Derby Names: Not Ready for Prime Time

by Ginger Snap September 12, 2011 - 3:18pm

Back in the day, derby names were supposed to be fun and quirky. Fun – remember when derby was fun? Names were simply a clever twist on normal sports nicknames - not an opportunity to tell the world how much you love pot or Jager. Not a chance to tell us how big your wiener is or that you want to rip a girl apart with it. Seriously, boys and girls…

These days, there’s another issue. For a few years now there’s been a push for stricter codes of conduct in referee dress, names and so forth. I totally agree with the push. You can’t expect a crowd (or even a skater) to take officials seriously when they are dressed like clowns or have misogynistic or offensive names. It makes the sport look stupid.

And let’s take this a step further, shall we? For 2012 big 5 tournaments, refs and officials can't wear league affiliation on their uniforms. All officials must wear black shorts. All ref shirts must have vertical stripes of set width. All officials can’t blah blah or yadda yadda. So refs are starting to hold themselves to a higher standard than before. Yay. But … skaters can still skate out there wearing nearly whatever they want. With names like “Fist Fucker.”

But remember what we at WFTDA always say - the skaters are in charge. We lead the way – we dictate where the sport goes, not the refs. So…we want to take this sport to the next level? We want to be on ESPN? We want to be in the Olympics?

How do you think we are going to get there with names like “Clitler” and do you think FoxSports is going to want to touch us when they hear that a skater’s name will always have to be censored like we’ve already seen with “Clitty Clitty Bang Bang?”

I’d love to tell the ref who goes by the name Reffhypnol that I think his name is offensive and inappropriate -- but right there on twoevils.org there’s a “Rose Hypnol”? A date rape drug is not a cute and quirky name folks.

I spent 5 years as a WFTDA Marketing and PR rep. I’m the President of a league in the biggest media market in the country and this issue goes right to the nugget of "what are derby's goals" and "who is derby for?” If the answer is "derby is for the skaters" then this article is probably overstepping but I don’t care because some of your names are just gross - face it.

But if we want to take it to the next level it’s hard to justify these names. These names say that we don’t take our own sport seriously enough even to be PG-13 and accessible to all the aspiring junior derby girls – our little derby sisters – out there. It takes a village, people.

And if this sport is just for us, one specific point I want to make is this: I’ve seen some skaters with similarly offensive names starting petitions to “get us into the Olympics” and bemoaning the fact that ESPN likes professional dominos more than us. Our games airing on prime time of ESPN-bajillion is just not going to happen when we have skaters named “Raging Cock,” let alone refs named “Pat McCrotch.”

It’s like some of you drew George Carlin’s “seven dirty words” from a hat and made as many names as possible with them. “Shitbird,” “Bear Lee Giveashit” and “ShitShow Shocker.” Congrats – everyone knows you know another word for poop now. Welcome to the fourth grade.

Let’s hear it for the F-bomb squad, featuring “Fu-Quinn Hell,” “Pho Kyu,” “Fuchs U Up” and the (now retired) “Chainsaw Guts Fuck.” Why beat around the bush when picking the most offensive name possible? Just go for it!

Oh and speaking of bushes, there’s also “Cuntasaurus Wrecks,” "Smasher Indacunt,” and “Fingaz Feltersnatch” skating around somewhere out there. And to show pride for your homeland, one of you chose “Mexicunt.” Viva la CLASS! For the “hygiene” award, I’m torn between “Beast Infection,” “Pussy Dandruff” and “Scabby Gash.” Is anyone else out there feeling itchy? Then there’s “Clitorisaurus Rex” – what a name. “Clitastrophe!” (Oh wait, that’s taken too.)

Then there's just Clitoris. Clitoris. That's it. Which is downright refreshing in comparison to a recent addition on twoevils: Cunty McTaintStain.

Cunty McTaintStain.

It’s a registered name, people. Go look it up on twoevils. I'll wait. It’ll give me time to rinse my brain out with Goldschläger and acetone. Of course, it's registered as an "independent" non-league affiliated name, so it might be some awesome person trying to make a point, and for that I would applaud them. But still...

OH! Merby dudes ain’t any better. Want to be taken more seriously than just the ladies’ halftime act? Stop taking names like Ray Pugh (pronounced "RapeYou"), Calkin Balls and Buster Muffinhalf. (P.S. – way to GO Magic City for the trifecta!)

So, do I think refs should act in a more professional manner? Yes absolutely. Especially if their names are Pat Smear Dribblin, Barry McCaulkener, Dixon Syder, Buster Hymen, Grab'er Snatch, Turner Over, Sheik Shitheade or Liquor Muffin. You guys. “But wah wah wah don’t try and censor my creativity! “But the names are supposed to be fun! You are spoiling my fun! You’re a name Nazi! You are cramping my individuality! I have the right to take any name I damn well please!”

Yah – you do. But don’t come whining to me or complaining that you’re not being paid to skate when a network doesn’t want to air a game where a player’s name is “Sally Scumfuck” (yep.) “Why aren’t we in the Olympics?!” Well one reason could end up being that we have people taking names like “Baby Fuck Off.”

Wait - what?

Yes. There’s someone named “Baby Fuck Off.”

Don’t be douchebags, derby nation. Lead by example. Take responsibility for your sport, your audience and yourselves. No matter who the sport is for – our current derby family or a bigger, future sporting incarnation, you make the rest of us look bad with your icky names. That’s the dirtiest, filthiest truth of all – no matter what you name it.

Section(s): 
Columns
What Grinds My Gears

Comments

Submitted by Malice Munro on September 14, 2011 - 8:13am

Thanks for this article...I love derby names and it makes me sad when people decide to go with real names 'for the sport', so it's interesting and refreshing to see the argument from someone who is still using a derby name that's sassy but not vulgar.

Submitted by lady quebeaum on September 14, 2011 - 9:27am

Cunty McTaintStain?!?

Thank you for researching this so none of us had to. Wow.

Submitted by fingaz feltersnatch on September 15, 2011 - 2:19am

and just why would any of us have to? who cares enough? oh yeah, somebody with no effin life such as gingersnap

Submitted by speedingwaif on September 14, 2011 - 9:50am

This article is just one of many addressing the giant question mark hanging over the derby community the past year or two. What is the future of derby? Do we stay true to our roots, thumbing our noses at traditional sports, not taking ourselves too seriously, and maintaining a punk rock DIY sensibility? Or do we "go pro" and shoot for the Olympics, ESPN, and making our sport acceptable to mainstream red state Americans? Some people love derby names, especially the dirty ones. Some skaters and fans love derby because it's not hockey or football or volleyball. It has some showmanship and personality and good old fashioned "fuck you!" in the defiant, subcultural kind of way. Some people would rather have a teammate called Chainsaw Guts Fuck than be in the Olympics.

But, a lot of skaters like Ginger Snap want to see derby respected as a "real" sport. Real sports don't push cultural boundaries. Real sports are supposed to be safely apolitical. You can talk about sports with anyone without risk of offense, like talking about the weather.

The WFTDA seems to be heading in the direction of mainstream acceptance. I anticipate a derby name policy eliminating lewd and profane words and double entendres for chartered team skaters. The ESPN coverage will come, maybe even the Olympics some day. That's a damn bright spotlight and no place for a real punk. I think the Chainsaw Guts Fucks of the derby world will still be out there. They'll just have to go back underground.

Submitted by Kitty Jager on September 15, 2011 - 7:46pm

"Real sports don't push cultural boundaries. Real sports are supposed to be safely apolitical. You can talk about sports with anyone without risk of offense, like talking about the weather. Real sports don't push cultural boundaries. Real sports are supposed to be safely apolitical. You can talk about sports with anyone without risk of offense, like talking about the weather."

Sports (all sports) have always pushed the boundaries. Some groups even have utilized them to push the boundaries. Look at the integrating of blacks into teams, or women to even have teams in some sports, gays playing their sport openly. Or even communist countries playing against 'democratic' countries. Realistically we are quite a-ways a way from the Olympics. We are breaking the first (now) cardinal rule of discrimination based on gender. There are far more people that have a problem with MRDA then a few off-color names. If/when the sport makes it to the Olympics it is far more likely the names will be allowed as nicknames or player personas. There are several Olympians that were mostly known as their nickname, such as "The Shark" or "Hurricane".
Of course my view could be colored by the fact I reff under the name Kitty Jager. But I have never felt a lack of being taken seriously due to my derby name.

Submitted by vicorp on September 14, 2011 - 9:55am

You made serveral good points here. However, I will admit I had to stop a couple of times and laugh like I was 8 or 9 yrs old when reading it. When you take the most borderline (and sometime over the border) names and put them all together it seems pretty bad. A lot of leagues are trying to reign in such names specifically because it causes problems when trying to attract sponsors.

Using fake names was part of the problem with the XFL, aside from the fact it was a badly done. How many people took it seriously after they saw someone named "He Hate Me"? Anyone? Now derby isn't trying to compete with an already established sports leauge. Derby is doing derby for themselves. But if derby is going to take that next step either names are going to have to be more friendly to the general public or players will have to go to using their real names. BTW, who wants to bet they don't announce Fist Fucker's full name during the Derby World Cup and just call her Fisty?

Submitted by shatterly on September 14, 2011 - 10:09am

I LOVED this! I was having a very similar conversation last night with my husband watching ECDX bouts. Sometimes gross=clever, but a lot of times gross is just gross.

Submitted by brawlingbarista on September 14, 2011 - 10:39am

i loved this article. i've been saying this for years! every time i meet someone with a totally messed up name i cringe.

Submitted by SKabs on September 14, 2011 - 12:40pm

Just a friendly reminder that there are offensive names of some mainstream sports teams still out there - the Washington Redskins come to mind :)
~SKabs

Submitted by Headless on September 14, 2011 - 1:54pm

Yes, sometimes the gross can be clever, and sometimes the gross is just gross. Where things really crossed the line for me is that someone out there has a RAPE-themed name. Seriously? I'm sorry, but that's digusting on a completely different level.

Submitted by fingaz feltersnatch on September 15, 2011 - 2:23am

said by headless!! does that mean you are going to kill somebody? or that you already have? or that you just dont use your head to think! you could be a serial killer if we all jump to conclusions! big fucking deal----- RAY PUGH! hide your kids, hide your wife.....

Submitted by Duncan Disorderly on September 14, 2011 - 3:22pm

'Rose Hypnol' no longer uses that name (for precisely the reasons you outline, as far as I am aware). She is now exclusively and officially 'Hyps', although her old name is still registered at Twoevils.

Submitted by Meg Gyver on September 14, 2011 - 3:51pm

Every time this discussion comes up, I get really perturbed. I can understand if people have a problem with names like "Beast Infection" or "Clitorisaurus Rex," but wouldn't it be pretty crappy if we as a sport say, "Hey! We're ok with names that are violent pro-illegal activity names like "Robin Drugstores" and names that idolize violent sociopathic criminals "Val Capone" - but as soon as it says anything about a woman's body that's too far!" I remember when roller derby seemed to stand for something. Now it just seems to stand for "How much exposure can we get and how much money can we make?"

Submitted by deeppsyxdarma on September 15, 2011 - 8:01pm

I don't normally respond to this sort of thing. But I felt compelled to give my 2 cents. I'm just a small down rec team skater. However I shall move forward. I agree with this statement.>>>>>>>Now it just seems to stand for "How much exposure can we get and how much money can we make" I would expand on it a tad bit more... "Exposure" coupled with "Reaction" .

I sure hope that Professional and Olympic skaters are (and will be) more concerned about the "game" versus having their "Derby Name" read, announced or listed. That's what your number is for! Damn if I was good enough to play at that level I'd get off my high horse and just be thrilled to even BE there..much less bitch and moan about censoring.

Submitted by Drugs on June 25, 2012 - 12:36pm

A. Robin Drugstores aka Drugs aka retired skater, Andrea here.. B. Derby used to be really fun when I played. There was nothing as fun as seeing how clever people could be with their derby names. I love plays on words. I also love making fun of ridiculous names that skater have now, which make no sense. Maybe I just don't get the joke. C. Violent pro-illegal activity? That is absurd. But, you have no idea who I am (obviously), no idea where I come from and no idea what I've done. Perhaps the name is true to life. Maybe there was something special in that name for me when I came up with it. Do you have any clue? It is not violent to rob a drugstore unless you are armed and dangerous (isn't that a derby name somewhere?) Haven't you ever taken mascara, nail polish, eyeliner, pack of gum, etc. and placed it in your purse when no one was looking? (maybe in your case, you made a bomb out of it.) That would be robbing a drugstore as well. Anyway, point is that even though this article is almost a year old, don't hate, "Meg Gyver." Your name is just plain retarded. So settle down and do some research into why people pick their names. Are you in love with the show McGyver? I lived through the years it was shown on prime time T.V. and that show was retarded too. Yes, I am also politically incorrect in using such words as "retarded."
Much love to derby and great fun names...(we'll never be an Olympic sport, at least not in any of our skating lifetimes, ridiculous names or not)
Robin Drugstores-true to life forever

Submitted by Ginger Snap on September 14, 2011 - 4:07pm

I've been informed that Ray Pugh now goes by just Mr. Pugh - his real last name.

And I'm so glad people are responding with such smart and thoughtful comments. The names are just a footnote in the giant question of where derby is going next. Where do you want to see it go and how do we get there? That's the main question.

Submitted by fingaz feltersnatch on September 15, 2011 - 2:26am

get your facts straight.... pugh is not his last name! not even close. & in some cases, he is referred to as mr. pugh first name ray because most idiots dont get it!

Submitted by Swede Hurt on September 14, 2011 - 4:21pm

Great article Snap, several points !

Submitted by Swede Hurt on September 14, 2011 - 4:24pm

and Team Sweden have asked FistFucker to skate under the name Fisty during the World Cup

Submitted by mistymills on September 14, 2011 - 4:34pm

I'm glad I have a G-rated name (Little Ref Riding Hood). If only because it doesn't embarrass me when my 10-year-old nephew runs around screaming it.

Submitted by evie mcskeevy on September 14, 2011 - 4:42pm

The thing that bothers me most about misogynist names being used by male skaters/refs is the privilege involved. Joining a predominately female sport and using a name that references forms of violence used to repress women? Rape isn't fucking funny and neither is domestic violence.

Submitted by beertester on September 15, 2011 - 12:37pm

and both can and do get used against males as well

Submitted by Bratty Duke on September 15, 2011 - 12:45pm

In my opinion, having MALE refs with names that are violent/insulting to or objectifying women just propogate the stigma that women are weaker than men. Call double standard all you want, but a man VS a woman calling themselves "cunt puncher" is COMPLETELY different.

Submitted by RazorDeRockefeller on September 15, 2011 - 1:06pm

I feel as though it's only different because people WANT to make it different. I don't just skate with male refs, I am on a co-ed team. A man or a woman named cunt puncher would be exactly the same in my mind. We can preach about equality all we want, but it's all or nothing. You can't claim that we are all the same and men and woman are equal, and then on some issues turn around and say, but men can't do that. It's your personal opinion, and what makes you feel weird is what makes you feel weird and no one is going to change that nor should they, but at the end of the day they are just WORDS, and yes words are powerful, but only IF and WHEN you give them power.

Submitted by Angry Inch on September 14, 2011 - 4:47pm

The points here would be less hypocritical and better taken from someone whose derby name wasn't slang for "firecrotch."

Just sayin'.

Submitted by Thighs on September 14, 2011 - 6:05pm

Actually, I think you're thinking of SNATCH, Angry Inch. Ginger Snaps are delicious cookies.

I loved this article - I really don't give a crap what your name is, but when it's announced on a PA before an audience that includes young girls, it pisses me off. "Ladies & Gentlemen, Anita Fingerbang!" - not good.

Submitted by Angry Inch on September 14, 2011 - 10:22pm

No, actually, I know what I was thinking of. Bottle redhead for 5 years + non-bottle freckles all my life = heard every reference to matching curtains/carpet out there. :)

Submitted by chrome molly on September 14, 2011 - 11:06pm

I dated a redhead (by birth) and a ginger snap will always be a cookie to me. Mmm... cookies.

Submitted by Ginger Snap on September 14, 2011 - 4:56pm

Ginger Snaps are cookies. I guess dirty names are in the eye of the beholder.

Submitted by isabelle_ringer on September 14, 2011 - 5:04pm

I couldn't agree more.

Submitted by Tara Armov on September 14, 2011 - 5:08pm

I still love derby names in general when they're clever and funny. The overtly sexual/scatalogical? Not so much, for mainly the Big Picture reasons stated above.

I'm very glad I was able to participate in modern DIY derby from almost the start, skate name, team themes, goofy outfits and all. ESPN and the Olympics never interested me, so taking a more cultural bend to derby as a sport was just up my alley.

As for Ginger Snap's alleged slang, wouldn't she have named herself Ginger Snatch if she was going the firecrotch route?

Submitted by Angry Inch on September 14, 2011 - 5:55pm

Ginger Snap is a pretty common double entendre, especially among redheads and people who date them. Heard it a lot when I was a "bottle ginger."

Submitted by Poobah on September 14, 2011 - 11:06pm

I've never interpreted it that way, though I suppose someone could if they were really reaching.

It's a fairly well-known story that Ginger got her name because she fell and broke a wrist at her first practice. Do a Google search on "Ginger Snap Gotham Girls" and you'll probably find a half dozen links explaining it.

Her name always makes me think of the cookies we has as snacks at diabetes camp from my childhood. Her name and Lorna Doom's.

Submitted by Tara Armov on September 15, 2011 - 12:28am

This redhead never heard that particular double entendre. Must be a not-in-California or you-probably-shouldn't-say-that-to-the-redheads-skating-derby thing.

Submitted by Beck Wise on September 15, 2011 - 12:34am

... about ginger nuts to an ex-boyfriend of mine, but I thought I made those jokes up. It was a wasted effort, anyway, because the reference was lost on him - I guess they don't have those biscuits in New Zealand, or something. Kinda like this ginger snap reference is lost on me.

Submitted by Angry Inch on September 15, 2011 - 12:44pm

I guess our experiences are different. That doesn't make mine less valid than yours. But this thread is all about people thinking their opinions are more valid than others' because of how long they've been around, what league they skate for and how much exposure they get, etc., so your reaction is to be expected.

As someone else put it below, be the change you want to see in the world. Want to be seen as "legitimate" athletes? Then lose the fake names, the makeup, the showboating intros, the boutfits, the afterparty culture, and whatever else and just play the damn game. Then derby will be no different from any other sport. (It will also lose much of what makes it appeal to people in the first place, but who cares?) Those who disagree will always be around, no matter how much you dislike it or see them as sabotaging your efforts to be taken seriously.

Submitted by mcmstreak19 on September 14, 2011 - 5:09pm

As the Captain of Magic City Misfits I will be the first to tell you when we started in late 2009 we honestly didnt even know anything about this amazing game let alone take it seriously. That being the case I put no restrictions on names, Funnier the better. now shortly after our first season was completed we sat down and decided if were we doing this for the hell of it or did we want to make our selves a serious contender which in turn meant taking everything serious including names.

That being said We now only retain our names for Home vs Home games with censored named, we removed all names from our jerseys and censored the offensive for anouncers I.E. Cockness monster = bigest man in the building , Buster muffinhalf=Buster,I Ray Pugh= Mr pugh his last name, Calkin balls stays as is its a small play on words his last name is Calkins, Just the Tip= funny non offensive ,Girth Brooks= funny non offensive then Streak, Powder, Duke Jewkem= he is jewish, Zamboni, Pop a Lot = its a Dance reference not an old luke album.

Long story short we do want derby to be taken serious and to the next level and on a personal side we have made strides to address this issue rather then rebel against it.

I know we are not the only offenders but im sure we HAD the most concentrated amount of them.Sorry to anyone we offended .

Streak

Submitted by kingjames on September 15, 2011 - 9:22am

I remember when we went to Nashville and I met their head coach "Master Bates". When I told him my derby name was King James he commented that he had never met a male in derby who's name did not involve a penis or some sort of power/domination. I think he was right.

That said, I can't help but find a lot of the offensive names funny. One of my favorites is Boondock Taint from Jacksonville. At the same time, I completely recognize that the names will likely be moved behind the curtain in the coming years. More and more skaters are not taking derby names, and a few teams don't display them. I think this is a growing trend (though I have no data to support it)

Submitted by fifinomenon on September 14, 2011 - 5:13pm

Funny to see this article now. I have no problems with some names that are sexually suggestive if they're funny or clever. The gross ones I'm not so into, but that might just be my sense of decorum vs. someone else's. However, a few months ago I saw a ref named BruiseHer Bare and it really rubbed me the wrong way. It's slightly less rapey than Ray Pugh, but only slightly. Maybe it's just a rough sex joke, but still, here's a figure of authority with a name that is aggressively rough towards women in a women's sport and I did not approve. It's been bugging me ever since. I'd like to think that there are names that can still have a sexual bent to them that you wouldn't be worried if a child saw. We're sexual creatures, even if our society is a little overly sexually censored. But I do not want to explain "BruiseHer Bare" to my nieces.

Now, as for the future of derby, having silly names in general, no matter what they are, is slightly less than Olympic. I like how Denver's Mile High Club plays by their real names nationally even though they all have derby names. I kinda think that's how derby will go if it goes pro.

Submitted by Crashanova on September 14, 2011 - 5:28pm

It sounds like you're trying to put Roller Derby in a box in which it will not fit. The sport is diverse enough to support the athletes and officials that want to take it seriously as well as the recreational skaters that just want attention. I happen to know the three skaters you mentioned from Magic City. It is unfortunate that they are judged by their names and not the superior ability they possess. Do you think Derby is ready to be rebranded? I don't. Name one "real sport" where refs are introduced and wear their names on their backs. I wish you would use your brilliant mind to campaign against some of the bigger issues that hinder the progress of our sport. Like elitism, territorialism, sexism, and an unrealistic business model.

~Crash<3

Submitted by Rose Hypnol on September 14, 2011 - 5:50pm

however I have never, for a tiny second thought that date rape was 'cute or quirky'. I liked the idea of subverting something misogynistic, taking the power out of the word, refusing to be afraid or stamped on by it.(Also, my in real life name is Ruthie and in the UK we enjoy puns) As it goes, I am now a teacher and have stopped skating under my full name as it became apparent that people may not fully understand the idea of subversion. I actually met you at Roll Britannia in 2009 and my name didn't seem to offend you then. On a separate note you talk about not being shown on Fox. Do we really want to be associated with a network who have had 'Terror' as a subheading next to 'Entertainment'? My name no more glamorises date rape than the thousands of other derby names glamorise murder and other violent crime.

Submitted by Hurt Reynolds on September 14, 2011 - 5:58pm

At least to my mind, suggestive = funny. Explicit = not funny.

I *love* derby names, and I take an even more liberal stance than Snap on other cultural areas. For example, I totally disagree that officials with novelty elements to their garb undercut the seriousness of the game. Late era classic derby used traditional striped-shirt referee outfits; pro wrestling does to this day. Nobody's fooled.

Today's sports and entertainment consumer is sophisticated enough to look past the presentation elements and, instead, make their evaluation based on performance. It's perfectly obvious enough if a referee is earnestly calling the game to the prescribed ruleset, bunny suit or not. Let's please keep the derby in derby!

Back to names -- try out the standard I've proposed against some real-world derby names and see how it works for you. Can you find one where a name that's merely suggestive, but that you think doesn't belong in the program for a public, all-ages bout audience? Alternately, one that's explicit, but that you think deserves a place in the public?

Here's a specific application: Streak, I appreciate the efforts you've described MCM as taking, but (for example) when spoken, "Cock and Balls" is still explicit. I think there's probably some room to move, still.

Submitted by mcmstreak19 on September 14, 2011 - 6:08pm

I can respect that

Submitted by Grace Killy on September 15, 2011 - 3:49pm

I think that the overall fallacy here is the presumption that free speech = speech without consequences. What Gingersnap is pointing out is that while we have the freedom to take any name we want, as vulgar or gross or supportive of violence, we also have to recognize that there are consequences to those decisions. One significant one is that the FCC will not let our names be spoken over the federally regulated air waves. This also plays into a debate that my husband and I have nearly once a month. "Is the Stripper taking advantage of the men who chose to shove dollar bills into her g string for doing little more than being willing to take off her clothes, or is she participating in the denigration of the gender on a wholesale level, whether she thinks she's made an educated and informed choice to make her living in this way?" Does a derby name that tackles a concept like rape, or violence or vulgarities "take back" the concept for the benefit of the strong woman or man behind the name, or does it feed, intentionally or not, into the stereotypes, and objectification of those who have experienced those things or fit in a category of people who are likely to experience those things.

Now personally I don't care if you want to be Eff You McRapes-A-Lot, but to scream foul at the fact that another may find that offensive (whether you meant it to be offensive or a 'taking back' of the concept') or get mad that some announcer will chose not to speak it on air, or to claim personal attack when someone tells you that you won't get on ESPN with that name is a total lack of understanding that there are consequences for actions. If I chose to have a name that has the connotations that have been discussed, I have to accept that these things will come up. Some people will think I mean it, even if I don't, some people will be offended and hate it, and that is their right to express that to me as much as it's mine to have the name.

Just like Ginger understood that there would be people who took offense to her pointing out the names that were unacceptable according to FCC regulations, whether she intended to personally attack anyone or not, we need to understand that there are consequences to the decisions we make, and if we don't like being called vulgar, or people thinking we meant it the they way they think you did then you need to make a different decision. If you really don't give a shit what other people thing, then awesome, good for you and stop demanding your right to free speech and unfettered decision making while complaining so bitterly about the resulting response to your free speech.

I'll leave you with this:
You can certainly call yourself Slutty McSlutterson but you also have to accept that there are consequences for doing so. Oh, and feel free, I checked. Neither of my awesome example names are used. Snatch them right up.

Anna Krajcik

Submitted by Swede Hurt on September 14, 2011 - 6:18pm

I am just really happy with my name being what it is... I don't in any way mind derby names - I think it is nice and corky... but sometimes taste level is really in question - and it is sort of hard to ask for sponsors for a national team when you have skaters with VERY explicit names - and also I have sisters that are 9 and 5 and I am not thrilled to explain some names to them... thankfully - right now their English is not that great....

Submitted by MelloJoe on September 14, 2011 - 6:20pm

As part of (as far as I know) the only ESPN roller derby broadcast team, Latenight Lyle and myself have chosen not to announce some names as they appear on the rosters. We really don't have a choice, as reading them would result in an FCC fine and loss of our broadcast (and the end of a wonderful broadcasting career). We often shorten dirty names to the cleaner half of the name. Even before we were broadcasting on ESPN radio, as in-house announcers we have worked with a referee whom we refused to introduce because his name included the word "cunt," much to the disgust of the women skating that evening. As the sport continues to grow, I believe that the quirky names will be yet another footnote in the long, storied derby history. Not that we don't love them, even (most of) the dirty ones. They will be missed when they are gone, but for our sport to continue to grow, dirty names have got to go.

Submitted by Spikey Blows-Whales on September 14, 2011 - 6:21pm

I pretty much agree with this article. skaters picking names just to be dirty and gross I don't get. However, when it's a play off someone's last name then I think it deserves a pass. That's being creative.
Calkinballs didn't pick his derby name because he thought it would be dirty and funny, he picked it because his last name is "Calkins". That's a name that initially I thought was immature, but once I knew the idea behind it I thought it was pretty clever.

Same goes for my derby name. Luckily i'm not a big time derby skater, but I get asked about my name practically every bout. Sorry to disappoint, but I do not enjoy sexual relations with ocean mammals. Rather, it's a play on my last name.... a name I got picked on for having during grade school. What a better way to deal with that than embrace it?

If it ever comes down to skating with our real names, well.......... I'm still going to end up being J. Blows-Whales ;)

Submitted by Dixon Syder on September 14, 2011 - 6:30pm

I have toyed with changing my derby name since about February of this past year. With protest from several friends and acquaintances in the derby community I kept my name. My name is pretty innocuous to look at...only once said out loud it sounds naughty. For TV and radio interviews I am simply Dixon. I also have gone as far as making up a "CENSORED" patch for my ref jersey for those areas that are a little more sensitive to risque names.

Anyway, at this point in time derby is still "underground", and until such time that is does go more mainstream players and refs are going to have fun with their names. While I agree that out right vulgarity should be curbed but don't paint all of us with the same brush.

Submitted by Ginger Snap on September 14, 2011 - 7:05pm

Not to toot my own horn (That's DIRTY Snap!) but Gotham gets a ton of high profile exposure and we aren't the only ones. Gotham is on TV 5 nights a week. We are written about in the NY Times, the Wall Street Journal, ESPN Magazine, etc. A video game with skaters specifcally featured? A friggin' World Cup!? It's only going to get bigger. I've been at the helm of this ship that's hurtling toward these new opportunities for quite some time. Call those "opportunities" iceburgs or not. We are already noticed - it's now up to us as to how we want to be noticed.

Submitted by Slammylou Harris on September 14, 2011 - 7:16pm

"We are already noticed - it's now up to us as to how we want to be noticed."

+1

Submitted by Dixon Syder on September 14, 2011 - 7:21pm

Derby up in our poor old neck of the woods is still very underground. We don't gots us the flashy coverage that some of you big city slickers get down there south of the border.

PS I would be one of the first ones to change my name if it ever needed to be. Until then I will live with being offensive.

Submitted by AlphaQUp719 on September 14, 2011 - 6:33pm

So much for my name :-/

Submitted by Ginger Snap on September 14, 2011 - 6:39pm

Crash - an unrealistic business model? As it stands right now - totally!

That's one of my points. And even though this is a small blog and this article is just a small op ed piece, I do feel like I'm fighting for something bigger. The name issue strikes at the very heart of the bigger picture of "where do we want derby to go and what are we going to have to do to get it there?" I've been at the heart of that conversation locally with Gotham and inter/nationally with WFTDA. It's something that's bigger than big to me since, like so many of us, derby is now my life. I want to know where my life is going to end up in 10 years.

All that said, gross names are just gross and they are hard to explain to derby brats and grandmothers.

Keep the great feedback coming!

Submitted by Crashanova on September 14, 2011 - 8:49pm

I agree with your perspective I just don't agree with the fervor in which you express it. I don't think addressing an individuals aesthetic maturity is a proactive approach to change. Especially when this issue doesn't apply to any of the leaders I know. My point is derby has greater problems than censorship. I think that addressing an individuals operational accountability is a greater platform for starting a stronger "big picture" campaign. I have witnessed several leagues all over the nation struggle with debilitating members. I think that is one of the biggest aspects that cripples our sport.

I would love to read your thoughts on operational accountability some day but to get back to the topic at hand I don't think skater names will be an issue 10 years from now. I don't take someone seriously if they don't take themselves seriously. I am thankful that we have plenty of strong leaders that set a good example for anyone who chooses to follow them.

Submitted by beertester on September 14, 2011 - 6:54pm

that has got to be the most depressing article i have ever read, so just to answer about roller derby and the olympics, firstly i hope we don't ever sell out to this corrupt organisation and secondly if roller derby did get in you would all have to skate under your real names anyway so that's that argument shot down, as for espn, i equally could not give a flying ....... i watch derby live and have little interest in watching it on tv

Submitted by Jolly Dodge-Her on September 14, 2011 - 7:01pm

It is a personal choice to name your derby persona something vulgar. I may not agree with it but, it's still a free country. I also subscribe to the belief that, if no one makes a big deal about it (in this case, dumbass names), then it won't be a big deal. I agree with the poster above that, if derby hits the Olympics, we'd all be skating under our legal names.

Submitted by Poobah on September 14, 2011 - 10:50pm

When we're playing in the Olympics, we won't need airline sponsors, because we can all just ride the flying pigs to the city where the games are being held. Team Canada can ice skate to China through the center of the Earth with hell frozen over, eh?

Submitted by scheisse_minnelli on September 14, 2011 - 8:51pm

Ginger - I know you're talking about obscene names specifically, but I'm wondering - have you considered dropping your derby name?

Submitted by Ginger Snap on September 14, 2011 - 9:50pm

Never considered dropping it because I've never been pressed to. The "what if's" of dropping it are too many to even address really. Team decisions, a great partnership with a cool network or venue where I'd get paid to skate, etc. Sure - there are plenty of reasons why I'd go by Blair.

That might sound like I'm selling out but I just want to skate. That and write articles that get people all squinky.

Maybe I'm naive but derby has made so many other unconventional (even revolutionary) things work and work well. Maybe there's a way we can keep the names and still grow into the next phase of our evolution. The XFL couldn't make the names work but perhaps that doesn't mean we can't. Who knows. But I believe that we aren't going to find that balance with the ickiest of icky names hanging over us. Names that not even our own community finds appropriate.

Submitted by R. Pugh on September 14, 2011 - 9:34pm

Before i start id just like you all to know this is meant to be informative, not in any way an argument. First, my last name is not, has never been and never will be Pugh. Second, my Derby name "Ray Pugh" was never meant to be slanderous or offensive to women, after all, as amazing as i think every one of you ladies are, i don't play on a womens team. It was more so meant to be a psychological joke aimed towards the men i share the track with. I'm sure many of you ladies have boyfriends, possibly even some girlfriends, who play internet games. With that being said, i have no doubt in my mind, on more than one occasion, you've heard them yell at the TV screen, with a headset on or talking into a microphone "IM GOING TO RAPE YOU" or "YOU JUST GOT RAPED". Do you honestly think he\she is going to fly across the country to physically harm someone they don't know? Of course you don't. I'm sure some of you will argue that this is a completely off base and illogical reference to real life, but i and many others would beg to differ. For example, do you truly believe my local, female roller Derby team would accept me as a coach on the track, invite me to be a representative of their team in the community as well as a friend outside of any related Derby activity if they believed i was capable of something as vicious as what my name suggests? I highly doubt it. Finally, i will leave you with this - I can only apologize to those who do find my name offensive and vulgar but perhaps you could look at it from this perspective, if i was a very good friend/acquaintance of you personally, and you knew the person i am at heart and how much i care for my friends in the roller Derby community, would you still see my name as offensive... or funny because you know it isn't true, much like the people that know me.

Submitted by RazorDeRockefeller on September 15, 2011 - 1:38am

I wish people actually took the time to read your explanation, before just reading the article, skimming through the comments, and posting about how your name is making light of rape...*face palm*

Submitted by TARAism on September 15, 2011 - 7:43am

"It was more so meant to be a psychological joke aimed towards the men i share the track with."

1. rape is not a joke.
2. although victims of sexual assault are primarily womyn or children, it DOES happen to men. how would you feel if your name was a trigger for someone and your "psychological joke" turned someone into a psychological train wreck?
3. i understand the phrases used in videogames, but i don't agree with those at all in the first place. i don't know where they originated, but i wish they would stop. those phrases are encouraging an rape culture. as ginger wrote about, there are more and more derby brats coming into this lifestyle. it's would be hard to explain to them (or even my own little cousins) that disgusting crimes like rape existed in the past, when they being represented in our present.

tl;dr rape jokes makes it difficult to change society mindset about rape. jokes are something you laugh at. should we really be laughing at rape?

Submitted by vicorp on September 15, 2011 - 10:30am

As far as your point #2, doesn't TARAism do just the same thing as it could have an adverse affect on someone who lost a loved one on or since 9/11?

Submitted by John_Maddening on September 15, 2011 - 10:56am

...but terrorism has existed in many countries and many cultures long before 2001.

Submitted by vicorp on September 15, 2011 - 12:57pm

But since everyone else always pulls out the 9/11 card for something I figured I might as well use it too this once.

Submitted by TARAism on September 15, 2011 - 5:46pm

my name is tara and it was created by a friend to describe my mannerisms that uniquely belong to me, like making faces and saying "ahhhh" whenever faced with an awkward silence. the sound relation was only an after thought. i have thought about the difference, but i guess it's a matter of the action being directed towards someone. if his name was "Ray Pup" or "Ray Up" i wouldn't feel the same way. that's just my thoughts on it though.

D: ahhhhhh

Submitted by fingaz feltersnatch on September 15, 2011 - 1:43pm

and rape hasnt?

Submitted by RazorDeRockefeller on September 15, 2011 - 1:31pm

Rape is not the only thing that can be a trigger word. There are so many horrific crimes out there, domestic abuse, murder, assault, etc, but people seem willing to let those names slide, even though the crimes can be just as horrific. I have seen SEVERAL derby names based off serious crimes and horrible acts, and when one variation is taken, another is quickly looked for. How do you know if someone in the audience hadn't known someone who was murdered, or seen someone get murdered, been a victim of domestic abuse, or countless other crimes. I won't go into the reasoning as to WHY I have experience in this department, but let's just leave at I know from some personal experiences. But I also know stepping out into the great, big world, I am not going to like or agree with everything I see or hear, and there are going to be things that make me uncomfortable. And when they do I take myself out of the situation. The world will not censor itself to my liking. You and many others think his name is in bad taste, many others don't. The point of all of this isn't if these names are too far, cause for every single name that could possibly be taken wrong, there will be someone who will be offended no matter how obvious or subtle the name is. However, it is not yours, nor anyone elses place too tell him what his derby name can or can't be. And THAT is the point of all this. And again I say, if this was a personal blog, I would defend Ginger's every right to say what she feels however she wants to say it, but this is a site geared toward everyone in the derby community, where every derby skater can go to find helpful articles, vulgar names and all, and people shouldn't be meant to feel ostracized here, but rather to feel a part of this so called "derby community" and THAT is my issue with all of this. Unless I am wrong and anyone can write an article about anything and post it up no matter how offensive or one sided it may be. His name makes you uncomfortable, obviously, and that's ok. People shouldn't be telling you to get over it cause it's just how you feel, but at the same time, he is not a monster, he is a human being, and his right to have a name based off a rape pun, whether you agree or not. That is between him and his league and if they are ok with it, then if your team and his team have to skate against each other you can ask him to use a different one for the time being or you don't have to skate. HIS league will figure out what to do in a bout scenario when he needs to be announced. It's their concern not yours, they will deal with the grandmas and the 9 year olds. The only thing you can do, is skate hard, focus on your goals and the goals of your team, and grow to the best of you ability. He chose his name, he knows what that entails, and he will deal with it accordingly.

Submitted by John_Maddening on September 15, 2011 - 9:34am

I play Halo, Call of Duty, etc. on Xbox Live all the time (that's what we do other than derby in the winter in Minnesota), and while you are correct, people do use that terminology (and worse), it's generally dateless 12 year olds in their parents' basement.

I prefer playing with adults.

Submitted by spookyam180 on September 14, 2011 - 10:23pm

Being that there's already been response from a couple people mentioned in this article, it's kinda clear that the grocery list of real-life athletes who share "the sport we all love" weren't asked if they'd

1. like to share any insight into their specific names (which has already been shown to make a difference in certain, though not all, cases) or

2. be cool being publicly shit on in a write up.

I've got tons of respect for you dude, but if you're looking to draw debate on the future of the sport, this was a poor approach, and that's putting it 'PC'. Granted, I come from a league that couldn't give a shit less about the WFTDA business model or ESPN, and a team that also doesn't market to kids. All I'm saying is that this isn't an issue that will be a deciding factor in derby's growth. When far larger issues are resolved to take the sport in what I'm assuming is seen as a "legitimate" direction, naughty words will obviously be out. It won't even be an argument.

Submitted by Mercy Less on September 14, 2011 - 11:10pm

Lively discussion and debate are encouraged here, but incendiary comments that read as personal attacks won't be tolerated. The authors of the last 2 comments I removed are very welcome here, but let's try to be civil.

And for the record, Ginger Snap has been the President of Gotham Girls Roller Derby for years, has been with the league since it was founded, and has not only played more than one season on the Gotham Girls All-Stars, she was on the team that won the WFTDA Championship in 2008. She was also integral in WFTDA leadership, and has been a WFTDA rep since WFTDA began. So, yes, she might have a different perspective than some of you who haven't been skating since 2004 on when derby was "fun." She currently skates and coaches all over the globe, as well as in Gotham.

One day we'll have all our authors' bios up on the site, I swear...

Submitted by Ginger Snap on September 14, 2011 - 11:19pm

I'd love if you could put the posts back up here.

I want to know how people really feel about this. If we are going to make this sport what we want, we need to have open discussion. I don't mind being called out and flamed. I am in derby and a little name calling isn't going to bother me. I feel strongly about this subject and know others do too. I'd like to know what they have to say even if they might deliver that info in what might be considered a somewhat less than productive way.

Submitted by fingaz feltersnatch on September 14, 2011 - 11:19pm

ok, so in my opinion..... this whole article is a personal attack against many skaters! you want to defend ginger snap, but we cant defend ourselves? just because you dont appreciate the humor behind people's names shouldn't give you the right to talk crap about them on a personal level. you called people out by their names in this article and that isn't a "personal attack"? how is that tolerated? ginger snap should be a little more professional since she has so much "experience". you, ginger snap are definitely the one acting like a fourth grader..... or a douchebag! whatever sits better with you.....

Submitted by Mercy Less on September 14, 2011 - 11:26pm

At Snap's request, we're suspending our normal rules of engagement. Have at it. Previous comments are unrecoverable. Rewrite if you like.

Submitted by Poobah on September 14, 2011 - 11:31pm

It's plain and simple a discussion of how offensive (and often stupid) the names they decided to choose for themselves are. *looks up* Oh, I see...

There's derby names that IMO are bad for the sport, and if not that, bad for their own league's image. My league enacted standards that names could be suggestive but not outright offensive. There's one name in the league that have made this list, she had it before we put the policy into place.

It's my considered opinion that derby names are likely to go away at some point. Or be consigned to being nicknames that (sometimes) get mentioned along with the skater's real name.

Submitted by spookyam180 on September 14, 2011 - 11:16pm

Not sure what her derby-tenure has to do with editorial accountability, but if people are going to have their comments deleted for incendiary comments, this article should have been given a second look before people's names were discussed in a derogatory manner without their consent. Awaiting deletion.

Submitted by Mercy Less on September 14, 2011 - 11:20pm

...was in response to accusations by one commenter that Snap was not a skater.

Submitted by fingaz feltersnatch on September 14, 2011 - 11:22pm

ginger- you think your post was done in a productive way? you should be ashamed of all the shit talk you have done.
@ spookyam180- well said!!

Submitted by RazorDeRockefeller on September 14, 2011 - 11:24pm

Maybe my opinion doesn't matter as I am not one of those people who this article and who this issue actually affects, but I think this is..well...silly. I don't think it's ok that even though these people's derby names are available at twoevils, that gives us the right to sit here and defame them, having no real idea of who they are and what they have accomplished as athletes and for this sport, especially on a place that is supposed to encompass all of derby life. But what do I know, I captain an independent, co-ed renegade team, most of the time I'm sitting around arguing with people who are supposed to be my derby "brethren" not to form opinions about what I do, until they actual understand exactly what it's all about, but, I digress...

Like I said, this issue doesn't effect me. I never want to skate in the Olympics, I don't care about being on ESPN. That doesn't mean I don't take my sport seriously, but derby isn't derby to me without it's edge and that is just how I feel and no one will change my mind in that regard. I would hate to skate around in identical uniforms, have to obey a strict dress code, and skate out there looking like I am a female runner or volleyball player. I want to come out to cool music, and spit blood at the crowd and wear my 10 inch spiked leopard shoulder pads during our intros. But that's just me and my band of merry derby misfits. I can understand the appeal of the Olympics and I hope to see it happen one day for those of you who are aspiring to that. I will never put down anyone who wants more uniformity among the WFTDA (nor would I ever put down any of the other forms of derby) or who wants to make derby less "theatrical", because you can have the derby you love and I can have the derby I love and I will be forever happy being the bat-shit crazy alternative to mainstream derby.

Our team is specifically not geared towards children, for the specific reason of we want to do whatever we want and not have to worry about being family friendly, and that has worked out pretty darn well for us. However, we have had to play at public events, kids summer camps, and other places where certain names and usual antics would be deemed unacceptable. If there is a skater's name is question...they put on a back patch with a more appropriate name and our announce mentions him or her with the revised name. I guess I am not seeing the big deal in all of this.

I agree as well that if derby got to the Oylmpic point, people would have to use their real names anyway, but since WFTDA are the ones kinda spearheading the push to be more accepted among the mainstream sports circle, then I would imagine if they see this being an issue, there will be a policy put into place in regards to the standards leagues who are members of the WFTDA should uphold when approving skaters names for roster. I'm actually surprised that there isn't something that is like the WFTDA equivalent of TwoEvils so that they can keep record of skaters who are on WFTDA member leagues. Maybe in the future, but as of right now if this is something that is a detriment in the eyes of certain leagues to the growth of this sport, then those leagues can have policies in place and take the steps necessary to moderate their skaters names. Obviously, this isn't a big issue to some, and if it's not, and their governing body doesn't have something in place to say otherwise, there really isn't anything that anyone is going to do about it now is there?

Honestly, if you wanted to spark a debate, you did it, however if your point was to get a conversation going about the issues you and like minded people felt was keeping derby from growing, I feel as though you have failed. You catch more bees with honey, and calling people out and making them feel like they are not valued members of the derby society, I think, is the biggest mistake of all. Regardless of what kind of derby you play, of how big of a name someone is, of what derby means for them and how they want to see derby grow, regardless of all these things, derby is supposed to be a community, that even with all our differences at the end of the day we are supposed to be a community that supports each other and works together. It is things like this that have made me feel personally, on more then one occasion, that people care more about the "legitimacy" of this sport, then the people who actually work hard at this sport to make it, and themselves grow. You know what makes derby legit to me? Not if a ref has a vulgar or clean name. Not if a skater wants to wear booty shorts, face paint, and a belly shirt. What makes something legit is the amount of time, dedication, and energy put into it by the people who love it. Now I just got to see people who obviously love this sport, get made to feel like jerks. They don't deserve this. I think derby's biggest issue is learning the meaning of the word "community." Once we stop taking shots and stabs at each other, and pointing the finger at our fellow derby skaters as THEM being the reasons for derby not "advancing", we can truly begin to grow.

People aren't going to always share your opinions, people aren't always going to share your ideals, if you are a leader in the derby community and someone people look up to, it is very much on you to be the change you want to see in this sport, and you can lead by example and write articles explaining where you think WFTDA leagues need aspire to, but I promise you will get people to actually open up and be receptive by doing it respectfully. And I would also start with many of the issues Crashanova brought up, because those are way more detrimental then one skater on one team who wants to be called Scroty McBoogerBalls.

Submitted by spookyam180 on September 14, 2011 - 11:34pm

All good points. All 20 of them. And you're kinda cute, too. Just sayin'.

Submitted by RazorDeRockefeller on September 14, 2011 - 11:38pm

I'm glad someone read my ranting :-P

Submitted by fingaz feltersnatch on September 15, 2011 - 1:26am

ahhh, i was wondering why you said she was cute.... 2+2!! you are cute though...lol

Submitted by fingaz feltersnatch on September 14, 2011 - 11:31pm

& i agree with ginger snap on one thing..... my post should be put back up!!

Submitted by Mercy Less on September 14, 2011 - 11:36pm

can't be recovered. You are welcome to re-write.

Submitted by devi0139 on September 14, 2011 - 11:48pm

My comment gets deleted because I defend the skaters I love and respect? That is absurd. Was it a personal attack on her any more then she was personally attacking the many skaters she named on her post. As a representative of WFTDA myself and many other skaters are disappointed in you and the way you handled this situation. It's people like you who ruin derby for everyone. And I have been playing derby since it was fun, as I said before, but wait apparently some people cant hold their own on the forum so you cant see my above post, the day derby isn't fun is the day I hang up my skates personally and I have 8 years of skating under my belt. So again, who the fuck are you to say this? you should ashamed because this is one of the worst immature moves I have ever seen. so congrats on making the list on something

Submitted by fingaz feltersnatch on September 14, 2011 - 11:49pm

it's awful funny how i recieve an email saying that you want a debate and not a riot..... didn't think much about that before you published this ridiculous article written by a very stuck up snob with no sense of humor. maybe if you didnt personally attack skaters this could have gone a very different way. just because your team has made ESPN or whatever the hell it did, doesnt mean you have any more love for roller derby than myself or anybody else with a name you don't approve of. my friends and my family all support me and my love for derby (name and all) so forgive me if i give two shits about what you think.

Submitted by fingaz feltersnatch on September 14, 2011 - 11:51pm

devi0139, i couldn't agree with you more!!

Submitted by devi0139 on September 15, 2011 - 12:11am

Fingaz its unfortunate that I try to find you on facebook so I google your name and the second on the list is this ridiculous piece of shit article. wow thanks for publicly shitting on all the skaters you named ginger

Submitted by Tara Armov on September 15, 2011 - 12:36am

...but don't you think in the back of your mind that almost all of Fingaz's replies here on this thread is kinda showing that they're shitting on themselves quite a bit, too?

Submitted by fingaz feltersnatch on September 15, 2011 - 12:51am

i wouldnt mind taking a shit on you right about now..... how the hell do you figure we are shitting on ourselves?? because some immature b gets a bone up her ass and wants to dog & offend others. sorry my post was deleted and you didnt get to see it, but i can defend myself and whomever else was trashed in that article because i was personally attacked and offended!

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