lewd and offensive to someone. I was awarded the name at my first Support Committee meeting back in 2006, when I joined my league as a volunteer, and it didn't occur to me that it was anything other than a statement of what I did. Hell, it took me a good two hours to make the connection, it was so obscure!

So, what I think I'm trying to say is, it doesn't matter what your derby name is - someone, somewhere may find it offensive. That's life in the Big Ten, and there isn't much that can be done about it without annoying someone.

Later,

Boxy